Fancy bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet lizards. These intelligent, friendly, and easy-to-care-for reptiles make wonderful pets for both children and adults. With the proper care and attention, your fancy bearded dragon can live a long and healthy life.
To take care of a fancy bearded dragon, follow these guidelines:
- Provide a proper habitat: Use a 40-gallon glass vivarium with a secure, well-ventilated top.
- Maintain temperature and humidity: Create a temperature gradient with a hot end (38-42°C) and a cool end (22-26°C). Use a heating pad/tape on the bottom of the enclosure and UVB heat lamps for lighting1. Keep humidity low and monitor it with a hygrometer.
- Offer a suitable substrate: Use reptile-safe sand or pebbles, avoiding calci-sand.
- Feed a balanced diet: Offer a mix of insects (e.g., crickets) and leafy vegetables.
- Ensure proper lighting: Provide a 10-12% fluorescent UV tube at the hot end to prevent metabolic bone disease.
- Handle with care: Bearded dragons are generally calm and tolerate handling well. Scoop one hand under the chest near the front legs and support the tail with the other hand.
- Maintain a 12-hour photoperiod: Use timers to ensure 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness.
- Bathe your dragon: Soak them in lukewarm water 2-3 times per week to help with defecation and shedding.
- Keep the enclosure clean: Use solid, easy-to-clean materials for the vivarium and furnishings.
- Wash your hands: Always wash your hands before and after handling your bearded dragon or their habitat.
Brief overview of fancy bearded dragons:
Fancy bearded dragons are native to Australia and can grow up to 24 inches in length when fully grown. Unlike other reptiles that can live for decades, the average lifespan of a fancy bearded dragon is around 8-12 years.
Their diet consists mainly of insects such as crickets, mealworms, and roaches while also requiring some vegetables like kale or collard greens. While they may not require daily attention from their owners like dogs or cats do, they still need proper care.
Importance of taking care of them properly:
Proper care is essential for the well-being of your pet fancy bearded dragon. Many health problems that affect these reptiles are preventable with proper husbandry techniques such as maintaining a clean enclosure or offering appropriate lighting conditions.
A healthy fancy bearded dragon will show signs such as bright colors, alertness, and an appetite for food and water while an unhealthy one will appear stressed with dull skin coloration and loss of weight.
It is important to remember that owning a pet is a responsibility that requires commitment and dedication; caring for your fancy bearded dragon will create a lasting bond between you two while improving its quality of life significantly.
Housing
Size and Type of Enclosure Needed
Fancy bearded dragons require an adequate space to live in. A minimum of 40-gallon tank or enclosure is recommended for a single adult bearded dragon, though many experts recommend a 75-120 gallon as a more ideal size.
A larger enclosure provides enough space for your reptile to move around and climb, which in turn, helps to maintain their physical health. Additionally, it’s important to choose the right type of enclosure for your pet.
Avoid glass enclosures as they do not provide proper ventilation and can cause respiratory issues. Instead, opt for a wooden or plastic tank with proper ventilation and secure latches.
Substrate Options
Choosing the correct substrate is vital when it comes to keeping your fancy bearded dragon healthy. Avoid using sand or loose substrates that can cause impaction if ingested. Instead, use substrates such as newspaper or paper towels which are inexpensive and easy to replace.
Other safe substrates include reptile carpets or tiles made from ceramic or slate. These materials are easy to clean and do not pose any risks of ingestion by your pet.
Temperature and Lighting Requirements
Maintaining the right temperature is critical in keeping your fancy bearded dragon comfortable and healthy. They require basking areas that reach between 95-110°F during the day with cooler areas measuring around 75-80°F at night. It’s important to avoid temperatures that are too hot as they can cause dehydration, heat stress, and even death.
In addition to temperature maintenance, fancy bearded dragons also need UVB lighting which helps them metabolize calcium properly. The UVB lighting should be on for about 10-12 hours each day so that they get enough sunlight exposure required for vitamin D synthesis.
Overall, creating the perfect home for your fancy bearded dragon is essential. Make sure you invest in a large and secure enclosure, proper substrate, and maintain the right temperature and lighting requirements to ensure they live happy and healthy life.
Feeding and Watering
Types of food to offer
Fancy bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plant and animal matter. A balanced diet for a fancy bearded dragon should consist of 80% vegetables and 20% insects.
Vegetables that are safe to feed include collard greens, kale, mustard greens, squash, and carrots. Insects that can be offered include crickets, mealworms, and waxworms.
It is important to gut load all insects before feeding them to your pet by feeding them a nutritious diet for at least 24 hours prior. Supplements are also an important part of a fancy bearded dragon’s diet.
Calcium powder should be dusted on all insects before feeding them to provide the necessary nutrients for strong bones. A multivitamin supplement can also be given once or twice a week.
Feeding schedule
Fancy bearded dragons should be fed once or twice a day depending on their age and size. Younger dragons require more frequent feedings than adults as they have higher metabolisms. Offer insects in quantities that your pet can eat within 10-15 minutes as leaving uneaten food in their enclosure can attract pests.
Vegetables should always be available in your pet’s enclosure for grazing throughout the day. These should be replaced daily to ensure they are fresh.
Importance of providing fresh water
Fresh water should always be available in your fancy bearded dragon’s enclosure in a shallow dish that is large enough for them to soak in if they desire. The water dish must always remain clean and filled with fresh water to prevent bacterial growth which could make your pet sick.
It is important to note that while some fancy bearded dragons may drink from their water dish regularly, others get most of their hydration from the vegetables they eat. Be sure to monitor your pet’s hydration levels and adjust their diet accordingly.
Health Maintenance
Taking care of a fancy bearded dragon involves regular check-ups with a veterinarian to ensure they are in good health. A vet can help identify any potential health problems early on, which can prevent the issue from becoming more serious. It’s important to find a vet who specializes in reptiles and has experience working with bearded dragons.
They will be able to provide proper care and advice for your pet. During check-ups, the veterinarian will examine the dragon’s skin, eyes, mouth, and overall body condition.
They may also perform a fecal exam to check for parasites or other health issues that may not be visible during an external examination. It’s important to bring your pet for these check-ups at least once or twice a year.
Signs of Illness to Look Out For
Bearded dragons can be stoic animals and may not always show obvious signs of illness until it becomes severe. Therefore, it is crucial for owners to keep an eye out for signs such as lethargy, loss of appetite, diarrhea or constipation, difficulty breathing or walking, swollen limbs or joints, and excessive discharge from the nose or mouth.
Any sudden changes in behavior should also be taken seriously as they could signal serious health issues. If you notice any concerning symptoms in your pet, seek veterinary treatment immediately because early detection is key to preventing serious complications from arising.
Common Health Issues and How to Prevent Them
Bearded dragons are prone to certain illnesses such as metabolic bone disease (MBD), respiratory infections, impaction (digestive blockage), dehydration, and parasite infestation amongst others.
These conditions occur due to improper husbandry practices such as inadequate lighting levels causing calcium deficiencies which lead to MBD; dirty enclosures resulting in bacterial infections; poor diet leading to digestion problems; unsanitary water leading to dehydration etc.
To avoid these issues it’s important to ensure your pet has an appropriate environment that matches their natural habitat as closely as possible.
This includes providing the right substrate, temperature and humidity levels, lighting schedules, and clean water. A healthy diet is equally important, which should include a variety of vegetables, fruits, and insects that are rich in nutrients.
It’s also crucial to maintain proper hygiene by regularly cleaning the enclosure and changing water supplies. Keeping your fancy bearded dragon healthy requires preventative measures such as regular check-ups with veterinarians to detect early signs of any potential health issues.
Handling and Socialization
The Proper Way to Handle a Bearded Dragon
Handling a bearded dragon can be a great way to bond with your pet, but it’s important to do it properly for the safety of both you and your pet. When picking up a bearded dragon, it’s important to support their entire body and avoid grabbing them by the tail or limbs.
Use two hands – one under their chest and the other supporting their hind legs. Be gentle and move slowly when handling them.
It’s also important to note that while bearded dragons may seem calm and docile, they can become stressed or scared easily. Avoid sudden movements, loud noises, or other stressors that could cause your pet to panic while being handled.
The Importance of Socialization for Their Mental Health
Bearded dragons are social creatures that thrive on interaction with humans and other animals. Regular socialization is essential for maintaining their mental health and overall well-being.
Interacting with your beardie through regular handling sessions can help build trust between you and your pet which is especially important if they’re young or just getting used to you.
In addition to spending time handling them every day, you should also provide opportunities for socialization through playtime outside of the enclosure or introducing them to other pets in a supervised setting. However, watch out for signs of aggression from either animal and never leave them alone together.
Tips for Bonding With Your Pet
Building a strong bond with your bearded dragon takes time, patience, and consistency. One way is by hand feeding them some of their favorite foods as this will help establish a sense of trust between you two.
You may also try talking softly around them so that they get used to hearing your voice. Another way is by providing enrichment activities such as creating an obstacle course inside the enclosure or introducing new toys on occasion.
By doing this, you are not only providing mental stimulation but also promoting physical activity which is important for their health. Just like any other pet, spending quality time with them will make the bond between you and your bearded dragon stronger over time.
Environmental Enrichment
Bearded dragons are intelligent and curious creatures that need mental stimulation to maintain their mental health. One of the best ways to provide this is through environmental enrichment. Environmental enrichment refers to providing a variety of activities or objects that encourage natural behaviors and stimulate the senses.
Types of Toys and Activities
When it comes to toys and activities, there are many options available for bearded dragons. These include climbing structures, basking platforms, hammocks, tunnels, and puzzles. Climbing structures can be made with driftwood or PVC pipes with non-slip surfaces to improve grip for your pet’s safety.
Basking platforms can be made from rock or wood and provide a place for your pet to rest while basking in the heat. Hammocks can also provide a comfortable resting spot for your pet while giving them the opportunity to climb around their enclosure.
Tunnels made from PVC pipes or natural materials like bamboo can offer a safe space for hiding, exploring, or playing games of chase with other beardies. Puzzles like mazes constructed from PVC pipes filled with treats can also stimulate your bearded dragon’s problem-solving skills while rewarding them with treats at the end.
Naturalistic Environment
Naturalistic environments mimic a bearded dragon’s natural habitat as closely as possible providing an enriched environment that encourages natural behaviour patterns in captivity. To create one you will need sand, rocks, logs, and plants among other things.
For example, adding live plants such as pothos will not only give your enclosure a more natural look but it can also help control humidity levels by absorbing excess moisture from the air. Rocks should be placed strategically so they form crevices where your pet will feel secure when hiding during daylight hours before emerging at dusk.
Logs placed vertically against walls provide opportunities for climbing just like in their wild habitat which they will find stimulating. The sand substrate should be at least 2 inches deep and spot cleaned regularly to maintain hygiene.
Hiding Spots
Bearded dragons need private hide areas to retreat to when they feel threatened or simply want some alone time. Providing hiding spots in the enclosure is essential for their physical and mental health as it allows them to control their environment while feeling protected.
Hiding spots can be created using logs, rocks, PVC pipes, or commercially available hide boxes. Make sure the hiding spot is large enough for your pet to fit in comfortably with a secure entrance and exit point.
Conclusion
Summary of the key points in taking care of a fancy bearded dragon
Proper care for fancy bearded dragons includes providing adequate housing, feeding and watering, health maintenance, handling and socialization, and environmental enrichment. The enclosure should be large enough to allow for movement and should include hiding spots.
The substrate chosen should be safe and easy to clean. Temperature and lighting requirements are crucial to the well-being of these creatures.
Feeding a diet consisting primarily of insects with occasional greens is recommended. Fresh water should always be available in a shallow dish.
Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can prevent serious health issues from developing. Handling your pet properly can strengthen your bond with it.
A reminder that owning a pet is a responsibility that requires commitment and dedication
Owning any pet carries responsibility, but owning an exotic animal like a fancy bearded dragon requires even more dedication. They have specific needs that must be met daily in order to thrive. While they can make wonderful pets, they are not ideal for everyone.
Before committing to owning any pet, potential owners should thoroughly research their needs and consider if they have the time, resources, and knowledge necessary to meet those needs long-term. If you choose to welcome one into your life, providing proper care will ensure many happy years together.
Taking care of a fancy bearded dragon is both rewarding and challenging work that requires knowledge, dedication, and consistency on the owner’s part. By following these guidelines closely you will ensure your pet enjoys good health while enjoying all the perks of having such an amazing creature as part of your family!
