OkcPets Magazine January 2022

January/February 2022 • OKC Pets 23 Well, well, well. Beardies are some of the most tolerant, laid-back, and docile lizards around. Originating from the Land Down Under, there are eight species that offer options of multiple morphs, or color/ skin patterns. Once the lizard is past the juvenile stage, there are techniques and recommendations for you to build trust and, yes, trusting , responsive pets. To start your beardie adjusting to its life, wisdom dictates giving him time, keep- ing stimuli at a low level — since they’re diurnal, ensure a proper schedule for lights on and lights off, allow no loud barking or music, keep surroundings calm. Make sure the reptarium is at the right temperature, and spend a few daily rounds of slowly putting your hand in near the lizard. Then start to touch him from the side. Never pick up from the top — it hurts. Eventually, he should let you slide your hand beneath him (remember, your hand feels warm, which is usually nice to a liz- ard). Speak in a low tone, and say his name several times during the practice sessions. If he struggles, gently cover his eyes with your other hand for a few seconds until he calms; then put him back down. It doesn’t hurt to toss in a mealworm after practice so your beardie starts to associate handling with a treat. Once he relaxes during holding time, extend the minutes and try gently stroking his head. You’ll know he is enjoying this if he closes his eyes. Lizards have to stay on alert all the time in the wild, so he is showing you incredible trust through a brief nap in your hand. Good husbandry with your lizard means fresh food daily, such as a variety of bugs and plants. Watching lizards eat is fasci- nating. They are immediately at attention when crickets are dropped into the enclo- sure, and one can hear a snap when their (rather human, if you ask me) tongues glom the bug into their mouths and close down as they whip around to hunt another bite. Beardies do well with shallow tubs for bathing too, which is important because their skin absorbs more water that way, helping with digestion and comfort. A word of caution: It’s essential for any- one who has handled this pet or any part of its home to wash hands extremely well after contact. Lizard poop usually carries salmonella, which is hardly pleasant to experience. Beardies Like To Play What is pleasant, though, is discover- ing that beardies like to play. You can find tons of toys online or make your own — wads of aluminum or ping-pong balls to be pushed around, hidey-holes of hollowed logs, floating bath toys, a good view outside, occasional television shows. Beardies can see in color, so a variety of offerings will also contribute to a happy lizard. Some owners pursue online goodies as well — clothing, costumes, hats, and harnesses for the pet once he’s comfortable with people. Of course, there are signs when he’s not comfortable. If your beardie is digging, there could be a problem with the thermo- stat, nutrition, or a need for brumation, which is a form of hibernations lizards go through. If his eyes are bulging in an odd way, he could be loosening the skin to shed soon (and feel rather ticklish). If he rapidly bobs his head, it’s for dominance, aggression, or — if he bobs at the opposite sex — courtship, but a slow bob is usually an acknowledgment or submission. My favorite behavior, although also a sign of submission, is “the wave.” When I would enter the room and Clyde spot- ted me, he often slowly bobbed his head and waved at me. Because this behavior immediately scored him a mealworm, it happened daily for years (OK, I’m a sap for reptilian connections). I am hardly a full-fledged “herper.” (See how savvy I am? That’s the slang for folks who keep reptiles and amphibians; “herp- ing” is when one goes in search of them.) But I’m now having second thoughts. With consistent, gentle attention, a bearded dragon will not only enjoy your company, he will ride on your shoulder, quietly tak- ing in the world. I can’t help but picture a warm day with a dragon on my shoulder, strolling through the park.… Beardie fans would call me … Mother of Dragon . Sort of a “Khaleesi Lite,” right? Just in real time, with a happier ending. Okoboji Veterinary Hospital 1020 NW 192nd St., Suite L | Edmond, OK 73012 405-513-5905 Woodz the Pug looks forward to greeting all of your pups to camp in 2022! 14100 N. Choctaw Road • Jones, OK 73049 (405) 6647680 • www.campgraceok.com