Because all reptiles are potential carriers of infectious diseases such as salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your reptile or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease. Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physicians before purchasing or caring for reptiles and should consider having a pet other than a reptile.
Bearded dragons need an appropriately sized and shaped habitat to accommodate their normal behaviors and exercise. It should have a screened top to help prevent escape while allowing proper ventilation. A 20- gallon tank is a good beginner size for a baby bearded dragon. Bearded dragons will reach adult size in one year under ideal conditions; upgrade habitat size as your reptile grows. If more than one bearded dragon is housed in a habitat, more space will be necessary.
The chahoua gecko is a medium-sized arboreal lizard native to the region of New Caledonia. These reptiles are recognized by their large white lidless eyes with vertically oriented pupils, triangular heads, and strong muscular tails. Chahoua geckos range in color.
Bearded dragons eat a diet of live insects and vegetables. They need a wide variety of safe plants and vegetables, as well as the correct supplements. You can find out more about your beardy's feeding, supplements and water needs in our bearded dragon care sheet.
Bearded dragons can display a variety of morphs. These morphs are mainly based on body types, but can also be derived from selective breeding.
When you’re looking for a bearded dragon, it’s important to understand the different morphs. A morph is a genetic mutation that results in certain traits. The most common are color variations. You can see a wide range of colors in beardies, including beiges, browns, and muted tans.
There are other morphs that result from genetics, such as visual morphs. These are inherited traits that are passed down from parents. They’re often the most unique beardie varieties. Some of them are translucent, meaning they have a transparent appearance. Others, such as hypomelanistic, lack melanin, which makes their skin lighter.
Bearded dragons like many other reptiles have specific lighting requirements that can be really confusing, especially for new owners that don’t have previous experience.
Because of that reason, having a good understanding when it comes to lighting the space of your bearded dragon is very important.
You should know there are plenty of options when it comes to lighting for bearded dragons and choosing the wrong setup can be harmful to your pet. However, if you carefully read our guide you will get plenty of information about setting up proper lighting for your pet.
There are few reptiles that may be able to compete for a spot in the hearts of reptile owners as well as this Dragon. The Leopard Gecko is also a great beginning reptile. Some lizards that are more of a challenge to handle include the Crested Gecko or Blue Tongued Skink. These animals are not quite as outgoing as a Bearded Dragon, but they do not require as much heat or lighting as the dragon.
The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please contact your veterinarian as appropriate. By signing up, you consent to receive updates, special offers, program communications and other information via email from Petco.
If you have a larger beardie, you may also want to add a space heater or a room thermostat. Make sure to have a fire alarm as well. A thermometer is also necessary for monitoring the temperature. You can purchase one for a few dollars at an online store.
Are heated rocks good for bearded dragons? Is there any brand or feature which in particular is good? This would be for a full grown lizard. Heated rocks can burn the belly of the bearded dragon because they will not move off it even if it hurts, according to my vet. If you must have a heated rock, be sure to only have it on for just a few minutes everyday at a low temperature.
Before bringing the bearded dragon home, it is vital that you set up its habitat. Ensure that it has adequate heat, ultraviolet lights, and food. It is also essential to check the equipment, especially the ultraviolet light and basking pads. The temperature should be at an even temperature throughout the day, but keep the humidity as low as possible.
Reptiles need UVB light to process the calcium they intake from their diets. If your UVB bulb is too weak, too far, or simply too old to provide the stated amount of UVB light, your dragon will experience calcium deficiency which can be quite serious. (Keep in mind some bulbs need to be changed on a monthly basis! and most of them do not last longer than 6 months).
Live food for Bearded Dragons includes mealworms and crickets. Depending on their age, a grown bearded dragon should eat about twenty insects a day. Mealworms are not a good choice for juvenile bearded dragons, as the chitin in them can stunt their growth. A better choice is superworms.
Bearded Dragons (Complete Pet owner's Guide) offers step-by-step guidance on proper care of bearded drakes. The guide also contains helpful sidebars and includes beautiful, full-color photos. This guide is a definitive guide that will assist the novice bearded Dragon owner in becoming an expert.
During cooler seasons, it's normal for bearded dragons to slow down, sleep more and eat less. It's a bit like hibernation, but for lizards, it's called brumation. They shouldn't lose weight or stop eating entirely, so keep a close eye on them and get in touch with your vet if they're losing weight.
Vegetables should not be mixed with meat or bones. The leafy green watercress, for example, is rich in calcium and other vitamins. It also has a small amount iron and manganese. It contains antioxidants to prevent inflammation. It should be kept in check because it contains oxalates, which can affect absorption. It should be avoided if the bearded dragon has a calcium deficiency.
Bearded Dragons – 12 Fun Facts
Turtles, tortoises, bearded dragons, iguanas, and chameleons are some common examples of reptiles that need UVB light. This helps prevent animals from developing hypocalcemia (or lack of calcium). UVB lights should be kept on during the day and turned off at night and should be used along with calcium supplements.
Since bearded dragons are naturally solitary creatures, they do not get lonely if placed alone in a cage or left for some time away from their keeper. They much prefer having their food and heat to themselves rather than sharing it with another bearded dragon.
Many reptiles do cry, including bearded dragons, but they do this because the flow of tears helps to clean out and protect their eyes, not because they are unhappy.