Description
About Bearded Dragons
Bearded Dragons are native to Australia’s dry and semi-desert areas. They enjoy climbing and spend most of their time in shrubs and low trees. They also sunbathe in the sun on rocks and in warm locations. Bearded Dragons get their name from their unique puffy beards that become thicker and darker when it is irritated or angry.
Traits & Behaviour
“Beardies” are easy to handle and frequently appear to love being held and patted by their owners. Bearded Dragons are quite sociable by lizard standards.
Males in nature become territorial and might participate in ritualised dominance battles. Females may have similar issues. As a result, it is best for the owners to retain only one per enclosure.
Environment
Housing: A terrarium with a minimum of 160 Litres and a large floor surface is recommended. As a general rule, the larger the terrarium the better it is for the animal.
Substrate: Sand can be used as a substrate as it mimics their natural habitat. A 3-6cm thickness should be enough.
Decorations: Their terrarium can be decorated with hides, branches, rocks and plastic plants. A large rock or log should be included as a basking area where they can get the heat source.
Lighting & Heating: Maintain an ambient temperature between 24°C – 30°C. UVA/UVB bulbs should be placed above their basking spot. Basking spots should be at a temperature between 38°C – 45°C. A Thermometer can be used to measure the ambient temperature in their enclosure.
UVA/UVB lights are needed by reptiles to naturally produce vitamin D3, which helps them absorb calcium. Approximately 10-12 hours of light is ideal for them.
Humidity: Since Bearded Dragons come from the arid areas of Australia, it is advisable to keep the humidity between 20 – 30%. A hygrometer will help owners observe and measure the ambient humidity levels. Increase the humidity by misting the floor and surfaces when needed with a spray bottle.
Nutrition
Staple Food: As omnivorous lizards, a mix of vegetables and insects can be fed to Bearded Dragons. Shredded carrots, leafy greens. and peas should be fed daily and should be 40 – 60% of their daily diet.
Frequently feed them with live insects like crickets and mealworms. Adults should be given insects 2 – 3 times a week, with salads on the rest of the days. Feed as many insects as the lizard can eat in 3-5 minutes. All uneaten insects should be removed from the enclosure.
Supplements: Calcium is needed to strengthen their bones and aid them in shedding. Sprinkle calcium powder on their food before feeding.
Water: Place a shallow drinking bowl which cannot be easily tipped over in their enclosure. Make sure the bowl is away from the basking spot as it will heat up and evaporate the water. Always keep their water source clean by renewing it every day.
Habitat Maintenance
Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning the water bowl thoroughly and wiping the glass. The entire enclosure should be cleaned every couple of months.
Dragon Maintenance
Bathing your dragon isn’t required, however immersing it in lukewarm water 2-3 times each week will aid in pooping. When they shed, they do so in several pieces over a couple of days. The frequency of shedding depends on diet and time of year. Do not pull off their shredded skin prematurely as it can hurt them. Any abnormal shedding may occur near their claws and the tip of their tail. When this happens, they may need to be bathed to avoid any infection.
Supply Checklist
Here are some necessary supplies owners will need to keep their Beardies happy and healthy~
- An appropriate size terrarium
- Substrate
- Basking rock/log
- Decorations
- UVA/UVB lighting
- Food bowl
- Water bowl
- Calcium supplement
- Thermometer
- Hygrometer
- Vegetables
- Insects
And you’re set! All the best to you and your Beardie!
For further enquiries contact us at 03-7733 7469 or drop by our shop and speak to our team!