Caring for Bearded Dragons
Many reptile owners love to keep Bearded Dragons as a pet among all the reptiles. Both, first-time reptile owner or an experienced reptile owner prefers them. They are very docile in their nature and pet care can be done easily. Their average size is somewhere about 17 inches to 20 inches. Bearded Dragons are safe pets for kids too and thus their popularity among all is inevitable.Choosing a healthy Bearded Dragon
If you have decided to buy yourself a Bearded Dragon as a pet, it is very important to see that you bring home a healthy breed. To ensure the same, when you are at the pet store, observe carefully all bearded dragons available. Go for the one who is alert and active. Avoid buying a lazy, inactive Bearded Dragon, as it may be ill. Moreover, see the overall appearance and layout of its whole body. Prefer buying a more developed reptile rather than a very young one as they are highly vulnerable.Housing
Bearded Dragons need adequate housing, otherwise they can show health problems. You can house them either in a tank or an aquarium. A 55-gallon aquarium is spacious enough to house an adult Bearded Dragon. Put a flap or a lid at the top. Do not use a lid made of glass, wood or plexi-glass as it can block the light, airflow, and also will trap humidity, which is not good for the health of your reptile. Instead, use a screen top that will ensure proper air circulation and light, with no humidity.Lighting
Bearded Dragons need proper lighting, UV light as well normal light. You will require installing the bulbs in their enclosures. You will get these equipments easily at any leading pet store. While installing the bulbs, ensure that the light does not deflect through the glass, or it won’t be directed to the Dragon and hence will not be of any use.Proper Heating
It is important to take care of the provisions for proper heating inside the enclosure. The ideal temperature for them is 95 degrees to 100 degrees Fahrenheit at the night-time. In the day time, the temperature could be set till 85 degrees Fahrenheit too seeing the weather conditions outside. A young Beadie requires more heat than the adult one. There are heat emitters and lights specific for keeping your reptile warm are available at the leading pet stores. We advise using a thermometer to keep a n eye on the temperature near the enclosure.Substrates
You have to be careful while choosing the right substrate for your Dragon’s enclosure. However, if your Bearded Dragon is young, use reptile carpet available in the market or newspapers or paper towels. Do not use sand or any kind of wood shavings as a substrate. Young Bearded Dragons are curious to explore the surroundings and are capable of gulping down anything that comes their way. If they swallow sand or any wood shavings, they can end up hurting themselves internally and eventually die. In case of an adult, you can go for play sand or colour sand too. We advise you to go for reptile carpet, which feels like grass. Among all the substrates available, never buy walnut shells as they may cause great harm to your reptile too.Feeding
A proper diet for an adult Bearded Dragon comprises of both, the animals as well as the plants. A stable diet for them is a mixture of crickets along with green vegetables. An adult Bearded Dragon can also be given crock roaches, earthworms, etc. as an additional treat in the form of prey items. Remove any uneaten food item inside the enclosure as they can rot and become poisonous to the pets. There are few food items that should be avoided, as these are not digested well by bearded dragons. This includes food items with high content of Calcium, Vitamin A or citrus. Do not feed your pet with the insects that you have caught somewhere. You may never know which insect could be poisonous thus harming your pet. Reptile care is easy provided you know the chores to d. if you are unsure, you can hire a pet sitter who has this knowledge or seek a vet's advice on the matter.Water
Bearded Dragons need to keep themselves hydrated. It is a good idea to place a small bowl filled with water in their enclosures. Make sure you change the water regularly. In case you notice that the Bearded Dragon is not drinking from the bowl, make it drink the water by dripping it on his snout. You can also try creating ripples in the water in front of your pet as it will attract his attention, and he will be tempted to drink.Bathing
This is another way to keep your pet hydrated. Bathing for Bearded Dragons should be done once in a week. The water to be used should be warm and not too hot. Check that before putting the Dragon into the water. Follow this process- use a bathing tub, pour a little warm water, check the level of heat and then bathe your pet. After bathing, do not forget to disinfect the tub.Hygiene
Hygiene is important for any pet and the same goes for Bearded Dragon. Disinfect all the utensils such as water bowl, food bowl or enclosures that it uses or may leave faeces around. Moreover, wash your hands before or after handling it. This will ensure no passing of infections or diseases to each other.Veterinarians
It is important for you to spot a local vet nearby who is a reptile specialist when you buy a reptile as a pet. This is essential for regular general health checkups as well as in case of any emergency.With these simple yet important tips, you can ensure a longer and a healthier life for your Bearded Dragon. Avoid enticing pet myths which can destroy the life of your pet.