5 Things You Must Know About Bearded Dragon’s Care and Feeding
Bearded dragons are very popular among exotic pet lovers. They are easy to keep, and they come in vibrant colors, mostly in shades of red, brown, yellow, and white. They are friendly, and they are often known to move their hands in a way that says “hello.” Bearded dragons can live up to ten or twelve years in captivity, and they can grow up to be 24 inches long.
With proper care and feeding, you can make sure they live their entire lifespan. You can look up sites like https://www.topflightdubia.com/bearded-dragon-care-feeding.html for more details on them.
- Accommodating a Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are desert lizards. Hence, they are used to a dry environment, and they need plenty of space to move around- think about the open expanse of a desert. So, it would help if you got a tank of at least 35 to 40 gallons for an adult dragon. Space, where you set up the enclosure should be dry and warm, and there should also be a heating source as they do not do well in the cold. They are mostly solitary creatures, so do not try to pair them up with another dragon unless it is the mating season.
- Substrate
Unlike other lizard pets, your bearded dragon would need a bed of sand to replicate its desert origins. Use calcium sand, and spread them in layers of two to three inches. If your dragon is young, you can also opt for reptile carpets, which are now available in most pet stores. Clear out the waste once a week and add a layer of fresh bedding.
- Temperature
Your bearded dragon’s enclosure should have a heat source. They will also serve as hiding spots when the dragon feels like taking a nap in peace. On the other hand, since these animals are ectotherms, they also need a spot to cool off. Hence, it is best to have a thermometer in the enclosure in the initial days to make sure you are giving them the best temperature to thrive. The highest temperature should be around 110 degrees Fahrenheit, while the lowest should be about 75 to 85 degrees.
- Lighting
You should also place some branches or plants strategically so that they can climb up closer to the source of heat. The basking lamp must emit UVA or UVB light, and they would love to bask under it for up to 12 hours a day. However, turn it off at night. The humidity inside the enclosure should be ideally between 20% and 30%. Misting the enclosure lightly just once a day is enough.
- Feeding
Since bearded dragons and omnivorous animals, you can give them both meat and plant-sourced food. You should feed them two to three times a day. You can give them small insects like roaches, wax worms, mealworms, and silkworms. You can also give them leafy greens and carrots and comprise up to 25% to 30% of their diet. You can also give them bananas, melons, and apples once a week. You should dust calcium supplements on your bearded dragon’s food twice a week. Change their drink water daily.
By keeping these few points in mind, you will be able to care for your bearded dragon well enough. As long as they have a healthy appetite, vibrant skin, and stool of regular consistency, you do not have to worry much about their health.
