Introduction

As a bearded dragon owner, you likely know that they require a lot of care and attention to keep them happy and healthy. One important aspect of bearded dragon care is providing them with enrichment activities to keep them mentally stimulated, much like you would with a dog or cat. In this post, we’ll provide you with 15 fun and creative bearded dragon enrichment ideas to help keep your pet happy and healthy.

1. Build a DIY Basking Platform

Building a DIY basking platform is not only cost-effective but also provides a fun activity for both you and your bearded dragon. This will also give them a new area to bask in, which will keep them mentally stimulated. You can make one from smooth pieces of wood or cork bark and place it in your dragon’s enclosure.

2. Set Up an Indoor Playground

Creating an indoor playground for your bearded dragon will give them a lot of entertainment and exercise. You can use PVC pipes, reptile-safe plants, and other items to create obstacles and hiding spots for your bearded dragon to explore.

3. Make a Digging Box

Bearded dragons love to dig, and providing them with a digging box is an excellent enrichment activity. You can make one from a plastic container or a cardboard box filled with play sand or coconut fibers.

4. Provide a Variety of Food

Your bearded dragon needs a varied and nutritious diet to thrive. Along with their primary diet of insects and vegetables, providing a variety of foods such as live food, mealworms, and super worms will keep your dragon interested and engaged during feeding times.

5. Add a Hammock or Branches

Bearded dragons love to bask in the sun or relax under a shaded branch. Adding a hammock or branches in your dragon’s enclosure provides them with a new perch to rest. Ensure that they are stable and secure before allowing your dragon to use them.

6. Offer a Soaking Bowl

Bearded dragons love water, and offering them a soaking bowl is an excellent way to keep them engaged and healthy. You can place a shallow bowl of water in your dragon’s enclosure, or you can purchase a more elaborate water feature.

7. Create a Hiding Area

Bearded dragons need a place to hide and relax occasionally. Adding a hiding area in your dragon’s enclosure gives them a sense of security. You can use rocks or natural logs or purchase a prefabricated hiding log.

8. Play with Your Bearded Dragon

Playing with your bearded dragon is essential for your dragon’s mental and emotional health. You can try hand-feeding them or placing a toy in their enclosure for them to chase. However, be gentle and avoid tiring out your dragon.

9. Add a Mirror

Bearded dragons are highly visual creatures, and adding a mirror in their enclosure might provide extra stimulation. However, remember to monitor your dragon’s behavior, and if they appear agitated, remove the mirror.

10. Provide Climbing Structures

Bearded dragons love to climb and explore their environment. You can provide them with a fun climbing structure using materials like vines, driftwood, or reptile-safe rocks.

11. Use Different Substrates

Substrates refer to the bedding or surface material in your dragon’s enclosure. You can add different substrates like coconut fiber, reptile carpet, or play sand to add variety and simulate natural habitats. Ensure that they are safe for your dragon before adding them.

12. Set Up a UVB Light

Bearded dragons require UVB light to absorb calcium, which is vital for their bone health. Installing a UVB light in your dragon’s enclosure will help them absorb the necessary nutrients and keep them happy and healthy.

13. Keep Their Enclosure Clean

Keeping your dragon’s enclosure clean is crucial for their health and wellbeing. Ensure that you regularly replace substrate, clean any feces, and sterilize their food and water bowls to prevent any bacteria build-up. A clean environment will keep your dragon healthy and encourage engagement with their surroundings.

14. Use a Variety of Lighting

Bearded dragons need both UVA and UVB lighting to thrive. Use a combination of fluorescent and incandescent bulbs to provide a broader spectrum of lighting. You can also add colored light bulbs to create a different atmosphere from time to time.

15. Provide a Wading Pool for Summer

Bearded dragons usually originate from hot and dry environments, and providing them with a wading pool or shallow water dish during hot weather will give them maximum comfort. Ensure that the water is not too hot and that the pool is shallow to prevent drowning.

Conclusion

Keeping your bearded dragon happy and healthy goes beyond just providing them with food and shelter. Providing them with enrichment activities keeps them stimulated and thriving. Use these 15 fun and creative bearded dragon enrichment ideas to take care of your reptile friend better. Remember always to monitor your dragon’s behavior when trying out new things and provide a safe and healthy environment.