The lizard that thinks it’s a dog is the perfect description of a bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are growing amongst pet lovers daily. This is due to their extremely good ability to get along with humans. Although they care a very nice pet they still require special care compared to most domestic animals. They need proper caging, the right temperatures, and proper food. Altogether the bearded dragon may be a great pet however it might not be for everyone.
Bearded dragons are a very docile lizard and almost never bite. Actually less than 5% of people have ever been bitten by their bearded dragon. Some bearded dragons have even been taught to come to the owners hand and voice. They love sitting up by your neck collecting heat and can come with you around town on your shirt if it’s hot enough out. All these facts make the bearded dragon a very good lizard for experienced reptile owner’s and people new to reptiles as well but it is always good to make sure you can provide the proper caging and care for them.
In order to care for your bearded dragon proper you must have the right cage size. Bearded dragons should always have a home that is at least three times the length of the bearded dragon. And two times as wide (a 45 gallon terrarium should be enough to house one adult bearded dragon). They do prefer their terrarium to be longer than tall. Inside the terrarium it should resemble a desert oasis. On one side have it really shady and leafy and on the other (wear the basking spot is located) have a couple large branches and rocks for it to climb up on. For the substrate (flooring) it is best to have something solid rather than lose. A lose substrate can impact your bearded dragon and that can lead to death. Impaction is where the bearded dragon’s digestive system clogs up. Another important factor is bearded dragon care is the heating and lighting.
Bearded dragons need UVB lighting so they can create vitamin d3 witch enables them to digest calcium. With out this your bearded dragon’s bones become very weak. You also need a basking spot with a bearded dragon so it can get up to the light and gain heat. A basking spot can be created with a simple heat light and sticks and/or rocks leading up to it. The temperatures for the basking spot should be between 105-110F for adults and 110-120F for babies / juveniles. Your enclosure should also have a cool side were the temperatures range between 75-80F, at night the temperature can drop to 65F. The lights should be left on 12 hours in winter months and 14 hours during summer month. Remember the bearded dragon needs heat to digest his food.
Feeding your bearded dragon can be difficult because as babies all the way up until they are about six months old they can eat up to 50 crickets a day! This is needed to ensure optimal growth and health and is very normal. Once they reach about 6 months old they slow down on their eating. As far as greens go they can eat collard & mustard greens, kale, dandelion greens, parsley, endives, radish, carrot and turnip tops, and escarole. You may also make 30% of the greens items such as squashes, peppers, carrots, peas, and beans. Greens should be offered daily and misted two times so your bearded dragon can lick up the water drops. The bearded dragon will also need to eat mostly crickets but can be fed meal worms and super worms at treats. Never feed your bearded dragon crickets that are bigger than the space between its eyes or it can cause impaction.
Altogether bearded dragons are great for all pet owners as long as you can commit yourself to owning one. You should always review a reptile before buying one either with care books or with online care sheets webpage’s such as http://www.lizardcaresheets.com. You must always provide the right food, lighting, and caging. They are the tamest lizard out their and would make an ideal pet for any family. The bearded dragon will not let you down.
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