Bearded dragons are quite hardy animals, so their cages don’t need to be cleaned as frequently as those of other animals. It is necessary to spot clean their cages at least once a week to remove uneaten food, feces and any other debris.
The entire cage, including the substrate, should be thoroughly cleaned every two to four weeks, depending on the size of the cage and how many bearded dragons are living in it. During the cage clean, the substrate should be removed and replaced with fresh substrate, and all furnishings, including hides, should be washed with warm soapy water.
The walls and floor of the cage should also be wiped down with a damp cloth. It is important to note that disinfectants should not be used in the cage, as this can be harmful to your bearded dragon.
Should I soak my bearded dragon in water?
No, you should not soak your bearded dragon in water. Although baths have been known to be beneficial for many types of reptiles, bearded dragons prefer to stay dry. Even though these lizards come from arid, desert conditions, they still need to be kept relatively dry in captivity.
Instead of giving your pet a bath, use paper towels to spot clean any dirt or debris from its body. You may also consider misting your bearded dragon with a spray bottle, as some of them enjoy a light shower.
However, it should not be completely soaked or even left in standing water. Doing so could make your dragon vulnerable to various health issues, including respiratory infection, scale rot and fungal infections.
Additionally, long exposure to water may compromise its metabolic processes, and can even lead to a fatal condition called buoyancy syndrome, where the dragon’s organs shut down due to having too much water in the body.
Is Dawn dish soap safe for reptiles?
No, Dawn dish soap is not safe for reptiles. While Dawn dish soap is relatively mild and safe for humans, it is not meant to be used with any type of pet. It is not formulated to keep the delicate skin and scales of reptiles moisturized and protected.
Additionally, the fragrances and other ingredients in Dawn dish soap can be irritating and even toxic for reptiles. Instead, reptiles should be bathed with water and a specialized reptile bath product designed for their particular species.
These products are usually pH-balanced and can help to prevent skin irritation and dryness.
How do I get rid of my bearded dragons smell?
Getting rid of the smell associated with your bearded dragon can be done by adequately cleaning their habitat and regularly cleaning them. Make sure you are providing them with a clean habitat by replacing their substrate and cleaning their tank regularly.
Scrubbing their tank to remove any leftover food or waste will also help eliminate odors. Additionally, spot cleaning their cage and washing any feeding utensils or bowls will help keep their habitat smelling fresh.
When cleaning your bearded dragon, ensure that you use lukewarm water, not cold or hot, and a mild detergent. Make sure you thoroughly rinse their body and tail to remove any soapy residue. Afterward, you can give them a spray bath with a 1/4 solution of chlorhexidine, as this is a safe disinfectant.
When you’re finished, make sure your bearded dragon has a dry place to bask and allow them to dry off before putting them back in their habitat.
Finally, correct nutrition for your bearded dragon is key for keeping their habitat smelling nice. Bearded dragons that are not receiving the correct vitamins and minerals in their diet can produce a foul odor.
Make sure you are providing them with a balanced diet of live insects, fresh veggies, and leafy greens. Additionally, food should be dusted with a vitamin and mineral supplement at every feeding.
Can I use Dawn to wash my bearded dragon?
No, you should not use Dawn to wash your bearded dragon. Dawn detergent is too harsh and can strip the natural oils from their body, resulting in dry and irritated skin. Instead, you should choose a specially formulated veterinary shampoo or a gentle, unscented soap for occasional baths.
Be sure to use lukewarm water and ensure that soap does not get into your dragon’s eyes or ears. After each bath, carefully dry your dragon with a clean, soft towel or crumpled paper towel, and use a separate towel or paper towel to dry their head.
Be sure to apply a light layer of reptile-safe moisturizer after each bath to help replenish the natural oils lost from their skin.
What do bearded dragons need in their cage?
Bearded dragons need plenty of things to live a comfortable and healthy life in their cage. Firstly, they require a large cage; one that is at least 4 feet long and 2 feet wide is ideal. Secondly, they need a basking light and a UVB light to keep the temperature and lighting consistent throughout the day.
Thirdly, substrate such as sand, mulch, or tile should be used for the bottom of the cage to avoid impaction if ingested. Lastly, they require hides, logs, branches and rocks for them to hide and climb around on.
A shallow dish of water should also be available for them to soak in as well as calcium and vitamin powders. Make sure to regularly clean the cage to avoid any bacterial or fungal infections.
Is bearded dragons easy to take care of?
Yes, bearded dragons are relatively easy to take care of. With the right equipment and care, these reptiles can make great pets. Although they can live up to 15 years, they are not overly complicated to maintain.
As a pet owner, you should provide them with at least a 40-gallon terrarium, proper temperatures, adequate lighting, and proper humidity levels. You need to make sure your bearded dragon has the proper enclosure, food, and water to keep them healthy.
Bearded dragons eat a variety of insects, leafy green vegetables, and occasional fruits. Be sure to gut-load the insects before feeding them to your dragon. Insects can also be dusted with calcium powder to keep your dragon’s bones healthy.
Besides food, it’s important to provide your bearded dragon with clean, filtered water. It’s also good to provide a scattering of vitamin and mineral supplements. Bearded dragons need 12-14 hours of light each day, split into two periods for optimal health.
During the day the enclosure should be kept between 85-90°F (30-32°C), while the nighttime temperature should be no lower than 80°F (27°C). You should also provide several places inside the enclosure that your dragon can bask in, as well as places to hide to feel safe and secure.
With the proper environment and nutrition, bearded dragons can be an awesome and rewarding pet.
How long can bearded dragons go without pooping?
Bearded dragons can usually go up to a week without pooping, though this is highly dependent on the individual dragon and their diet. If a bearded dragon is eating primarily a vegetarian diet, they may only go 1-3 days without pooping.
As long as the bearded dragon is showing normal behaviors and signs, such as eating and being active, a week without pooping is typically considered normal. However, if a bearded dragon hasn’t pooped in more than a week or if they are showing any signs of distress or discomfort, a vet visit may be necessary.
What causes bearded dragon to not poop?
Bearded dragons typically will not poop when they are feeling stressed, uncomfortable, or scared. If the environment around them is not a healthy or safe one, they may stop eliminating their waste. Additionally, if the temperature in their habitat is not suitable for them, they may become too stressed and stop eliminating their waste.
Intestinal parasites or infections can also inhibit a bearded dragon from pooping, as can an improper diet. Lastly, a diet that is too high in protein or calcium can lead to constipation in bearded dragons.
If you suspect that your bearded dragon is not pooping due to any of these issues, you should take them to a veterinarian for an evaluation.
How many times a day should a beardie poop?
A healthy bearded dragon should typically pass feces three to four times a day. Partially digested food material is also normal and is usually expelled shortly after your bearded dragon eats. Additionally, poop should be firm and have a rounded shape to it, rather than being overly soft and runny.
Diarrhea can be a sign of bacterial or parasitic infection, so if your bearded dragon’s poop is out of the ordinary in any way, you should take them to the vet for a checkup. The amount of poop that your beardie produces can also depend on their diet, so be sure to provide them with a complete and balanced diet of a variety of insects along with leafy greens and vegetables.
Additionally, be sure to monitor your bearded dragon’s behavior and environment to ensure they’re healthy and stress-free.
Do bearded dragons pee and poop at the same time?
Bearded dragons do not typically pee and poop at the same time. It is most common for them to alternate periods of pooping and peeing. Generally, bearded dragons will squat and pee first and then they will produce stools shortly afterwards.
This shows that bearded dragons do have the capability to both pee and poop at the same time, but it is not typical behavior. It is important to pay close attention to the behavior of your bearded dragon in order to ensure that they are healthy and that their elimination habits are normal for them.
If you notice any changes, then it is important to take your bearded dragon to a veterinarian for a checkup.
Can you potty train a bearded dragon?
Yes, it is possible to potty train a bearded dragon. Like any animal, it requires patience and consistency, but it is definitely something that can be done. To begin, purchase a large enough water dish for your bearded dragon to sit in or use a shallow container of lukewarm water.
Place your dragon in the water and begin watching for signs of urination or defecation. When you see these signs, make a verbal acknowledging sound or click your tongue to reinforce the association. This should help to teach your dragon that the water is the designated area for elimination.
Be mindful to always keep the water container far away from their food dish, as the smell of food can cause their bodies to become confused about which area is for elimination and which is for eating.
You’ll also want to ensure that your bearded dragon eliminates in the same spot each time and that you clean the area as soon as possible. If you’re consistent with this training and consistent with changing the water and cleaning the area, you should soon be able to begin potty training your bearded dragon.