Bearded Dragon Care Sheet:
Bearded Dragons are wonderful for a first time lizard owner. These natives from Australia love attention, and most lounge around on the shoulders of their owners enjoying the sights. Their gentle, easy going disposition, and small size, allows even the more timid person to care for them easily.
Natural History:
Bearded Dragons are naturallyfound in the desserts and scrublands of Central to Eastern Australia. Dragons are opportunists when it comes to eating. Their diet consists of various plant matter, insects, small lizards and rodents. The exporting of wild-caught bearded dragons has been banned in Australia since the 1950’s.
Size and Longevity:
Most dragons will grow toabout 15-20 inches, while there are some genetic strains that will produce bearded dragons up to 30 inches. There is no size difference between males and females.
Housing:
A bearded dragon grows fastin the first year his life. Until the hatchlings are about 10 inches long, one dragon can live very happily in a 20 gallon glass aquarium, or reptile cage of the same size. If three or more hatchlings are to share the cage, a 40-55 gallon would give them the space they need to grow. One or two adult bearded dragons can live happily in a 30-40 gallon enclosure. A screen cover is a necessity to thwart bearded dragons from exiting the cage without permission, and to prevent any unwanted guests from entering to make a meal of the little dragon. There should not be any substrate in the cage until the dragon is longer than 12 inches. Little dragons like to taste everything, and most substrate is too large to pass through her small digestive tract. Plus, the cage is easier to clean.
Lighting is very important for a dragon’s health. A good UV-B bulb needs to be mounted to run the length of the cage. We recommend ZooMed Iguana Light 5.0 for 20 to 30 gallon cages, or ReptiSun 10.0 for larger cages. This fluorescent bulb helps the dragon process calcium, and must be replaced once a year. A heat lamp also needs to be placed on one end of the cage, and should be the appropriate wattage to maintain a temperature of 110 degrees directly under the light. A perch, of some kind – a stable piece of driftwood, or flat stackable rocks, should be placed in the cage under the heat light so the dragon may bask at his leisure.
Feeding:
A hatchling dragon requires alot to fuel her fast growing body. A dragon’s omnivorous diet consists of crickets, fresh greens, wax worms, and a nutritionally balanced pelleted food. Only feed a dragon, no matter what his age, crickets that are no bigger than the space between his eyes. Feeding crickets that are too large will result in impaction and/or spinal cord injury. Feed 5-10 crickets at a time, until the dragon seems uninterested. Crickets should be dusted with a quality Calcium powder which does not contain Phosphorus to help your dragon grow and remain healthy. Never leave uneaten crickets in the cage as they may, in turn, feast on your dragon as it sleeps. Fresh collard greens or sweet potato need to be cut into fine pieces to prevent impaction. Never feed your dragon meal worms as the head of the worm may not be crushed, and could possibly chew its way back out. Wax worms, or even a small pinky mouse, would be a better substitute. A small shallow dish of pellet food may be left for your dragon to snack on.
Water is important to any animal. Another shallow dish of water for your dragon to drink, or splash around in if she wants, should be placed on the opposite side of the cage from the heat lamp to slow down the evaporation process.
General Care:
Bearded dragons are a littleskittish until they get to know their owners. When holding a hatchling, have him face towards your chest. In the event the dragon decides to jump, he will land on your chest saving him from a potentially harmful fall. Always keep a close eye on your dragons when they are outside their cage, there are many places, and other animals, that can harm a small dragon. And as with any animal, wash your hands after playing with your dragon, or touching anything in the cage, to prevent the spread of diseases.
AdditionalSupplies and Information:
Please contact Exotics &Aquatics Pet Store
We have all the necessitiesyour new Bearded Dragon needs, and we will gladly answer any questions you have.