Bearded dragons need to be entertained to have a happy life. You can give them toys to keep them happy. If your bearded dragon is sleeping all day, then it is time to provide him with some entertainment. Really all a beardie needs is some attention from you, but here are some bearded dragon supplies you can give your bearded dragon as toys:
Bearded dragon bath time fun: Pool
It might seem strange that bearded dragons love to play in water when their natural habitat is dry. Despite that, many(but not all) beardies love water. You can place a heavy dish with water inside the vivarium as a small pool. Just make sure you clean out any bugs that drown in it. The best thing is to take her out of the enclosure and let her play in a larger dish under your supervision. A long dish is best so that your beardie fits. Fill the dish with water up to her stomach or back. Anything higher and she might drown. Have fun as she splashes about.
Enrichment idea for bearded dragons: Toy balls
When you let your beardie out to play, you could give him some toys balls to push around. Sometimes he will attack them or just push at them with his head. Either way, it’s fun to watch. Some ideas for toy balls for your bearded dragon are plastic balls, large marbles, bouncy balls and jingly cat toys. Bearded dragons love sounds and bright colors, so anything that makes noise and is bright and flashy will do. Just make sure the ball isn’t too heavy for him to push around.
Create a beardie cave: Pillow case
Many beardies love to hide in dark places. You might have noticed that she rushes off behind couch pillows, or even behind stuffed animals on the bed. Give your beardie her own pillowcase to play in that is all her own. Many times she will find her way inside the pillowcase and scratch around inside. Using a soft material will work as well. You can also use paper bags for a bearded dragon toy. Plastic bags should be avoided due to the possibility of suffocation.
Beardies love simple toys: Paper towels
Paper towel is also a common substrate for vivariums, but can be annoying to keep changed and cleaned. Instead, use paper towels as a bearded dragon toy. You can place a sheet inside the vivarium and then take it out later. During playtime outside the enclosure, you can give him the paper towel to scratch at and play under. Just toss it away when playtime is over for easy clean up.
Play in the dirt with your bearded dragon: Sandbox
Sand is another common substrate for beardies, but it should not be used as such. There is the danger of impaction if the young bearded dragon swallows too much of the sand while trying to catch her meal. However, she might like to dig around and play in sand. The safe way to let her do this is to make a small sandbox. Use regular playground sand and fill up a long container with it. Put the container on newspaper for easy clean up. Let her play and dig as long as she wants outside the vivarium. When she’s had her to fill, clean off any sand that has stuck to her belly or any part of her body. That way there will be no sand inside the enclosure.
Other bearded dragon toy ideas
Beardies love to run. Give them plenty of space, away from other bothersome pets, and just let her run off. Block any exits or small spaces you wouldn’t want her to go, and have no fear of her running to her hearts content. While letting her run, you can toss out worms for her to fetch. Also, beardies love sounds. Just playing music or leaving the TV on will keep him entertained when you are not there. The best entertainment for your beardie is just hanging out with you. Many will happily be carried around with you.
Sources:
Bearded Dragons Care Sheet , beardeddragon.org
