Fancy Bearded dragons are immensely popular in the United States due to their stunning appearance and ease of care. Expert breeders have discovered techniques to modify the colors and spines of dragons to create a specific appearance, much as they did with many other reptiles. The fancy bearded dragon gets its name from its transformed look. If you want to learn more about these lovely creatures and wish to buy one, keep reading as we look at cost, habitat, temperature, supplements, and other factors to help you make an informed selection.
Is it Possible to Keep a Fancy Bearded Dragon as a Pet?
The fancy bearded dragons are the placid creature who appreciate being stroked on the chin. It has a long lifespan and minimal health concerns, and it enjoys being handled. It’s a terrific pet for any home, but it’s especially good for kids, who will love its prehistoric appearance and gentle attitude.
Appearance
Skilled breeders have created a one-of-a-kind animal with specific hues and scales in fancy bearded dragons. While most Bearded Dragons are yellow or tan in color, the fancy version is usually red, with scales that are slightly smoother than standard dragon scales.
Habit, Tank Condition and Setup
An aquarium no smaller than 20 gallons is required for your adult fancy bearded dragon, although most experts recommend a 40-gallon tank. It prefers dry, desert environments, thus plenty of pebbles and dry branches will be required to recreate that environment.
To give heat and create a basking area for your pet, you’ll need UVB heat lights for your aquarium. Because captive reptiles can’t get enough UVB from the sun, your lamps must offer it; nonetheless, it’s crucial to check the bulb’s package because it normally stops producing UVB before it burns out.
Warmth (Temperature & Humidity)
Your fancy bearded dragon will need to live in the desert. As a result, you’ll need to raise the temperature to above 80 degrees Fahrenheit and keep it there. The basking area will need to be heated to 110 degrees Fahrenheit.
Because your exotic bearded dragon is a desert creature, it will prefer lower humidity levels, which should be kept between 30 and 40 percent. Humidity levels that are too high might make it difficult for your pet to breathe, while humidity levels that are too low can make it difficult for your pet to shed its skin.
Substrate
Sand and pebbles are the greatest substrate for a fancy bearded dragon because they closely resemble its natural habitat and don’t hold humidity as well as wood or paper-based substrate.
Reproduction
In captivity, bearded dragons are relatively easy to mate.
Selective breeding is a method of mating two Bearded Dragons with the same desirable trait to produce children with the same traits. To boost the intensity, the offspring are bred with other offspring who have the same feature.
Fancy dragons can pass on their distinctive characteristics through captive selective breeding.
Many of these characteristics begin as spontaneous mutations in typical bearded dragons, giving them a unique appearance. Brighter hues and fewer spikes are common variations.
Because of predators or health difficulties, these features rarely survive in natural populations.
A scale-gene mutation, for example, produces a scaleless fancy bearded dragon. The number of scales on a bearded dragon is reduced as a result of this mutation. This makes them more vulnerable to trapped sheds, damage, and predators in the wild. As a result, no scaleless fancy has ever been discovered in the wild.
There are drawbacks to breeding bearded dragons for fancy qualities.
Some species, such as the Silk back, suffer health issues and have a shortened lifespan.
It’s crucial to research a breeder’s reputation before purchasing a fancy bearded dragon. Bright, alert, and active, with strong legs and no retained shed, healthy species are bright, alert, and lively.
Fancy Bearded Dragon vs. Bearded Dragon Regular
Regular Bearded Dragon (left) vs. Fancy Bearded Dragon (right) (right)
Bearded dragons come in eight different species, four of which are maintained as pets. The most common pet species is the central bearded dragon (Pogona vertices). The Pogona vertices subspecies is responsible for all fancy bearded dragons. They have, however, been selectively bred to exhibit uncommon hues and patterns.
Spikes
The appearance of some fancy bearded dragons differs significantly from that of common beardies. The leatherback and silk back morphs are the most well-known.
Leatherback dragons having fewer spines, smaller scales, and a smoother texture on their beards, sides, and backs. Silk back morphs have a smooth wrinkled texture with no spines or scales.
Color
Fancy bearded dragons are raised to be vibrant and colorful. Tan, brown, and white dragons have sandy tones and a light-yellow overtone. The majority of fancy beardies are red or orange in color, with white, black, or even purple markings.
Pattern
The pattern is another distinction between common and fancy bearded dragons. A pale stripe runs along the spine of wild-type dragons, with darker, irregular patches on either side. Tiger stripes, zigzags, and camouflage print are all popular patterns.
Diet
A fancy bearded dragon’s diet is similar to that of a wild kind. Both lizards are omnivores, meaning they consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, and insects. Bearded dragons change their diet from largely insects to mostly vegetables as they get older.
Behavior
In terms of behavior, fancy bearded dragons are no different than other species. They have a natural friendliness and are simple to tame. Both varieties are known to bob their heads, gape, wave, hiss, and stomp their feet.
Care
Fancy bearded dragons differ from wild-type Beardies in appearance, but they all require similar care. Most people have the same requirements for temperature, humidity, and lighting. Silk back and leatherback morphs, on the other hand, are more sensitive to light and sharp items and require careful attention.
Price
Normal bearded dragons are less valued than fancy bearded dragons.
The fascinating, one-of-a-kind colors and patterns of fancy species are appealing.
The price of a fancy bearded dragon ranges from $150 to $300. Some extremely uncommon morphs, such as the ‘zero,’ fetch upwards of $900. This is substantially more than the $30 to $50 wild-type bearded dragons.
The greater price reflects the fact that many keepers are willing to spend more for the novelty of owning a ‘fancy’ beardie.
A Fancy Bearded Dragon’s Identification
Many pet stores advertise their uncommon and exotic pets as “fancy” in the hopes of attracting more attention and interest from potential purchasers.
It’s not true that your bearded dragon is fancy just because it’s labeled as such. Also true is the inverse. When a beardie is fancy, it is sometimes wrongly described as common.
The phrase “fancy” isn’t a recognized term.
So, how do you know if a bearded dragon is ordinary or extraordinary?
Looking at their color or pattern is the simplest approach to recognize a fancy. These are the criteria that will determine whether or not you will be successful.
Bright red, orange, and yellow stripes run along the backs of fancy bearded dragons. In fancy species, blacks, browns, and whites are also common. Stripes, spots, zigzags, and even figure-eight designs can be made with any of these colors. It is determined by the morph’s genetic background.
Bearded dragons in the wild usually lack vibrant patterns and colors, instead opting for more natural, sandy colors.
The easiest fancy dragons to recognize are the skill back and leatherback dragons. They have few to no scales and spines when they are born, giving them a wrinkled appearance and velvety skin texture.
The brilliant colors of yellow, green, red, and ruby red bearded dragons make them easy to recognize.
Why Is My Fancy Bearded Dragon Changing Color?
There are several reasons why your Fancy Bearded Dragon might be changing color. Understanding these factors can help you determine why this change is occurring:
1. Age: As they grow older, most Fancy Bearded Dragons tend to become darker in color. While they may still be more colorful than adult normal bearded dragons, the gradual darkening is a natural part of their development.
2. Genetics: Different breeders produce bearded dragons with varying color traits. Some breeders focus on producing animals that maintain their brightness as adults. By examining photos of a bearded dragon’s parents, you can get an idea of whether the animal has strong genes for vivid coloration.
3. Shedding: Like other reptiles, bearded dragons go through a shedding process. During this time, they often appear darker and less vibrant. However, after shedding their old skin, they may exhibit even brighter colors than before.
4. Mood: Interestingly, the coloration of bearded dragons can be influenced by their emotions. When they are angry or stressed, they tend to darken in color and may even turn black. This is a natural response to their emotional state.
5. Health: The overall health of your bearded dragon can impact its coloration. If it is unwell or experiencing any health issues, it may appear duller and darker in color. In some cases, a sick bearded dragon can even turn black.
Remember, if your Fancy Bearded Dragon’s color change is accompanied by other concerning behaviors or symptoms, it is always recommended to consult a reptile veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and guidance.
What kind of fancy bearded dragon should I get?
When considering what kind of fancy bearded dragon to get, there are several morphs that are highly regarded:
- Zero Bearded Dragon: The Zero morph is characterized by a lack of pattern and color, resulting in a strikingly clean and smooth appearance. This morph is sought after for its unique and minimalistic beauty.
- Translucent Bearded Dragon: Translucent dragons have a unique trait that allows light to pass through their scales, causing them to appear almost transparent. Their vibrant colors become even more pronounced, creating an ethereal, captivating effect.
- Witblits Bearded Dragon: Witblits dragons exhibit a visually stunning white or yellowish-white scaling pattern. This morph is highly desired among bearded dragon enthusiasts, as its bright and bold appearance sets it apart.
- Dunner Bearded Dragon: The Dunner morph is characterized by its distinctive stripe-like patterns running down its back and tail. These patterns create a mesmerizing effect as the dragon moves, making it a fascinating choice for those who appreciate intricate details.
- Leatherback Bearded Dragon: Leatherback dragons have a unique genetic variation that results in a softer, smoother appearance of their scales. This morph often showcases vibrant colors and patterns with reduced scalation, adding charm and elegance to their overall appearance.
Ultimately, the choice of which fancy bearded dragon to get depends on personal preference. Each morph offers its own allure and beauty, so take the time to research and observe different varieties to find the one that resonates with you the most.
Where can I buy a fancy bearded dragon?
When it comes to purchasing a fancy bearded dragon, there are several options available. Factors that can influence the cost of a bearded dragon include their age, sex, source, shipping, breeding status, and overall health.
Most dealers offer healthy baby bearded dragons with normal traits at prices ranging from $50 to $125.
If you’re looking for a bearded dragon with common fancy traits, such as an orange coloration, you might find one for around $80. However, for those seeking bearded dragons with unique combinations of rare morphs like genetic stripe and translucent, the cost can easily surpass $800.
To find a fancy bearded dragon, you can explore different dealers who specialize in reptiles, both offline and online.
It’s important to consider reputable breeders and sellers who prioritize the well-being of the reptiles and can provide proper care instructions.
Fancy Bearded Dragons are a type of dragon
It’s likely that your bearded dragon is fancy if it has especially brilliant reds, flaming oranges, or notable browns and blacks. If you’ve read our advice and believe you’ve bought a standard bearded dragon, the list below may be of assistance. There are four techniques to tell if a plant is common or wild: