Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptile pets. These Australian lizards are fascinating creatures, and owning one is very fulfilling. But what happens if you go on vacation? Can you leave these pets alone by themselves for, say, a few days?
There are many myths about leaving bearded dragons alone. They are indeed solitary animals, but that doesn’t mean we leave them without care. In this guide, we’ll look at leaving these lizards alone and ensuring their safety.
Avoid Leaving Your Lizard for Long Periods
One of the most common myths about bearded dragons is that it’s safe to leave them alone for up to one week. This is not true for several reasons.
For starters, adult and growing beardies need fresh food every day. They eat greens like watercress and arugula as well as invertebrates like grasshoppers. Owners should feed their beardies once per day. Even if you provide enough food for a few days, it won’t be as appealing. Bearded dragons usually absorb enough water through their diet but it’s important to provide a fresh source.
The simple truth is that if you’re not there, you can’t take ample care of your pet. Most experts caution against leaving your beardie alone for more than three days. Still, your dragon’s vivarium is a very sensitive habitat. That’s why it’s best to hire a pet sitter or to get a friend to check your lizard if you can’t be there.
Bearded dragons are relatively low maintenance in many ways. But they are delicate animals and require proper care.
Bearded Dragons Can Go Long Periods Without Eating
A bearded dragon may survive for between three weeks and two months without food. However, there’s a massive difference between how long they can and how long should go without food. A bearded dragon’s dietary requirements vary depending on their age. Young beardies need protein every day to promote growth and maintain their health. Sixty-five percent of their diet should be live food, such as crickets or calci worms. Owners can’t provide them if they’re not present.
These lizards love their greens. However, spinach and kale aren’t the best options because they affect their hormones and calcium absorption. Inexperienced reptile minders may not realize this. Bearded dragons also need fresh water every day.
New bearded dragon owners and carers should also be aware of health issues. For example, a female may lay eggs, or the lizard may have abnormal droppings. You can’t be aware of these medical conditions if you’re away from home for long periods.
Most people wouldn’t abandon a dog for a week. So don’t do it to your lizard!
A Bearded Dragon’s Vivarium Requires Regular Maintenance
We’ve already said that a beardie’s vivarium is a very delicate ecosystem. All experienced reptile owners will agree that this is the most demanding aspect of caring for cold-blooded creatures. Feeding them is relatively simple, but regulating their living space is trickier.
Owners must create a thermogradient in the vivarium with an ambient temperature of 90ºF (32ºC). The temperature shouldn’t drop below 68 ºF (20ºC) at night. There should also be a warmer area and a cooler area as well as a place for the lizard to bask. Use a thermostat to keep track of the temperatures because they may fluctuate even if you set them precisely.
You must also regularly check the tank’s humidity levels. Bearded dragons require very low humidity and can suffer health issues if they change. This is another key reason why you shouldn’t leave them alone for prolonged periods. If your bearded dragon’s ecosystem “crashes”, this could have detrimental consequences.
If you must leave your pet, consider having a trusted friend stop in and check their enclosure’s temperature and humidity levels. That way, you can learn about any sudden changes and prevent any harm to your lizard.
Can I Bring a Bearded Dragon on Vacation?
We don’t advise bringing a bearded dragon on vacation because they’re delicate animals. It’s better to find a pet sitter because it’s less likely to unsettle your lizard’s health. Also, changing locations can cause your lizard to experience stress.
Sometimes, driving long distances with a bearded dragon is unavoidable, like if you’re moving houses. The most important thing is to ensure your lizard is warm enough throughout the journey. If you can’t maintain an ambient temperature of 90ºF, don’t bring them with you. You risk seriously harming your dragon.
A solution for feeding bearded dragons while you’re away on vacation is using an automatic feeder. They are expensive, so they may not be the best option for everybody. Still, some of them hold large volumes of water and live insects. Bearded dragons can learn how to use them and feed themselves when they’re hungry. This is a great alternative if you’re going away for up to three days. However, after this, you will need someone to check on your beardie’s health and clean the vivarium.
Does My Bearded Dragon Need Company?
Some people desperately want to take their beardies on vacation because they don’t want their lizards to feel lonely. The reality is that this isn’t an issue. Beardies are naturally solitary animals. They prefer being alone and eating by themselves. While these reptiles don’t mind being handled, they don’t crave interactions in the same way that cats and dogs do.
So, you don’t have to worry about taking your bearded dragon on a cruise or long road trip! With some preparation and drop-in visits, they should be fine while you’re away.
