BELOVED BEARDIES MICKEY AND MINNIE
In the Philippines, Bearded Dragons are among the top exotic animals to be considered animal companions. Some reptiles such as the gecko, snake, crocodile, and even the homely turtle have gained a reputation as home companions. Even so, Bearded Dragons are unique in their own way.
Luckily, we met someone living with two Bearded Dragons named Mickey and Minnie. And yes, they are as adorable as their given names!
1 PERSONALITY
Though scary-looking to some, Bearded Dragons are actually calm and gentle creatures. They are friendly and can stay near children. Some guardians would even attest to dressing up their Bearded Dragons without a fuss.
However, Bearded Dragons can be territorial and will try to fend off potential enemies from occupying their space. If threatened, they flatten their bodies, open their mouths, and unleash the beard to appear bigger. They also resort to scratching and biting if not handled properly, just like any animal companion.
According to our source, Mickey and Minnie are unique because of their loyalty to each other. “I tried to match them with other Bearded Dragons [under my care], but they refused to. I guess they just prefer each other.” While it is known that Bearded Dragons are not choosy with their partners, it is nice to think that Mickey and Minnie actually like each other the same way lobsters and penguins mate for life.
While that is a sweet occurrence, Bearded Dragons are not so famous for their maternal instincts. Guardians are advised to separate the eggs from the mother before they hatch because the mother will not recognize her own offspring and may very well eat them, especially in a domestic environment. Just like other animals such as cats, Bearded Dragons have the tendency to eat their young.
Minnie and Mickey’s human parent has been taking care of them for five years since he took them home in 2011.
And while they had been under his care for quite some time, he found it difficult to communicate with them. “The tricky part is I don’t know what they’re thinking most of the time,” he said.
“They are pretty much low maintenance, so I make it my duty to observe them daily and see if something’s off [with] their normal routine, like appetite and mood.”
2 PHYSICAL APPEARANCE
The Bearded Dragons got their name from the spiky skin found on their chin that goes down to their necks, giving the appearance of a beard. They are then nicknamed “Beardies”.
These spikes are also found on their head, back, and tail. Of course, this beard does not only look fancy but has an actual function: when the lizard expands its beard, it makes them look larger, scaring off potential predators. These beards also change color to regulate temperature, and also to communicate a certain mood.
Bearded Dragons are really just giant lizards with a kind face. Males typically grow up to 22 inches and are larger than females. Most Bearded Dragons’ colors range from yellow to tan and their tails are usually as long as their bodies.
Some Bearded Dragons can also produce a translucent morph, which is a rare occurrence. Mickey and Minnie are a perfect example of this. Translucent Bearded Dragons have jet-black eyes and white-looking, almost-seethrough skin.
Like any other creature, Bearded Dragons may have health problems. Luckily for Mickey and Minnie, they have yet to experience severe illness.
Let’s take a look at what they usually eat, where they sleep, and other elements that help maintain their well-being.
Allow them to bask in the sun. Thirty minutes out in the sun in the recommended time allows them to get their much-needed Vitamin D. Not everything can be sourced from supplemental vitamins, which is why it is important for Bearded Dragons to be allowed to walk outside their homes, even just for a few minutes. This will also give the guardian ample time to tidy up the Dragons’ lair.
Allow for socialization. Bearded Dragons are said to be deeply social creatures, which is why it is important for them to interact with other Bearded Dragons and maybe other animal companions in your home. They can also be quite playful.
Meanwhile, avoid keeping two male Dragons in one terrarium as they can be very territorial and will surely fight for space.
Crickets, worms, and even cockroaches can hurt your Dragon if they are not cleaned up after feeding time. These feeders can also feed on your Dragon if they are left in the cage, which will not only irritate the skin of your Dragon but also cause infection, such as yellow fungus.
The trick, says our source, is to leave extra vegetables in the enclosure, which the feeders will munch on while the Dragon is sleeping. An even smarter approach is to have a separate area for the meat feed so that no feeders can proliferate in your Dragon’s tank.