Here are some bearded dragon care tips to ensure that these magnificent animals have a long and happy life.
Pogona is a reptile genus that includes six species of lizards often known as bearded dragons. These dragons are known for their black and puffy “beard” on their underbelly (or neck), which can appear due to various factors like stress or when they feel threatened.
Bearded dragons spend a substantial amount of time perched on branches, shrubs and in close proximity to humans. During the mornings and afternoons, Pogona species rest on rocks and exposed branches. Insects, plants, and sometimes small rodents provide the bulk of their food. They can be found in deserts, shrublands, and eucalyptus woods across Australia.
So, let us know something about the caring and maintenance of your bearded dragons.
Bearded Dragon Maintenance and Care
Contents
Here are some caring guides for your precious bearded dragon.
Substrate
While there are various types of substrates suitable for Bearded Dragons, it is vital to remember that they produce nasty poops. Many people feel that hard flooring, like tile or reptile mats, is the simplest way to maintain cleanliness and sanitize. Paper towels and newspapers provide excellent substrates that can be thrown away when it becomes filthy.
At the same time, excavator clay is an excellent choice for the imaginative owner who wants to construct caverns and hills. However, do not allow your bearded dragon to ingest sand or anything else accidentally, particularly when hatchlings or in a juvenile state, since this can result in a fatal intestinal impaction.
Tank/Terrarium
A minimum of 55 gallons should be maintained in a tank for an adult bearded dragon, although bigger is preferable. This cage will need plenty of area for sunbathing and will enable your bearded dragon to escape the heat when desired. Additionally, this container will need a well-fitting cover to eliminate the possibility of any escape attempts.
Food
Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means their diet contains both animals and plants. However, they are not fussy eaters and devour their food. Therefore, crickets and mealworms, in particular, should be sprinkled with a vitamin/mineral supplement and calcium.
Also, you can give Dubia roaches to your bearded dragon. These roaches provide the high-quality protein that bearded dragons require, and they supply around 54% of their protein requirements. Unfortunately, high-quality Dubia roaches are pretty hard to find. However, you can visit https://www.topflightdubia.com/ to get premium quality Dubia roaches online.
Veggies
Make sure to provide your dragon with finely cut vegetables and fruit. Give vitamin-dense meals. Moreover, sprinkle a proper quantity of powdered supplements on these foods. Avoid iceberg lettuce since it is deficient in nutrients.
Other Foods
You can also feed commercially available feeds from reputable reptile product suppliers. These meals have been specially developed for bearded dragons. They can be an excellent supplement to the fresh meals that your bearded dragon consumes daily.
Pinky mice are also a favorite food of bearded dragons. Additionally, pet retailers have a selection of nutritionally balanced premade diets. Again, if you keep your dragons on the sand, provide food in a shallow dish rather than directly on the substrate.
Water
Bearded dragons can be misted with a water spray bottle. They will lick water droplets off cage walls, rocks, other surfaces, and themselves. Avoid going overboard, as you do not want their cage to get overly damp and humid. Instead, provide water in a big enough dish for them to soak. Maintain the cleanliness of this dish and the water contained therein.
Maintenance and Upkeep
Ensure the health of your dragon before bringing them inside your house. A healthy dragon will not be sluggish and will maintain an upright posture, particularly when approached. Examine their eyes and nose to ensure they are clear and not runny and rule out exterior injuries.
Although some pets can still enter hibernation, their environment must be managed to maintain sufficient heat and light. As with hibernation, colder temperature makes them inactive for weeks, if not months. Your pet will become less active, sleep more, and consume fewer calories. They will be content as long as they have a warm, dark area to rest.
Feed your pet a nutrient-dense meal and expose them to sunshine for at least 20–30 minutes twice a week. Their enclosure should be secure against escape and predators, with enough shade to avoid overheating.
Traveling
Allow your pet to adjust to its new environment during the first week. Following this phase, you can connect with them by picking them up or regularly allowing them out of their cage. When picking up your bearded dragon, flatten your hand and keep it low to the ground while waiting for your pet to approach you.
Keep your dragon warm during shipping by covering it with a towel and putting it in a vented box. A plastic container with ventilation holes might suffice. Additionally, you might include a hot water bottle to make your pet extra cozy. Make sure there is sufficient space to stay away from it.
Medical Care
Bearded dragons are prone to internal and external parasites, gastrointestinal bugs, skin diseases, and nutritional deficiencies, and can be lethal if left untreated.
Regularly inspect your dragon for indications of illness. Consistent skin shedding, blisters, abrasions, ulcers, or discolored patches are all warning flags. If they are not eating, it can be due to an illness or as part of their brumation. If in doubt, consult your local Vets.
Feed your pet a variety of vegetables and insects to prevent disease. Maintain a tidy enclosure for them. Allow them to bask in the sun to maintain their nutrition and vitamin levels.
Pet Protection
Maintain a record of your pet’s behavior in their new home, note all changes. weigh them weekly or biweekly when they are underweight. This will make it simpler to determine what is wrong with your pet if they get sick.
If you have more than one bearded dragon, particularly numerous males, give each one its room to prevent bullying or fighting. Also, consider dividing their enclosure with rocks.
It is essential to allow your bearded dragon out of the cage regularly. This will benefit their health in an optimum way and will help them get used to human contact.
Conclusion
Caring for a bearded dragon is not difficult, but introducing one into your house should only be done after thoroughly considering the price and care involved. As pets, they are lovely, and they can be satisfying. They appreciate human contact and can identify individuals, making it easier for you to connect with them. They will be around for a long time if you properly take care of them!
