We have a new class pet! His name is Pete and he is a bearded dragon. A generous Wealthy family has donated him to our classroom. Pete is a 2 year old male. He has previously lived with two other families.
The students unanimously voted to have Pete as our class pet and agreed to take responsibility for his care. We had an exciting opportunity today that I'm sure your 4th grader will tell you about. Everyone volunteered to help clean Pete's habitat!
Bearded Dragon
pogona vitticeps- Bearded dragons get their name from their ability to puff or flare out the skin under their throats, which darkens their skin to a black color resembling a beard. This is a defense mechanism, making them look more threatening to predators and other animals.
- Bearded dragons can live more than 10 years with proper care.
- Many bearded dragons develop unique behaviors such as “waving” or bobbing their heads. These behaviors are most often observed when they are being territorial or during mating season.
- Bearded dragons are omnivores, consuming insects, vegetables and fruits.
- Bearded dragons use their short tongues to capture and eat crickets and worms. As well as eating natural foods, bearded dragons can be provided commercially produced diets sold in stores. Conversion methods may initially be needed to entice bearded dragons to eat the commercially prepared food.
- As omnivores, bearded dragons have a varied diet including, but not limited to, crickets, worms and vegetables. Adults can even eat small frozen, thawed rodents.
- Bearded dragons are native to Australia.
- Bearded dragons make great pets because they are easy to care for and have sociable personalities.
