Types of Enrichment for Bearded Dragons: Keeping Your Dragon Engaged and Happy

Bearded dragons make fantastic pets; their docile nature and curious personalities make them a joy to observe and interact with. Yet, just like any other pet, they require mental and physical stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Proper enrichment is essential to mimic the physical and mental challenges they would naturally experience in the wild. In this blog post, we’ll explore various types of enrichment for bearded dragons based on personal experience and widely accepted practices.

Environmental Enrichment: Creating a Stimulating Habitat

Naturalistic Setup

A naturalistic setup enhances the bearded dragon’s environment, making it more engaging and stimulating.

• Substrate Choice: Use varied substrates such as a combination of reptile carpet, sand, and rocks. These can offer different textures and tactile sensations.
• Hideouts and Caves: Provide multiple hides and caves to mimic the natural environment, allowing your dragon to exhibit natural behaviours like burrowing and hiding.
• Live Plants: Introduce non-toxic, hardy plants like aloe vera or spider plants. Besides looking great, they can serve as both a food source and a climbing structure.

Varied Climbing Elements

Climbing is an essential activity for bearded dragons, promoting both physical exercise and mental stimulation.

• Branches and Logs: Introduce sturdy branches and logs at various heights. Make sure they are securely anchored to avoid any accidents.
• Ledges and Rocks: Flat, stable rocks and ledges encourage basking and climbing activities, essential for your dragon’s wellbeing.

Sensory Enrichment: Stimulating the Senses

Visual Stimulation

Providing visual stimulation can keep your bearded dragon engaged and active.

• Viewing Windows: Ensure your dragon has access to a secure window view. Outdoor scenery can be captivating for them.
• TV and Videos for Reptiles: Believe it or not, some bearded dragons enjoy watching videos specifically designed for reptiles, featuring movement of insects and other enticing visuals.

Auditory Stimulation

While bearded dragons do not have the most keen sense of hearing, varying their auditory environment can still offer enrichment.

• Ambient Sounds: Including natural sounds like flowing water or gentle birdsong can provide a soothing background noise.
• Interactive Toys: Toys with bells or other gentle sounds can intrigue your dragon and encourage exploration.

Dietary Enrichment: Variety Is Key

Insect Variety

Offering a range of insects not only enriches the diet but also encourages natural hunting instincts.

• Dubia Roaches: A fantastic staple, they are nutritious and relatively easy to keep.
• Hornworms and Silkworms: These can be given as occasional treats and add variety to the diet.
• Locusts and Crickets: Both provide good exercise as they jump and dart around the enclosure.

Green Variety

Incorporating a broad spectrum of greens and fruits can make feeding time more interesting.

• Leafy Greens: Offer a mix of collard greens, mustard greens, and dandelion greens.
• Fruits: Small amounts of fruits like blueberries or mango can be a delightful treat, though they should not form a significant part of the diet.

Cognitive Enrichment: Encouraging Problem-Solving

Puzzle Feeders

Engage your bearded dragon’s brain by using puzzle feeders.

• Interactive Feeding Toys: These can encourage your dragon to forage and solve problems to access their food, providing both mental and physical stimulation.
• –DIY Options: Simple puzzles made from egg cartons or PVC pipes can be filled with food, requiring your dragon to figure out how to extract their meal.

Training Sessions

Bearded dragons can be trained to perform simple tasks, which is both a fun and enriching experience.

• Target Training: Using a stick or a laser pointer, you can teach your dragon to follow and eventually touch the target for a reward.
• Obstacle Course: Set up a small obstacle course within and outside their enclosure to encourage movement and problem-solving.

Conclusion: Happy Dragon, Happy Home

Incorporating these various types of enrichment will keep your bearded dragon mentally stimulated and physically active, contributing to a healthier, happier pet. Remember, the key lies in variety and consistency, so regularly switch up their environment and activities to keep things fresh and engaging. Always monitor how your bearded dragon reacts to new types of enrichment, and consult with a vet if you notice any changes in behaviour or health concerns.