Basic Tips For the First Time Bearded Dragon Owner

As a first-time bearded dragon owner, there are several basic tips to keep in mind. These tips cover feeding, housing, disease prevention, lighting, and heating.

Feeding tips

Feeding your bearded dragon a nutritious and balanced diet is crucial. As omnivores, they can consume vegetables, fruits, insects, and some small animals. Offer a variety of insects like crickets, beetles, and spiders. Vegetables like spinach, broccoli, and carrots are good options, as well as fruits like apples and bananas. Nutritionally balanced pellets are also available in the market.

Housing tips

Bearded dragons should be kept in enclosed housing with enough space to behave like they would in the wild. A 120cm by 60cm enclosure can house one to three adult reptiles. The enclosure should include branches and multiple hiding areas. A water source for drinking and soaking should also be provided. Pet stores offer housings suitable for bearded dragons.

Disease prevention tips

Maintaining high hygiene standards in the housing and regularly visiting the vet can help prevent diseases. Owners should be aware of signs of sickness like incomplete shedding, color changes in scales, inactivity, and poor feeding habits.

Lighting tips

Bearded dragons require high intensities of ultraviolet (UV) light. A fluorescent lamp designed for reptile use should be used within 60cm of the dragon. There should be no Perspex or glass between the dragon and the light to avoid filtering the intended UV light. Bearded dragons require 8 to 10 hours of UV light daily.

Heating tips

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded and can't regulate their body temperature. A heating area in their housing allows them to maintain their body temperature. First-time owners should maintain a temperature map to monitor the dragon's heating needs.