How To Care For A Bearded Dragon
Tank:
First, before you even get a bearded dragon you need to get a tank. So here is all the information you need to know about the tank.
- Do not go any smaller than a 40 gallon tank. Even if you get a baby, they still need room to not only grow but to run around. Babies have more energy than grown adults.
- Their tank should be all glass with a sliding top.
- NO water bowl.
- Do not use sand, bedding, nor carpet. Insead use a plain white newsprint.
- You will need a basking(heat) lamp. You don’t need a UVB/night light but it’s good to have.
- Half the tank needs to be cool(not cold) and the other half needs to be warm.
- They need things to climb on and lay on, such as caves, large rocks, store bought sticks, DO NOT USE ANYTHING YOU FIND OUTSIDE UNLESS YOU THOROUGHLY CLEAN IT.
- You will need a thermostat. An adults tank should be 100° – 105° degrees Fahrenheit and a baby’s tank should be 110° degrees Fahrenheit.
- If you see that your Dragon is having a bit of anxiety in their tank try painting the sides black and getting a background, but let them see out of the front.
- Clean once to twice a week
Feeding tips:
Be careful not to over feed. If they start to regurgitate their food, it’s possible that they’re getting too much protein. Try cutting back on the bugs. There are many things you can feed your Bearded Dragon such as;
Bugs: BSFL Worms, Crickets(Not recommended just because they die quickly), Roaches, Locus, SilkWorms, Mealworms, Wax Worms(Treat), Superworm(Treat),
Greens: Bok Choy, Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Arugula, Raddiccolo, Esearoke, Endi, Squash, Chayote, Green beans, Snap Peas, Cucumber, Carrot, Bell Peppers, Pumpkin, Blueberries, Strawberries, Blackberries, Cranberries, Watermelon, Pears, Guava, Bananas, Mango, Peaches, grapes, and etc. Don’t over do fruits as they have a high sugar level which can cause problems.
There are also many things you can NOT feed them…
Anything Frozen, dried, dead, or dehydrated, pellet foods, Avocado, Onions, Glowing Bugs, any wild caught bugs, Kale, Rhubarb, Spinach, Lettuce, Broccoli, any citrus fruits, Hot Peppers, Tomatoes, Beet Tops, no bugs bigger than the space between their eyes.
Bath Time:
You can give your Dragon a bath either once or twice a week. This is not only how they will get clean but also how they will get drinks. All you need to do is fill the sink/tub with lukewarm water up to their elbows or a bit higher. They love to swim.
How to keep your Bearded Dragon happy:
- First of all, don’t expect your Dragon to love you and be comfortable with you right off the bat. They will need time to adjust and get used to you.
- Do not put other Dragons or any other type of animal in the tank with the first the Dragon. As that can be very dangerous for the both of them.
- Pet your Dangon, but gently be careful don’t be ruff they’re not cats or dogs.
- Hold your Dragon like a baby. When they get older you can just let them lay on you. REMEMBER BABIES HAVE MORE ENERGY THAN ADULTS.
- They love fuzzy blankets. But be prepared they will go to the bathroom on them. Always wash the blanket after they’re done.
- You can take them on walks, which they love to do. Make sure you keep an eye out for birds and other predators. Also don’t allow them to drink from puddles or eat anything they find, including random bugs.
- Let them sit in front of a window. DO NOT PUT THERE TANK BY A WINDOW.
This is not all the information you will need if you are in fact planning on getting a Bearded Dragon. I highly recommend you do your own research as well.