How to Care for a Bearded Dragon

What to Know Before You Get a Bearded Dragon

There are many things to know before getting a bearded dragon. They are relatively easy to care for, but they do have a few specific needs that owners must meet. Some breeds of lizards can be more sensitive than others, so owners must be aware of any potential issues.

- Temperature: Bearded dragons are from Australia, which means they need a warm environment. Without proper heating, they can become sick and even die. Owners can use heat lamps or heat lamps with basking areas to keep their lizards warm.

- Humidity: Bearded dragons also come from a very humid part of the world. Owners can keep the humidity up by misting the area around the tank or bowl. - Diet - Bearded dragons are omnivores, but they do prefer insects. It’s best to get these from a reliable source to make sure they’re safe for the lizard. - Handling: Some breeds of bearded dragons are more sensitive than others. It’s best to handle them as little as possible, especially when they are young.

- Breeding: While it’s possible to breed bearded dragons, it shouldn’t be done without the supervision of a professional.

Tank Set-Up for Bearded Dragons

The environment of your bearded dragon’s tank or bowl is just as important as what he eats. If your lizard’s habitat is not up to par, he could get sick or even die. To prevent that, you will need the following: - Bowl or aquarium: Owners can choose between these two options. A bowl is easier to clean, but an aquarium will give your dragon more room to roam.

- Basking spot: This is critical for bearded dragons. They need a warm place to relax, or they could get sick.

- Substrate: This can be anything from sand to newspaper. Just make sure it’s safe for your bearded dragon.

- Lighting: This is important for regular tank maintenance. It will help promote plant growth, which bearded dragons like to eat.

- Heating and cooling: This will depend on the breed of bearded dragon you have.

Feeding Your Bearded Dragon

The best way to feed your bearded dragon is to set up a feeding schedule. It’s important to give them the proper nutrients. Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both meat and plants. In the wild, they mostly eat insects. If your dragon is a baby, he will need special food appropriate for his age. Adult dragons should be fed insects or vegetables, depending on their breed. Make sure you don’t feed your bearded dragon too much or he could get sick. When feeding your dragon, make sure he has enough room to reach his food. If he has to squeeze through a small opening to get it, he may get stuck. Always provide your bearded dragon with fresh water, too.

Care and Maintenance

Bearded dragons need plenty of attention and care to stay healthy. They also need regular exercise, which can be done by putting them in a safe area outdoors. Some owners put a small ramp in their backyard so their bearded dragons can climb up and down a tree. As your bearded dragon ages, he will need more attention and care. His metabolism will slow down, which means he’ll need less food. You should definitely keep an eye on your dragon’s droppings, too. If they are hard and dry, he isn’t getting enough to eat. If you notice your bearded dragon has white droppings, he may be getting worms or a parasite. If his droppings are black and sticky, he may have a bacterial infection. It’s important to get him medical attention as soon as possible.

Breeding Bearded Dragons

If you are interested in breeding bearded dragons, you should start early. You should also make sure both dragons are healthy and will definitely lay eggs. Before you begin, it’s important to know that bearded dragons are territorial animals. This means that they will fight with each other in the wild. In captivity, they will do the same. To prevent this, you may need to separate your dragons for a few weeks. It’s also important to feed them a lot before mating season. You should also make sure both dragons have a clean environment to live in. If you have a female, she will lay eggs in a few weeks. You can keep track of them by marking each day she lays an egg. It’s best to incubate the eggs in an incubator.

The Bottom Line

Bearded dragons make wonderful pets, but they do come with some special needs. Once you’ve met those requirements, you will have a happy, healthy pet that thrives on attention. These lizards also come in lots of fun colors and patterns, so you can pick the one that best matches your personality.