Bearded dragons are inquisitive lizards that are very interested in their surroundings. And after you have set up your bearded dragon’s terrarium and provided it with everything necessary, you might start thinking about entertainment.
Entertaining your bearded dragon is very much possible – for a fun time for both of you! In this post, we will discuss bearded dragon toys and fun activities that you can prepare for your bearded dragon.
Many bearded dragons, especially younger ones, are active and curious. And getting toys for your bearded dragon might help spend more time with your pet, creating a bond and making both of you happy.
What is more, bearded dragons require exercise to keep them fit, healthy and happy. Toys and activities will also help maintain a good mental health. Otherwise, your bearded dragon might get bored and sluggish.
In the wild, bearded dragons are hunting and walking around, but in captivity, they move around less. So, different toys and activities will help you implement some exercise into your bearded dragon’s routine. But which toys or activities do bearded dragons love and enjoy?
Idea number 1: Get a toy ball for your bearded dragon
Not all bearded dragons might love playing with a ball, but some really do enjoy it. A toy ball will help your bearded dragon exercise and have fun. There are few options with balls.
One of them is to get a sturdy plastic hamster ball like this. This ball is transparent so anything you put inside, your bearded dragon will be able to see. Inside of this ball, you can put crickets or other feeder insects, and close the ball. When you place the ball near your bearded dragon, it will chase the ball and play with it to get near to insects.
This is a great exercise and fun to watch. But don’t torture your bearded dragon for too long (no more than 5-10 minutes) – and make sure to give it the insects at the end!
Another great idea is to get a cat ball, that has holes on the sides, and often a bell, such as these cat balls. When you get this ball, prepare your slow moving feeder insects, such as worms, and place them inside.
Before you put the worms inside the ball, make sure to refrigerate them for 15-20 minutes. This will make worms sluggish, so they will be moving very slowly. Your bearded dragon will have an alert reaction and will enjoy knocking the ball to push those worms out of the ball!
Another type of a ball that you can get for your bearded dragon is a soft ball or other toy that your bearded dragon can’t swallow. Golf or ping pong balls can be suitable (choose light ones).
Your bearded dragon is likely to push the balls and roll them around the tank. But the most interesting reaction will be with the balls that contain insects, for sure.
When choosing a ball for your bearded dragon, make sure it’s not too small that your beardie can swallow it. Your bearded dragon is very likely to lick the ball and even try to chew on it. Marbles and other small objects are not suitable.
Small balls pose risk of a choking. Make sure it’s bigger than the width of dragon’s head. Same goes with balls that can easily break into smaller pieces. Always watch your bearded dragon’s reaction with the toy first.
Idea number 2: Have fun with your bearded dragon outside – in a playpen or using a harness
To play with your bearded dragon outside in a garden, make sure that the weather is suitable and only do this in summer.
To do this, you will need to either confine your bearded dragon in a small area or use a harness. Don’t let your bearded dragon just run around in the garden, because this is dangerous.
That’s because your bearded dragon might swallow toxic insects or get bitten by one. Bearded dragons run fast too. So, having a hold of your bearded dragon will allow you to watch it and have it in the safe zone.
The best way to have your bearded dragon confined, but to also let it enjoy fresh air and sun is to place it in a outdoor playpen for small pets like this. This playpen has an open roof and can be even used indoors in a room.
Another great way for a walk outdoors is to wear a harness on your bearded dragon and let it walk in the garden. Don’t buy a leash that locks on bearded dragon’s throat – this will choke it. An ideal harness should also be sturdy. It can take your bearded dragon few times before it gets used to walking on a harness, so be patient.
When on a walk, make sure there that there are no bugs that are toxic to your dragon. Bugs that are toxic include those that can kill your bearded dragon if it ingest them or can cause severe allergic reaction if stung. Bugs that are toxic to your bearded dragon include fireflies, caterpillars, Monarch butterflies, fire ants, bees/wasps, ticks and Asian ladybugs.
Taking your bearded dragon to the park might not be the best idea – other animals might scare or attack it. Make sure that the grass that your bearded dragon is running on is also not treated chemically.
Idea number 3: Let your bearded dragon roam the room or the house
Your bearded dragon will be mentally engaged and will get exercise if you let it roam the house/room. Your bearded dragon is likely to look at things, lick them and become interested. If your room/house is not proofed for a bearded dragon, then you will need to watch it.
Otherwise, the room/house doesn’t need to have hot lamps, sticking out thin cables (it can chew on them), small objects and so on. It’s always a great idea to watch your bearded dragon while it’s enjoying the outside of the tank.
Idea number 4: Listen to music with your bearded dragon
This might sound strange, but many bearded dragons enjoy listening to certain types of music. Start turning on different genres of music and watch your bearded dragon’s response.
Some owners claim that their bearded dragon enjoys rock music, some say pop, reggae or even hip pop. Music might induce positive reaction in your bearded dragon and improve its mood. Experiment with different music and watch your dragon’s reaction.
Idea number 5: Place a mirror in your bearded dragon’s tank
If you want to see your bearded dragon’s reaction to potentially another bearded dragon, place a mirror so it can see its own reflection. Your bearded dragon is likely to think that the reflection in the mirror is another bearded dragon. Watch its behaviors – it might bob its head, try to play, wave at the reflection etc.
Waving will mean that your bearded dragon accepts this bearded dragon. Bobbing often means a strong interest in dominance. If you want to learn more about bearded dragon behaviors, read this post.
If placing in the tank, don’t leave the mirror inside all day, as this can cause stress (20 minutes per time should be enough). And generally, if your bearded dragon is often having negative reactions to the mirror, it’s better to stop placing it in the tank.
But often, it can stimulate a playful behavior, when your bearded dragon thinks that it has encountered another dragon.
Idea number 6: Let your bearded dragon lay/climb on you for a relaxed time together
Most bearded dragons enjoy laying on their owner’s body or sitting on their shoulders. You can do this every other day in the evenings for example, when you are relaxing and watching TV or playing video games.
Your bearded dragon will be happy and stimulated, and might enjoy watching the screen and listening to different sounds. This is also a good exercise if your beardie is climbing over you. If your room is cold, make sure to return your dragon back to its tank so it can warm up again.
You can also place your bearded dragon on your shoulder and go outside for a while. It is very likely to be interested in what you do, and will most probably stay calm on your shoulder.
Idea number 7: Buy/build a new ramp, cave or platform for your bearded dragon
A stimulating environment in your bearded dragon’s tank will help it stay active and engaged. If your setup is simple, or if you haven’t updated anything in a while, you might think about adding new features in the tank. Your bearded dragon will enjoy a new cave, ramp or branch to climb or lay on for basking.
Adding higher ramps or a bridge in the middle on the tank is very likely to excite a bearded dragon. Many bearded dragons show their dominance by climbing to the highest point in the tank.
A bridge that run through the habitat or additional branches on the side of the tank will surely excite your bearded dragon. You can also look into a swing, that is mainly designed for small animals such as guinea pigs and are usually made of wood.
You can even create your own tunnels and caves with this natural excavator clay burrowing substrate. This clay allows you to mold your own caves and basking spots for your bearded dragon. This clay substrate is mixed with water and when dry, is stable. You can also add it in the tank for your bearded dragon to burrow in.
But don’t change the main terrarium’s design constantly – your beardie needs to adjust to its new surroundings for at least 3-4 months at a time. You can use a plastic container to create temporary fun setups for your bearded dragon to play in if you have no space in the main tank.
Adding a hammock/lounger like this is also very likely to excite your bearded dragon. When setting up, make sure that suction cups are stable. Make suction cups slightly wet (not dripping water) and attach them to the middle of the tank glass.
It’s better to attach the lounger lower at first, and then move it higher once you are sure it stays on properly. Your bearded dragon is very likely to lay in the hammock, climb on it and even sleep in it.
Idea number 8: Let your bearded dragon look outside the window
This might sound strange, but many bearded dragons enjoy watching out of the window. If your bearded dragon is often staring out of the window, this might interest it a lot.
You can place a soft and warm blanket on the windowsill to let your bearded dragon enjoy the views. Some bearded dragons can spend hours looking out of the window.
Idea number 9: Let your bearded dragon swim
Bearded dragons enjoy swimming and mainly soaking. You have probably seen your bearded dragon laying in the water dish many times. Bearded dragons are good swimmers and can swim well. Of course, it’s better to keep the water level low, up to its elbows.
But in general, your beardie will enjoy a bath! Make sure water is lukewarm (around 80 degrees Fahrenheit). Don’t use any soap or shampoo (unless it’s a reptile shedding aid). Baths can also help with shedding, and you might brush your bearded dragon with a soft toothbrush, too.
Idea number 10: Let your bearded dragon hunt and catch the food
To get both you and your bearded dragon excited, offer it food with tweezers, such as these long ones. You can hold feeder insects with tweezers and show it to your dragon.
When your bearded dragon approaches to grab the insect, move tweezers. This will be a fun playtime and will help your bearded dragon get some exercise, too.
Idea number 11: Put some wrapping/shredded paper for your bearded dragon to play with
Many bearded dragons find it exciting to play with wrapping or shredded paper. Just place some paper on the floor or container and watch your beardie get excited.
Bond with your bearded dragon
Building trust with your bearded dragon is very important, especially when it’s still a baby. Handle your bearded dragon every day if you can, hand feed it, and make sure to approach its tank regularly.
A week or two after bringing your bearded dragon home, you can start handling sessions, and increase the timing gradually. When your bearded dragon become confident and relaxed, then it will be more open for new activities and will show its true temperament.