Eastern Bearded Dragon
Eastern Bearded Dragon The scientific name is the Pogona barbata. It is found only in Australia. It is considered part of the lizard family. It lives mostly in woodlands and coastal areas and its color is mostly brown and gray. Its purpose is to scare away enemies. It eats small animals and vegetables. It is mostly active during the day and sunlight is best for it.
Physical Characteristics of Eastern Bearded Dragon:
Physical characters include some specific things that define the physical structure of the body of any organism, such as how long the lizard is, the range of its skin, which is brown, gray, or blue, the texture of the skin, whether it is smooth or rough, the length and shape of the body, the size, and position of the eyes. All these characteristics help in the identification of any lizard or animal and its adaptation.
Size and Weight of Eastern Bearded Dragon:
Eastern bearded dragons range in length from 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm). Some individuals can grow to 26 inches (66 cm), but this is a rare occurrence. Their vision ranges from 0.5 to 1.5 pounds (0.2 to 0.7 kilograms). This vision also depends on their age, diet, and oral health. These lizards are quite popular as pets due to their size and strength.
Color and Patterns
Their coloration is usually in shades of brown, gray, and yellow. These colors help them blend in with their natural habitat. Some individuals may also have orange or red highlights on their bodies. They have small spots or stripes on their skin, which match their body color. These patterns help them camouflage, helping them avoid their enemies.
Eyes and Ears
Their eyes are round and bulging. Their outer ear structure has a small opening. They can see outside objects during the day. They have another eye in their eyes. Their ears are also special. Their outer ear structure has a small opening that helps them a lot in hearing. These ears are not very visible but they help them a lot. They can hear sounds near them.
Skin and Tail
Their skin is rough and made up of small scales. These scales help protect them from predators and small animals. When they shed, their skin turns dark or black. Their tail is long and helps them balance. They also use this tail to defend themselves when they feel threatened.\
Habitat and Range of Eastern Bearded Dragon:
This lizard is found in woodland, grassland, and rocky areas of Australia. Its habitat is mostly open and sunny. It hides under rocks, bushes, and trees to escape enemies. It needs an open space to bask in the sun and warm itself. All of these things create a natural habitat for the Eastern Bearded Dragon, where it can be happy and live its life.
The behavior of Eastern Bearded Dragon:
They are more active during the day and like to roam around. They warm themselves in the sun, which is healthy for them. If they are well cared for, they are friendly with people and good at running. It defends its territory, meaning if another lizard comes into its territory, it can chase it away. When it is stressed, its color can change and it can grow its tail.
Breeding of Eastern Bearded Dragon:
This lizard’s matting season is early summer. At this time, the male turns his beard black (black) and performs head bobbing and waving movements to attract females. After mating, the family lays eggs within 2-3 weeks. A soft and slightly deep place is needed for laying eggs, where the family can press the eggs.
The housing of Eastern Bearded Dragon:
Enclosure and Terrarium:
A unique enclosure should be created for bearded dragons that resemble their natural environment. A 40-60 gallon glass or wood tank is a good choice, with basking and shady areas. Include UVB lighting, basking lamps, rocks, and tree branches for your dragon to climb on and relax in. Also, provide a soft substrate and a small water bowl, which will provide them with a comfortable and natural environment.
They need a good terrarium that should be at least 150 liters. Temperature is very important for them to live in. They should also have a basking support where they can get some sun. This support should be lit with a lamp to give them heat. They should also be given some places to hide. There should be a good substrate under the cage. All these things are necessary for their dry life and good health.
Substrate
Their enclosure should have a good amount of substrate, coconut fiber, reptile carpet, or sand, all of which are good for their skin and health. The substrate should be very soft and fine so that the laser can move from one place to another comfortably and without any difficulty in hiding. The substax should be such that it can be cleaned comfortably so that the enclosure can always remain clean and protected from germs.
Temperature and Heating:
Their cage should have a basking support that can help keep their temperature optimal. The heat here is essential for their digestion and energy. A basking light and heat lamp is used so that the heat here is always there. Their temperature should be lower at night, which matches their environment. Heat lamps can help maintain heat in the enclosure, which is essential for their health and comfort.
Lighting
Apart from these, UVB light is very important, which helps a lot in making vitamin D3. This vitamin is very important for their bones and calcium absorption. The enclosure should have a basking light that keeps the basking support warm and bright. This gives them a sunlight-like environment and keeps them active and healthy.
Humidity
Humidity levels for them should be 30-40%, which is similar to the temperate climate of Australia, where these narwhals live. If humidity is high, improving ventilation or installing a fan in the enclosure may help. If effective, light misting (spraying water) can be used.
Diet and Food of Eastern Bearded Dragon:
They can be given crickets, mealworms, and roaches which provide protein. Vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, and carrots provide essential vitamins and minerals. Give a little apple or berries occasionally, but in small quantities because the fruits are sweet. This simple diet is great for their energy and health.
Lifespan of Eastern Bearded Dragon:
They usually live for 10-12 years if they are well cared for. If they are given good food, the right temperature, and proper lighting, they can live even longer. In the wild, they usually live for 5-8 years, but in captivity (home breeding) they can live for 10-12 years with good care. Their lifespan can be extended with good care and a healthy environment.
Price and Cost of Eastern Bearded Dragon:
A common bearded dragon can cost between Rs 10,000 and Rs 25,000, but rare colors or specific morphs are more expensive. Initially, their enclosure, UVB basking lights, and accessories such as rocks and tree branches can cost between Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 50,000. The monthly cost of food, electricity, and occasional vet visits ranges from about 5,000 to 10,000 rupees.
Handling Care Tips of Eastern Bearded Dragon::
Handling them daily will help them become more comfortable with you. If they become nervous, their color may change or they may stop moving, in which case they should be left alone. Before handling them, you should check that their body temperature is correct.
Conclusion
This is a friendly pet and also a unique one that will take proper care of them and give them the best environment so they can stay healthy and happy. It is important to handle them with gentle hands, and daily interaction, and give them everything they need. It is also very important to take care of their diet, lighting, temperature regulation, and more. If you keep them properly, they are also ready to befriend and entertain you, which can give you a happy and loyal companion.
