Are you thinking about getting a bearded dragon? If so, you’ve come to the right place as we’re going to give you everything you need to know about these amazing reptiles.
We’ll cover everything from what you need to know before you get a bearded dragon to how to care for them. We’ll even touch on common health issues and bearded dragon behavior.
What You Need To Know Before You Get A Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are social creatures that enjoy the company of their own kind. They need 12 to 14 hours of light every day and should be housed in a tank that is at least 20 gallons in size. A single dragon can live happily in a tank this size. Bearded dragons are omnivores and will eat both plants and insects.
The primary health concern for bearded dragons is obesity. If a dragon becomes overweight, it can develop health problems such as joint inflammation, respiratory issues, and even heart disease. To help keep your dragon healthy, make sure to give it plenty of quality food and water and monitor its weight regularly.
Bearded dragons also require proper humidity levels; if the tank isn’t at least 70 percent humidity, they will build up excess moisture on their skin which can lead to infection or scaling.
How To Care For Your Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons, or Pogona Vitticeps, are one of the most popular types of lizards in the world. They are known for their unique appearance (featuring a long beard), and they make great pets. Here are some tips on how to care for your bearded dragon.
Feeding Your Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons require a high-quality diet consisting of insects such as moths or silkworms, fruit, and veg, and even some types of succulents and flowers. Make sure to provide plenty of options so your dragon can select what he or she wants to eat. Do not overfeed your dragon; give him or her enough food but not so much that he or she becomes overweight.
Housing Your Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons need an enclosure that is at least 2 times their body length, with a minimum floor space of 1 square foot per animal. The enclosure should have humidity and temperature regulation capabilities, as well as a hide area where the dragon can rest and relax. Providing climbing branches and tunnels is also recommended for beaded dragons.
Temperature & Humidity Requirements For Bearded Dragons
Beards do best in temperatures between 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit (20-25 degrees Celsius), with relative humidity levels around 50%. If you live in an area with extreme weather conditions (such as hot summers or cold winters), be sure to provide supplemental heating/cooling equipment for your bearded dragon’s enclosure during those periods when the temperature outside is above/below these ranges.
Natural Lighting For Beardies
Keeping beardies properly illuminated indoors is important since it helps them digest their food properly and prevents eye problems such as myopia (nearsightedness). Provide artificial light only during daylight hours, using full spectrum bulbs if possible to ensure that all wavelengths of light are being absorbed by the reptiles’ eyes evenly (this will help prevent any type of color blindness). Avoid blue light sources, which can cause negative effects on skin health and behavior in reptiles!
Bearded Dragon Health And Common Illnesses
Bearded dragons are susceptible to a variety of illnesses, some of which are quite common in pet reptiles. By understanding the symptoms and treatments for these illnesses, you can help keep your bearded dragon healthy and happy.
Some common illnesses that bearded dragons are prone to include respiratory infections (such as bronchitis), mites, tail rot, and MBD (metabolic bone disease). In order to prevent illness in your bearded dragon, it is important to be aware of the symptoms that indicate a problem and take appropriate action.
For example, if your beardie starts showing signs of a respiratory infection such as increased coughing, burping, vomiting, or sneezing, take them to the vet ASAP! Likewise, if you notice any changes in behavior, appetite, or even walking it is important to get them checked out right away.
Fortunately, most illnesses in bearded dragons are treatable with antibiotics and other medications.
If your dragon is experiencing any of the following symptoms, it is important to take them to the vet: lethargy, difficulty breathing, increased appetite or thirst, rapid heart rate, seizures (especially if they are unprovoked), or vomiting.
Be sure to bring along a copy of your dragon’s medical history so that the doctor can determine which treatment plan is best for him/her.
Remember to keep an eye on your beardie’s health and get them checked out by a veterinarian if they start exhibiting any concerning signs or symptoms!
Bearded Dragon Behavior
Bearded dragons are known for their friendly and docile nature, making them popular pets. However, they have certain behaviors that are characteristic of their species.
One behavior is territoriality. Bearded dragons may become aggressive if they feel threatened, puffing out their beard, flaring their frills, or biting. To prevent this behavior, keep one dragon per enclosure or house them separately.
Hyperactivity is another behavior commonly seen in bearded dragons. They may become hyperactive if they are not given enough space or stimulation in their enclosure, leading to destructive behavior such as digging. To prevent this, provide a large and stimulating enclosure with plenty of hiding places and climbing structures.
Digging is another behavior bearded dragons are known for. They may dig in their enclosure for a variety of reasons, such as to create a hiding spot or bury their food. To prevent destructive digging, provide a digging area in the enclosure, such as a sand or soil substrate.
In Conclusion
Bearded dragons make great pets for those looking for an easy-to-care-for, low-maintenance reptile. They are social creatures that enjoy the company of their own kind and need at least 12 to 14 hours of light every day. A proper diet and housing are essential to keeping your bearded dragon healthy and happy. Bearded dragons are susceptible to a variety of illnesses, but most are treatable with medication. Keep an eye on your bearded dragon’s health and behavior, and provide them with plenty of love and attention!