Bearded dragons make an excellent choice for reptile enthusiasts as they are docile and breed well in captivity. They are also a great option for beginners who are dedicated to keeping their pets healthy and happy as they are easy to care for.
With proper care, bearded dragons can live up to fifteen years. If you are new to caring for these creatures, it’s important to know the proper way to care for them. You will need to provide them with the correct enclosure, water, food, substrate, lighting, and temperature.
The correct diet is crucial for bearded dragons, as they are omnivorous creatures that eat vegetables, fruits, and insects. Insects can be purchased from pet stores or caught on your own, but keep in mind that store-bought insects may have been exposed to harmful substances. It’s best to provide them with fresh vegetables daily and dust their food with calcium for proper growth.
Bearded dragons require a lot of space, so it’s important to provide them with a large enough enclosure. For young hatchlings, a tank of 10-15 gallons is sufficient, while adults will require a terrarium of 50-55 gallons. Their enclosure should be rectangular in shape to provide more length than height as they are semi-arboreal. A screen lid should be used to prevent escape, and the best substrate to use is vinyl, paper towels, or tiles.
Proper lighting is essential in a bearded dragon’s enclosure as they require a UVB bulb for the production of vitamin D3, which aids in calcium metabolism. They should have 14 hours of bright light and the rest of the day should be spent in darkness.
To keep their body temperature even, bearded dragons require a gradient temperature in their enclosure. The basking area should be between 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit, while the cooler side should be around 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature should be lowered to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the evenings.
During winter, bearded dragons will slow down and may hide away for a few weeks, but this only applies to older dragons as younger ones will still need to eat regularly.
Bearded Dragons Care For Beginners 