The bearded dragon is one of the most popular pet reptiles for many reasons. They require minimum maintenance as they are happy to sit under their heat lamp most of the day. Just your basic cleaning and feeding is all that is needed. Their disposition is also desirable. They usually tame down easily as they get older. Bearded dragons are independent lizards that fend for themselves but don't mind being handled.
Below are the basic needs in taking care of a bearded dragon lizard.
1. Housing
The easiest housing for a bearded dragon is a glass aquarium with a screen as a cover. The screen will ensure that enough air circulates in the tank while keeping the lizard securely inside. Glass is preferred for two reasons: maximum visual pleasure for the owner and added light absorption for the pet.
Another option is an enclosure made of wood and plexiglass. Wood cages are quite beautiful but heavy and difficult to clean. Plexiglass will scratch and end up being hard to see through.
2. Food
Bearded dragon lizards are relatively easy to feed. They require a daily diet consisting of little bugs, meal worms, and crickets mixed with a variety of veggies. Cultivated bugs that are available in most pet and reptile stores are the best choice for your lizards. This ensures that they were not contaminated by fertilizers and pesticides that infect most bugs found in open vegetation spaces.
Dark green and leafy vegetables are also ideal for bearded dragon lizards. Tear or cut up the leaves into small bite sizes before feeding. A good rule of thumb to follow is to keep the veggie size between half to 2/3 the space between your dragon's eyes.
3. Lighting
Lizards require exposure to the full UV spectrum daily. You can provide them this need by installing a UV light (long fluorescent lights will do also) inside their cage. The nearer the bearded dragon lizard is to the light source, the better. UV light aids in dragons' digestion and keeps their disposition amicable.
4. Temperature
In keeping a bearded dragon lizard, it is imperative that you employ a temperature gradient inside their housing. The use of a basking light is the easiest. The wattage will depend on the size of cage and the distance the dragon is from the light. Part of their cage should be warm enough for them to enjoy their daily basking and stretching. At night, it should be cold enough to mimic the outside environment.
Temperature regulation is very important because dragons are sensitive to uncomplimentary whether. Too much warmth or coldness can adversely affect their health.
5. Substrate
Kitchen paper towels make good substrates for baby bearded dragon lizards. Not only are they cheap and easy to find, they are also clean and inedible. This safety measure will surely keep your dragon on the safe side. Another beneficial feature of using paper towels is that they are really easy to replace when soiled, no messy cleaning is required.
Other materials that can be used are children's play sand, sand from pet stores, and slate tiles found at a home improvement store. The important thing to remember when using sand as substrate is to sift it first to get any pebbles out to keep your dragon from impacting, clean it daily to maintain a fresh and hygienic environment for the bearded dragon lizard.
6. Reptile tank accessories
Optional tank accessories may be placed inside your bearded dragon lizard's to imitate the natural environment. As lizards are fond of lying around and basking, a mini log may be installed. A pile of rock and a log on the side where the basking light is will make it easier for the dragon to be closer to the light. If you get theses from outside be sure to bleach them to kill any fungus or bacteria. Plastic or natural plants may also be provided to give the tank a more forest atmosphere. Just keep in mind not too clutter the housing too much so as not to encroach in the living and moving space of your pet. Also, keep the housing and all accessories clean at all time.
http://reptile-cages.blogspot.com/
http://reptile-terrarium-resources.blogspot.com/
Below are the basic needs in taking care of a bearded dragon lizard.
1. Housing
The easiest housing for a bearded dragon is a glass aquarium with a screen as a cover. The screen will ensure that enough air circulates in the tank while keeping the lizard securely inside. Glass is preferred for two reasons: maximum visual pleasure for the owner and added light absorption for the pet.
Another option is an enclosure made of wood and plexiglass. Wood cages are quite beautiful but heavy and difficult to clean. Plexiglass will scratch and end up being hard to see through.
2. Food
Bearded dragon lizards are relatively easy to feed. They require a daily diet consisting of little bugs, meal worms, and crickets mixed with a variety of veggies. Cultivated bugs that are available in most pet and reptile stores are the best choice for your lizards. This ensures that they were not contaminated by fertilizers and pesticides that infect most bugs found in open vegetation spaces.
Dark green and leafy vegetables are also ideal for bearded dragon lizards. Tear or cut up the leaves into small bite sizes before feeding. A good rule of thumb to follow is to keep the veggie size between half to 2/3 the space between your dragon's eyes.
3. Lighting
Lizards require exposure to the full UV spectrum daily. You can provide them this need by installing a UV light (long fluorescent lights will do also) inside their cage. The nearer the bearded dragon lizard is to the light source, the better. UV light aids in dragons' digestion and keeps their disposition amicable.
4. Temperature
In keeping a bearded dragon lizard, it is imperative that you employ a temperature gradient inside their housing. The use of a basking light is the easiest. The wattage will depend on the size of cage and the distance the dragon is from the light. Part of their cage should be warm enough for them to enjoy their daily basking and stretching. At night, it should be cold enough to mimic the outside environment.
Temperature regulation is very important because dragons are sensitive to uncomplimentary whether. Too much warmth or coldness can adversely affect their health.
5. Substrate
Kitchen paper towels make good substrates for baby bearded dragon lizards. Not only are they cheap and easy to find, they are also clean and inedible. This safety measure will surely keep your dragon on the safe side. Another beneficial feature of using paper towels is that they are really easy to replace when soiled, no messy cleaning is required.
Other materials that can be used are children's play sand, sand from pet stores, and slate tiles found at a home improvement store. The important thing to remember when using sand as substrate is to sift it first to get any pebbles out to keep your dragon from impacting, clean it daily to maintain a fresh and hygienic environment for the bearded dragon lizard.
6. Reptile tank accessories
Optional tank accessories may be placed inside your bearded dragon lizard's to imitate the natural environment. As lizards are fond of lying around and basking, a mini log may be installed. A pile of rock and a log on the side where the basking light is will make it easier for the dragon to be closer to the light. If you get theses from outside be sure to bleach them to kill any fungus or bacteria. Plastic or natural plants may also be provided to give the tank a more forest atmosphere. Just keep in mind not too clutter the housing too much so as not to encroach in the living and moving space of your pet. Also, keep the housing and all accessories clean at all time.
http://reptile-cages.blogspot.com/
http://reptile-terrarium-resources.blogspot.com/
Posts
I tried play sand from Lowe's. Man, what a mess. Always dusty and it would stick to everything like their food. I just use newspapers.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.rusticgirls.com/10-lists/10-facts-bearded-dragons.php