What To Know Before Getting A Bearded Dragon? 

What to know before getting a bearded dragon? Bearded dragons make great pets for both children and adults, but there are some things you should know before bringing one home. In this blog post, we …

Clogged pores can lead to skin problems for your dragon, so it's essential that you learn how to unclog them

What to know before getting a bearded dragon? Bearded dragons make great pets for both children and adults, but there are some things you should know before bringing one home. In this blog post, we will discuss what to look for when choosing a bearded dragon, what they need in their habitat, how to care for them, and more. This way you can be sure you are making the best decision for your family.

What To Know Before Getting A Bearded Dragon?

what to know before getting a bearded dragon

Bearded dragons are becoming an increasingly popular pet, and it’s not hard to see why. These friendly reptiles are relatively low-maintenance and make great companions. However, there are a few things you should know before bringing a bearded dragon home.

  1. Enclosure: One of the most important considerations is enclosure. Most bearded dragons need a spacious enclosure with plenty of room to explore and climb and you will need to provide your pet with a suitable enclosure. Bearded dragons come from arid environments and need a warm, dry habitat. A glass enclosure with a screen top is ideal, and you will need to provide a basking spot and enough space. You will also need to maintain proper humidity levels in the enclosure, as too much moisture can lead to respiratory problems.
  1. Cost: Anyone who’s thinking about getting a beardie needs to be aware of the cost of ownership. Beardies are one of the costliest lizards you could purchase as a pet. They could cost you around two hundred dollars at your local pet store but some bearded dragon breeders might cost even more. The thing you must know is that bearded dragons live around twelve to fifteen years so they are a long-term commitment. If you do not want a long-term reptilian friend, then this lizard is not the right choice for you. Aside from the cost, these friendly lizards grow anywhere from eighteen to twenty-four feet long meaning they will need a decently sized tank or terrarium. While the initial purchase price may not be too bad, several ongoing costs that can add up quickly. For example, beardies need a special diet that includes live insects. When looking into getting a Beardie, do not forget about the cost of live food, substrates, and supplements needed to keep your bearded dragon healthy. A well-rounded diet for your reptile should include vegetables, fruits, insects, and meat.  Commercial diets formulated specifically for bearded dragons are also available and can be used as part or all of your pet’s diet. Your dragon’s food should be filled with a calcium supplement before feeding to help ensure proper nutrition. An adult bearded dragon should be offered food two to three times per day while baby beardies should be offered food more. 
  1. Diet: You will need to provide your pet with a balanced diet. Bearded dragons are omnivores, so they will need to eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists mostly of crickets and other insects. You can purchase crickets from most pet stores, or you can raise them yourself. crickets should make up the majority of your pet’s diet, but you can also offer them the occasional piece of fruit or vegetable as a treat.
  1. Food: Food is the most important thing you need to know before getting a beardie. They are mostly insectivores so you need to provide them with a variety of insects. The good news is that they are not picky eaters so any type of common house insect will do. You can also supplement their diet with some vegetables and fruits. It is best to avoid giving them too much protein as it can lead to health problems later on in life. In terms of food, there are a few things to watch out for. Make sure the insects you give them are not too big as they might choke on them. Also, avoid giving them food that has been sprayed with pesticides as it can be toxic to them. If you are not sure what types of food to give them, you can always consult with a vet or an experienced breeder.
  1. Housing: Another important consideration is housing. Bearded dragons are desert animals, so they require a warm, dry environment. A glass aquarium with a mesh lid makes a good home for your pet. The enclosure should be at least 30 gallons in size. You will also need to provide a UVB light to help your pet absorb calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease. Bearded dragons come from Australia and as such, need a basking spot that simulates their natural habitat. The basking temperature should be around 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit. A mercury vapor bulb or ceramic heat emitter is ideal for this. Place it on one side of the tank so your bearded dragon can regulate its temperature by moving between the cooler and warmer areas of the enclosure. The cool side of the tank should be around 75-80 degrees Fahrenheit. At night, you can turn off all lights and allow the tank to cool down to around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. This will give your bearded dragon the temperature gradient it needs to stay healthy. 
  1. Tank: This is probably the most important thing you need to know before you get your bearded dragon. A lot of people try to save money by getting a smaller enclosure, and then every few months they have to go buy a new one because their dragon has outgrown it. Bearded dragons are from the desert, so they need a warm basking spot on one end of the tank and a cool side on the other end (with a temperature gradient in between). They also need UVB lighting to help them process calcium properly and prevent metabolic bone disease. Once you have all of that setup, then you’re ready to bring your new bearded dragon home!

Do Baby Bearded Dragons Suffer From Metabolic Bone Disease?

what to know before getting a bearded dragon

Metabolic bone disease is a common problem in most bearded dragons, especially those that are kept in captivity. The most common symptom of metabolic bone disease is a softening of the bones, which can lead to fractures. In severe cases, the backbone may become curved and the liver may fail. Metabolic bone disease is caused by a lack of vitamin D3 in the diet, and it can be prevented by ensuring that your bearded dragon has access to UVB light. vitamin D3 helps the body to absorb calcium, which is essential for strong bones. without enough vitamin D3, the body will leach calcium from the bones, causing them to become weak and brittle. Metabolic bone disease can be fatal if left untreated, so it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms. If you think your bearded dragon may be suffering from metabolic bone disease, contact a veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

There are a few things you should know before getting a bearded dragon as a pet. They are active lizards that need space to move around, and they require special care when it comes to their diet and habitat. Bearded dragons can make great pets for the right owner, but be sure to do your research before bringing one home!

Leave a Comment