Everything You Need to Know About Bearded Dragon Care for Beginners
Are you considering getting a bearded dragon as a pet? These amazing creatures make great pets, but they do require special care and attention. This article will provide you with everything you need to know about bearded dragon care for beginners.
Habitat
The first thing you need to consider when caring for a bearded dragon is their habitat. Bearded dragons require a warm and spacious enclosure. We recommend a terrarium with a minimum size of 40 gallons for one adult bearded dragon. The terrarium should be placed in an area that is not too noisy or busy.
Bearded dragons also need a basking spot for warmth and a UVB light for vitamin D3 and calcium absorption. This will help keep them healthy and prevent any health issues.
When setting up your bearded dragon’s habitat, it’s important to avoid substrate that can cause impaction. Best options include reptile carpet or paper towels. Avoid sand and wood chips.
Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivores and need a balanced diet of protein, vegetables, and fruits. A healthy diet for your bearded dragon should consist of up to 80% insects, such as crickets and mealworms, and 20% vegetable, such as kale and collard greens.
Bearded dragons also require calcium supplementation. You can provide this by dusting their food with calcium powder once or twice a week.
It’s important to never feed bearded dragons foods that are toxic to them, such as avocado or rhubarb.
Behavior
Bearded dragons are generally gentle creatures and can be handled with care. However, they are solitary animals and should be housed alone. They can show aggression towards other bearded dragons or even humans if they feel threatened or stressed.
Beardies love to bask in the sun, so it’s important to provide them with plenty of natural sunlight through a window or with a UVB light.
It’s also important to note that bearded dragons are desert animals and need to have a dry environment. You should provide a water bowl for them to drink from, but you should also mist them with water every so often to help keep them hydrated.
Health and Wellness
Like any other pet, bearded dragons can get sick if not cared for properly. Regular check-ups with an experienced veterinarian are important to prevent any potential health issues.
Signs of a sick bearded dragon include lethargy, lack of appetite, black bearding, or abnormal bowel movements. If your bearded dragon displays any of these symptoms, it’s important to take them to the veterinarian right away.
In addition to regular check-ups, maintaining good hygiene in their enclosure is essential. A dirty environment can lead to various health issues.
In conclusion, bearded dragon care may seem daunting at first, but it’s relatively easy once you get the hang of it. By following the guidelines laid out in this article, you’ll be able to provide the best possible care for your bearded dragon and ensure they live a long and healthy life.
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