Bearded dragons make great pets. They are friendly, and they love to be around people. But in order to keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy, you need to know how to care for them properly. In this article, we will discuss the basics of beardie care so that you can provide your pet with everything he needs.
About Bearded Dragons
Bearded Dragon’s are native animals of Australia, which now is being raised in many various countries. It lives in dry, rocky, semi-desert areas and open forests.
Actually, beardies are a “hero of climbing” that likes to hang out in the branches and bushes. Sometimes, it even found at the hence of houses and residential closing to their habitat. In addition to many places above, bearded dragon also like to bask in the large and small rocks.
The Bearded dragon lizard is omnivorous species, eating a lot and colorful. Besides that, bearded dragon also eats green vegetables, fruits and flowers. In the afternoon, these lizards like to bury itself under the sand while waiting for night.
Vivarium
Although not very large in body size or about 30 to 50 cm maximum, bearded dragon’s need a wide space to it home.
It is best not to house bearded dragons together as they are territorial and may fight. A good size tank for an adult bearded dragon is 120cm x 60cm x 60cm (4ft x 2ft x 2ft), with larger being better. Typically a 75 gallon tank will work perfect for holding an adult bearded dragon.
In the habitat you will want to include a variety of branches, plants, hides and hammocks for your bearded dragon to sleep in climb on.
Habitat Substrates
Substrates for bearded dragons can be made up of sand, wood chips and bark.
A substrate is an essential part in creating a vivarium for your lizard to call home. There are many different substrates available that you can use if you wish. However, it is important to remember that not all substrates will be suitable for your dragon. Here are some of the most popular substrates that you can use:
– Sand: This is one of the most popular substrates used for bearded dragons. It is important to make sure that you get sand that is specifically designed for reptiles as regular sand can contain harmful toxins.
– Tile: This is a great substrate for bearded dragons as it can be easily cleaned and sanitized. It may not provide the same comfort as sand or other substrates, but it will do just fine.
– Reptile Carpet: This is another popular substrate for bearded dragons. Like tile, it can be easily cleaned and sanitize which is great for those that want the benefit of carpet without the risk of bacteria or other dangers.
– Newspaper: While newspaper isn’t one of the most visually appealing substrates because it is so plain, it will do just fine for your bearded dragon. It is also very cheap which is great for those on a budget.
– Paper Towels: This is another substrate that isn’t the most visually appealing but it gets the job done. It is very absorbent which makes it great for catching any messes that your dragon may make.
Temperature and Lighting
It is also important that the habitat have a proper basking area, with a temperature of 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be achieved by using a heat lamp or similar device. The night time temperature of the tank should not drop below 70F (21C) so a second heat source may be necessary.
A full spectrum ultraviolet light should also be used to provide your bearded dragon with the UVB he needs. This can be in the form of a fluorescent tube or mercury vapor bulb. The light should be on for 10-12 hours a day.
Feeding
Bearded dragons are omnivorous animals and will eat a large range of fresh vegetables and fruits. They should be fed 2-3 times a day in an amount that they can easily finish in 10 minutes or less.
A high quality bearded dragon vitamin powder should also be added to the diet on occasion, but not everyday as this can lead to an imbalance of vitamins within the beardies diet.
If you are able to provide care like this for your bearded dragon, he will certainly reward you with love and friendship. However, if you have any questions about caring for your bearded dragon, be sure to ask your veterinarian.
Calcium and Vitamin Supplementation
Bearded dragons require a diet that is high in calcium and low in phosphorus. A good way to achieve this is by feeding them dark, leafy greens such as collard greens, turnip greens, and mustard greens. You can also supplement their diet with calcium powder or calcium-fortified insect food.
Water
Check if bearded dragon is sitting at the water, it should be immediately replaced.
Always clean water every day. Make a place to drink which is not too deep, so bearded dragon isn’t hard to drink. Don’t provide a place to take a bath, because it will make bearded dragon is easier to be affected by lice and other skin diseases. If bearded just like take a bath, spray it through water spray commonly used to spray plants once a day.
Cleaning the Habitat
It is important to clean the habitat regularly, removing uneaten food and droppings. A good way to keep it clean is by frequently changing out the substrate – ideally every 1-2 weeks.
Sex and reproduction
During mating season, the beard of adult males will turn to be black color. Reproductive period begins at the age of one or two years old. Determine the sex of bearded dragon is done at the age of 10 months through viewing it cloacae.
Female beardies can lay eggs up to 16 eggs in early summer in their natural habitat. Usually, this mother will bury eggs in the sand. Bearded dragon baby will be born with weight of 2.1 grams. It is usually striped and orange circles around it eyes. This pattern will fade over time.
Conclusion
If you are able to provide care like this for your bearded dragon, he will certainly reward you with love and friendship. However, if you have any questions about caring for your bearded dragon, be sure to ask your veterinarian.
