Creating the ideal habitat for your Bearded Dragon involves several items that are necessary for its long-term health and happiness. First and foremost, you’ll want to provide your Bearded Dragon with a tank that is large enough for them to move around and explore.
Bearded Dragons typically require a minimum 20 gallon tank, but bigger is better. You’ll also need to provide a conditioning, with a basking spot that permits the Bearded Dragon to achieve temperatures between 95 to 105 °F.
A basking light, such as a low-wattage bulb, is necessary for creating a warm, inviting climate.
You’ll also need to fill the tank with substrate, such as play sand or reptile-friendly soil. This will help keep your Bearded Dragon’s feet healthy by preventing overgrowth, bruises, and blisters. Additionally, you should place a few large rocks and logs in the tank that your Bearded Dragon can climb on and explore.
This helps keep them stimulated physically and mentally.
Finally, you’ll need to provide your Bearded Dragon with a source of water and adequate vegetation. This includes placing a shallow water dish filled with fresh drinking water in the tank and adding fresh fruits and vegetable daily.
Adding live plants like Dracaena, Snake Plant, Areca Palm, and Ivy can provide extra humidity and make the habitat look more natural and inviting.
What bedding should I use for my bearded dragon?
When it comes to bedding for a bearded dragon, there are a few options to choose from. Prominent bedding choices include natural substrates such as: play sand, kiln-dried playground sand, calcium-rich sand substrates, outdoor turf, or a special reptile carpet.
Each of these options has their own advantages and disadvantages, so you’ll want to consider what will work best for you and your bearded dragon before making a decision.
Play sand is relatively inexpensive and does a good job of mimicking the natural environment that a bearded dragon would find in the wild. However, if the sand is too large or too fine, it can have a negative impact on the dragon’s skin and lungs.
In addition, you should be sure to check the sand regularly and on a weekly basis to make sure there aren’t any parasites present.
Kiln-dried playground sand is a great alternative to play sand as it is less dustier, cleaner and safer than regular play sand. It also consists of larger particles which makes it more comfortable for the dragon’s skin.
Unfortunately, the cost of this bedding option is higher compared to regular play sand and like with play sand, you’ll need to check the sand on a weekly basis for parasites.
Calcium-rich sand substrates are another popular option as they contain natural calcium carbonate, which is beneficial for habitats that contain reptiles and amphibians. This type of substrate is also less likely to cause impaction since the particles are larger compared to regular play sand and it doesn’t contain any fine powders.
The only downside is that calcium-rich sand substrates can be quite expensive.
Outdoor turf has become increasingly popular for bearded dragons due to its softness and comfort. It also provides an extra element of stimulation as the dragon can explore different textures. The downside, however, is that due to the material’s size, it can easily become clogged with fecal matter and other debris.
Thus, it will need to be routinely changed and cleaned.
If you don’t like the idea of sand or anything else, you can choose to use a special reptile carpet. This type of bedding is absorbent and is easy to clean. It’s also more affordable than some of the other options.
The downside is that it doesn’t mimic the natural environment that a bearded dragon would find in the wild and it may cause skin and respiratory problems.
Ultimately, the kind of bedding you choose for your bearded dragon will depend on a few factors such as price, ease of cleaning, the dragon’s comfort and overall health. Be sure to research each option before deciding which bedding is best for you and your dragon.
What’s the flooring for bearded dragons?
The flooring for bearded dragons should be safe and non-toxic to your reptile. A variety of materials are used to provide a comfortable and secure environment for bearded dragons.
Cork or Carpet: Cork or carpet tiles can be used. These provide excellent traction and comfortable footing for your dragon. Make sure to get tiles specifically made for reptiles as traditional carpets can contain chemicals that are harmful to your pet.
Rubber/Plastic Mats: Plastic or rubber mats can also be used and provide excellent protection from heat sources below the tank. These mats are also non-toxic and easy to clean.
Paper Towels: Paper towels are an inexpensive option for flooring. They work well for short-term housing, and can make it easier to spot any potential health issues in your pet’s droppings.
Sand: Sand is sometimes used as a substrate but this should be done with caution. Bearded dragons can swallow sand when eating food and it can cause health problems. If you choose to use sand, make sure it is specifically designed for reptile use.
Gravel: Gravel can be used as a substrate but should be kept to a minimum so that your pet will not ingest it. It should be kept clean and replaced regularly.
No matter which type of flooring you choose, make sure it is non-toxic and safe for your dragon. Monitor your pet’s health and take the necessary steps to ensure their wellbeing.
What do bearded dragons like in their tank?
Bearded dragons, also known as Pogona, need an environment where they can feel safe and secure, and are provided what they need to remain healthy. A tank set-up specifically designed for Bearded dragons should include a nonabrasive substrate like sand, natural substrate, or even newspaper which is easy to clean and replace.
The enclosure should be large enough to allow adequate movement and should include full-spectrum lighting, branch perches, rocks, and hideouts to give the dragon places to run around, climb and explore.
UVA and UVB lighting must also be provided to ensure proper vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption. Bearded dragons are primarily insectivores with a diet consisting of insects, such as crickets, roaches, and mealworms, as well as fresh vegetables and fruit.
Dried worms and plants can also be offered a few times a week for variety, but should not be relied upon as a main dietary staple. All of the food offered should be dusted with a vitamin and calcium supplement once or twice a week.
A shallow dish of water should be in the tank, as well as a misting bottle for daily morning baths and mistings. A few very small rocks should also be in the tank for the bearded dragons to rub against, as bearded dragons love to rub their chin on them to leave their scent to ward off potential rivals.
Do Beardies need blankets?
Bearded dragons (aka beardies) don’t strictly require a blanket in their enclosure. That said, there may be certain circumstances when adding a blanket could make your beardie’s habitat more enjoyable.
For instance, adding a cozy blanket or towel to your beardie’s terrarium can help create a sense of security, since the warmth and comfort of soft bedding is similar to how they’d relax in the wild. This also helps regulate their body temperature if the temperature in their enclosure is lower than what’s ideal for their health.
Furthermore, having a blanket for your beardie to lounge on can reduce their stress, especially during molting season when their skin tends to be dry and itchy. Just make sure the material of the blanket is machine-washable and easy to clean since it may become dirty from your bearded dragon’s feces or from the food they drop.
What time should I turn my bearded dragons light off at night?
Bearded dragons should have their lights off at night, usually 8-10 hours each night. During their natural photoperiod in the wild, which follows the sunsets, bearded dragons have consistent light cycles, so it is important for a captive beardie to follow a similar cycle.
A light timer should be used to make sure lights are being turned on and off around the same time each day. Some owners prefer to have their beardie’s lights off at 9-10pm and then turn them back on around 8am.
Another option is to have the lights off from 7-8pm and then turn them back on at 6am. Additionally, if you want to provide your beardie with natural sunshine throughout the day, you can place their enclosure outdoors in a secure cage so they can enjoy the sun’s cycle and get some extra basking time.
How can you tell if your bearded dragon is happy?
First, if your bearded dragon is active and basking in the sun, this is often a sign of contentment. Bearded dragons should also be eating regularly, looking around their tank and interacting with their environment.
They should also have a regular sleep schedule and basking in appropriate areas of their tank. If your bearded dragon is exhibiting energy and curiosity towards their environment, they may be quite content.
Furthermore, it’s important to look for signs of stress, such as retreating to corners of the tank, avoiding food, and not drinking water for a long period of time. If none of these signs are apparent, it is likely that your bearded dragon is quite content!.
Do bearded dragons need to be soaked?
Yes, bearded dragons need to be soaked regularly in warm, shallow water. Soaking helps to keep their skin hydrated and to provide them with a natural way to shed skin and old nail casings. Submerging the entire body is not necessary, as it can be stressful for the animal.
Instead, it is recommended to simply use enough warm water to cover the dragon from the neck down. The water should be approximately 10 degrees Celsius warmer than the ambient air temperature and no deeper than the bearded dragons’ belly.
The soak should last for 10 – 15 minutes, after which the dragon should be moved to a warm, dry location. Soaking bearded dragons can be done a couple of times a week, but should never be done more than once a day.
If a dragon appears to be shedding too much, then it should be reduced to once every few days or when shedding is observed. Additionally, health benefits can also be derived from a weekly soak with a biological cleaning product, such as Zoo Med ReptiBath or Marvis Reptile Bath.
These products are not meant to replace regular water soaks, but can be used as an aid to maintain good hygiene.
How do bearded dragons poop and pee?
Bearded dragons will typically poop and pee in separate piles, as they are able to distinguish the two functions separately. This is why you should provide two different kinds of substrates for a bearded dragon’s habitat–one for them to defecate on and one for them to urinate on.
As bearded dragons don’t have to bury their waste, they tend to prefer a more absorbent substrate for their waste. Paper towels, newspaper, and moss are all great absorbent substrates that can be used in a bearded dragon’s habitat.
Additionally, providing your bearded dragon with a designated area for their waste will help to keep their enclosure clean and free of odors. Bearded dragons typically defecate several times per day.
For urination, bearded dragons tend to pee all over the place, as they don’t have a specific area within their enclosure that they like to use. If you notice your bearded dragon peeing everywhere, it might be a sign that they are uncomfortable or stressed in their environment, or that they need to be given a bigger enclosure.
Can you use pee pads for bearded dragons?
No, it is not recommended to use pee pads for bearded dragons. Although it may seem like an easy solution to collecting your beardie’s waste, it can be dangerous for your reptile. Pee pads are usually made out of synthetic fabric that could lead to potentially dangerous chemicals being released in the heat of your bearded dragon’s habitat which could, in turn, make your dragon ill.
Pee pads could also pose a risk of ingestion as they are thin and can easily be swallowed. The best way to clean up waste from your bearded dragon is to use a scoop and substrate such as paper towels or newspaper.
You can then discard the waste in the trash or compost it. Additionally, it is important to regularly spot clean the cage to make sure your bearded dragon stays healthy and happy.