Blue bearded dragon | Blue bearded dragon for sale

Introduction to Blue Blue Bearded Dragons

Blue bearded dragons, also known as “blue bar bearded dragons” or “blue morph bearded dragons,” are a striking and visually appealing variation of the familiar bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps). These reptiles are popular pets among reptile enthusiasts due to their unique and attractive coloration.

Here’s an introduction to Blue-bearded dragons:

Appearance: Blue bearded dragons are characterized by their stunning blue or bluish-gray coloration. This blue coloration can vary in intensity and may have subtle variations and patterns on their scales. They still possess the typical features of bearded dragons, including a spiky beard that they puff up when agitated or threatened.

Origins: The blue coloration in bearded dragons results from selective breeding efforts within the reptile community. Breeders have worked to intensify and stabilize the blue coloration, resulting in these unique morphs.

Habitat: Blue bearded dragons, like their wild counterparts, are native to arid regions of Australia. They require a well-maintained terrarium or vivarium setup that mimics their natural habitat, including a basking area, UVB lighting, and a temperature gradient to regulate their body temperature.

Diet: Their diet mainly consists of insects, vegetables, and fruits. They are omnivorous and require a varied diet to ensure proper nutrition and health.

Behavior: Blue bearded dragons are known for their relatively calm and docile nature, making them suitable pets for beginners and experienced reptile keepers. However, like all bearded dragons, they may become stressed or agitated if not handled correctly, or their environmental needs must be met.

Size: Adult blue bearded dragons typically grow to around 18 to 22 inches (45 to 56 centimeters) from snout to tail. Proper care and nutrition are essential to ensure they reach their full potential.

Lifespan: Bearded dragons, including the blue variety, can live for an average of 8 to 15 years in captivity when provided with proper care.

Breeding: Breeders often work to produce blue bearded dragons by selectively breeding individuals with the desired blue coloration. This involves pairing two dragons with the appropriate genetics to produce offspring more likely to inherit the blue color trait.

Legal Considerations: Before acquiring a blue bearded dragon, it’s essential to research and understand the legal requirements and regulations regarding reptile ownership in your area. Some regions may have restrictions or licensing requirements for keeping exotic reptiles.

Care and Maintenance: Owning a blue bearded dragon requires commitment and responsibility. Providing them with a suitable habitat, proper diet, and regular veterinary care is essential to ensure their well-being.

In summary, blue bearded dragons are a captivating and sought-after morph of the familiar bearded dragon, prized for their striking blue coloration. If you are considering owning one as a pet, thoroughly research their care requirements and consult with experienced reptile keepers or veterinarians to provide them with the best possible care.

 

Physical Appearance of Blue Bearded Dragons

Blue bearded dragons, like other bearded dragon morphs, have certain distinctive physical features, but their primary attraction lies in their unique blue or bluish-gray coloration. 

Here are the key physical characteristics of Blue bearded dragons:

Coloration: The most prominent and distinguishing feature of blue bearded dragons is their blue or bluish-gray coloration. This color can vary in intensity from light to dark blue, and some individuals may have subtle patterns or variations in their blue scales. The power of the blue color may change depending on factors such as temperature and mood.

Scales: Like all bearded dragons, blue dragons have overlapping, keeled scales covering their bodies. These scales are typically smooth and flat, providing a distinctive appearance.

Size: Blue bearded dragons follow the typical size range of bearded dragons. Adults typically reach 18 to 22 inches (45 to 56 centimeters) from snout to tail tip. Their size may vary slightly based on genetics, diet, and overall health.

Body Shape: Blue bearded dragons have a sturdy and flattened body shape, characteristic of all bearded dragon species. Their body is adapted for life in arid regions, with strong limbs and a relatively short tail.

Head: They have a triangular-shaped authority with a prominent bony ridge called the “beard” located under their chin. The beard can puff up and turn black when the dragon is stressed, threatened, or trying to display dominance.

Eyes: Their eyes are typically round and have a relatively large size. Their eyes are often dark, ranging from brown to black, although there can be some individual variation.

Limbs and Claws: Blue bearded dragons have strong, clawed stems, with five toes on each foot. These claws are used for digging, climbing, and grasping prey items.

Tail: Their tail is relatively short and thick compared to their body. It tapers to a point and may have some coloration similar to the body, including shades of blue.

Sexual Dimorphism: In some cases, male and female Blue bearded dragons may have subtle differences in size and behavior. Males tend to be slightly larger and may develop more pronounced femoral pores on the undersides of their thighs as they mature.

Remember that the primary attraction of blue bearded dragons is their striking blue coloration, which can make them stand out in the world of reptile pets. However, like all bearded dragons, their care requirements, behavior, and general anatomy are similar, regardless of their color morph. Proper care, nutrition, and a suitable habitat are essential for keeping them healthy and happy.

 

Habitat and Natural Environment

Blue bearded dragons, like their standard bearded dragon counterparts (Pogona vitticeps), are native to eastern and central Australia’s arid and semi-arid regions. 

To understand their natural habitat and environment, let’s explore the critical elements of the areas they inhabit:

Climate: Blue bearded dragons are adapted to an arid climate characterized by hot temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night. These reptiles are ectothermic, relying on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. They are most active during the warmer daytime hours.

Terrain: Their natural habitat includes a variety of landscapes, ranging from deserts to scrublands, grasslands, and rocky outcrops. They are often found in areas with ample hiding spots, such as rock crevices, caves, and vegetation.

Shelter: Blue bearded dragons are opportunistic when it comes to protection. They seek refuge in caves, under rocks, among bushes, or in the shade of vegetation to escape the scorching sun and regulate their body temperature.

Diet: In the wild, they are omnivorous and feed on a varied diet. Their primary food sources include insects, such as crickets and beetles, and vegetation, including leaves, flowers, and fruits. They are known to be opportunistic hunters and foragers.

Water: Bearded dragons obtain most of their water from their diet and dew on vegetation. They are adapted to conserving water and can survive in areas with limited access to freshwater sources.

Basking: Blue bearded dragons require access to basking sites with direct sunlight. They spend time wallowing to raise their body temperature, aiding digestion and overall metabolism. Basking spots can include rocks or logs heated by the sun.

Vegetation: Vegetation in their natural habitat varies depending on the specific region. They may encounter various plant species, such as grasses, shrubs, and succulents, which may serve as food sources and hiding places.

Predators: In the wild, blue bearded dragons face predation from various animals, including birds of prey, snakes, and more giant reptiles. Their natural camouflage and ability to flee or inflate their throat (displaying the “beard”) can help deter potential predators.

Social Behavior: Bearded dragons are generally solitary reptiles. While they may tolerate the presence of other bearded dragons in the same territory, interactions are often limited to courtship and mating.

When keeping blue bearded dragons as pets, it’s crucial to replicate their natural environment as closely as possible within a captive setting. This includes providing them with a spacious enclosure, basking spots, a temperature gradient, UVB lighting for proper calcium metabolism, hiding places, and a varied diet mimicking their wild feeding habits.

Understanding their natural habitat and behaviors is essential for creating a suitable and healthy environment for these captivating reptiles in captivity.

 

Blue bearded Dragon Price

The price of a blue bearded dragon can vary widely depending on several factors, including the dragon’s age, size, coloration, genetics, and the breeder or seller’s location. Blue bearded dragons, being a specific morph, can be more expensive than common bearded dragon morphs due to their unique and sought-after coloration.

You should pay anywhere from $200 to $500 for a Blue bearded dragon hatchling or juvenile. However, prices may have fluctuated since then, and they can vary greatly depending on market demand, the breeder’s reputation, and the dragon’s specific lineage.

It’s essential to thoroughly research reputable breeders or sellers in your area or online and inquire about the current market prices. When purchasing a blue bearded dragon, consider factors beyond price, such as the dragon’s health, genetics, and the breeder’s reputation for responsible breeding practices.

You’ll need to budget for their habitat setup, lighting, heating, food, veterinary care, and other ongoing expenses to ensure their well-being.

Diet and Feeding Habits

Blue bearded dragons’ diet and feeding habits closely resemble their standard bearded dragon counterparts. These reptiles are omnivorous, meaning they consume various animal and plant-based foods. 

Proper nutrition is crucial to their health and well-being. Here’s a detailed look at their diet and feeding habits:

Insects: In the wild, a significant portion of a bearded dragon’s diet consists of insects and other invertebrates. Everyday insect prey items include crickets, mealworms, waxworms, roaches, and locusts. These insects are rich in protein, essential for growth and overall health.

Vegetation: Blue bearded dragons eat vegetation, including various greens, vegetables, and fruits. Leafy greens like collard, mustard, dandelion, and kale are excellent choices. Vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and squash can provide essential vitamins and minerals. Fruits like berries, papaya, and melon can be offered as occasional treats.

Supplements: Providing calcium and vitamin supplements is essential to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients. Dusting insect prey with a calcium powder is a common practice. Additionally, they may require a vitamin supplement occasionally, especially if their diet lacks variety.

Hydration: Bearded dragons obtain a significant portion of their water from their diet and the moisture on vegetation. However, providing access to clean, shallow water for drinking is crucial. Some individuals may drink regularly, while others may not drink from a water dish often.

Feeding Schedule: Young blue bearded dragons have a more substantial appetite and typically require daily feedings. As they grow, the feeding frequency can decrease every other day or a few times a week. Adult bearded dragons may need feeding every 2-3 days.

Gut Loading: When feeding insects to your blue bearded dragon, consider “gut loading” them first. Gut loading involves providing nutritious foods to the insects before offering them to your pet. This ensures that the insects are nutrient-rich when consumed by your dragon.

Variety: Offering a diverse diet is crucial. Bearded dragons benefit from a wide range of insects and vegetables to obtain a balanced mix of nutrients. Avoid feeding them toxic or high-oxalate foods, as these can be harmful.

Food Size: The size of food items should be appropriate for the age and size of your blue bearded dragon. Hatchlings and juveniles should be fed smaller prey items and finely chopped vegetables, while adults can consume larger prey and larger vegetable pieces.

Observation: Pay attention to your dragon’s eating habits. If they suddenly stop eating or show signs of illness, consult a veterinarian specializing in reptile care.

Remember that the nutritional needs of blue bearded dragons can vary based on factors such as age, sex, activity level, and overall health. Regularly assess and adjust their diet to provide a balanced and healthy nutrition plan. Additionally, providing access to UVB lighting is crucial, as it helps them metabolize calcium and maintain strong bones and overall health.

 

Behavior and Temperament

Like other bearded dragon morphs, Blue Bearded dragons are known for their generally calm and docile behavior, making them popular pet choices. Understanding their behavior and temperament is essential for providing proper care and handling. 

Here are some critical aspects of their behavior and character:

Calm and Tolerant: Blue bearded dragons are typically quiet and tolerant of human interaction, making them suitable for beginners and experienced reptile keepers. They often tolerate handling well, mainly if they are accustomed to it from a young age.

Basking and Activity: These dragons are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the day. They require basking under a heat source, such as a basking lamp, to regulate their body temperature. This activity includes sunbathing to warm up in the morning and during the day.

Thermoregulation: Bearded dragons are ectothermic, which means they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. They move between warmer and cooler areas of their enclosure to maintain their preferred body temperature range.

Beard Display: One of their distinctive behaviors is the “beard display.” When stressed, threatened, or during territorial disputes, they can puff up their throat, which appears as a darkened beard. This display is used to intimidate potential threats.

Social Behavior: Bearded dragons are typically solitary animals in their natural habitat. However, they can tolerate the presence of other dragons, mainly if they are provided with adequate space and resources. When kept together, monitor their interactions to prevent aggression or stress.

Hiding: Blue bearded dragons appreciate hiding spots and may retreat to these areas when they feel threatened or need a break from light and activity. Providing hiding spots in their enclosure is essential.

Taming and Handling: Blue bearded dragons can become accustomed to gentle handling with time and patience. It’s essential to approach them calmly and avoid sudden movements. Start with short handling sessions and gradually increase the duration as they become more comfortable.

Feeding Behavior: Bearded dragons may become more active and alert when hungry. They often track movement and may eagerly pursue prey insects.

Tail Flicking: Occasionally, they may exhibit tail-flicking behavior, which can signify annoyance or discomfort. If they repeatedly flick their tail, it’s best to give them space to prevent stress.

Brumation: Bearded dragons may go through a period of brumation, a form of hibernation, during the colder months. They may eat less and become less active during this time. Keep an eye on their health and adjust their care accordingly.

It’s important to note that while blue-bearded dragons are generally well-tempered, individual personalities can vary. Some may be more social and tolerant of handling than others. Providing a comfortable and appropriately sized enclosure with proper lighting, temperature gradients, and hiding spots is essential to ensure their well-being. Regular interaction and gentle handling can help build trust and a positive relationship with your blue bearded dragon.