![]() Feedingīearded dragons are omnivorous, and require a varied diet. Hardy plants like sansevieria, aloe, palms, and cycads may be used. Ideally, a rock should be placed under the heat lamp that is above the under-tank heater. Provide branches to climb, rocks to bask upon, and shelter to hide in. Good choices include newspaper, indoor/outdoor carpet, or, if routine disposal is possible, sterile potting soil. Never use sand (including biodegradable calcium-based sands), wood chips, or gravel. Since bearded dragons will eat bedding made of small particles, do not use them. The bottom of the enclosure should be covered with something safe and easy to clean. It must be able to maintain high temperatures but also be well ventilated. When building an enclosure, it should be at least 48" long, 24" wide, and 18” high. A single adult bearded dragon will do well in a 75 or 120 gallon aquarium with a screen top. Enclosureīearded dragons grow quickly, so it is best to start with a large enclosure. Lizards often defecate in their water, so it must be replaced daily and the pan disinfected with dilute bleach at least once a week. Provide a water pan that is large enough for the whole dragon to soak its body. Good ventilation is essential and the humidity should be moderate (40-60% RH). Heating elements can be dangerous if not used properly, and a smoke alarm is recommended. Care must be taken to prevent burns to the lizard. Obviously, at least two thermometers must be in use to monitor these temperatures, but digital thermometers that can measure ambient temperature are now readily available. When room temperatures are below 70F at night, use an under tank heater or a ceramic heat emitter. At night, the temperature should drop to 70-75F. Under tank heaters are useful to gently raise the overall temperature of the tank, but should be used with a thermostat or rheostat to accommodate changing ambient temperatures. Select the wattage of the bulb to provide the proper temperature within the tank. A lamp that emits heat should be placed above one end of the tank, providing a temperature gradient with one side of the tank warmer than the other. The daytime temperature of the tank should be between 80-85F with a basking spot ofĨ8-95F. Light bulbs with a screw-in end (even those sold as "full spectrum” bulbs) provide heat, but not UVB. It must be replaced every 3-6 months, because the UVB fades even though visible light is still emitted. This bulb must be placed no more than 12 inches from the basking site, and should be on a timer to provide about 14 hours of daylight and 10 hours of darkness. The best source of UVB is the sun, but a special fluorescent bulb containing no less than 5% UVB (should say so on package) can be purchased from a reptile shop. Ultraviolet B is required to maintain bearded dragons. Interesting behaviors include arm waving, head bobbing, and digging. They are curious and attentive to their surroundings. They are generally docile and usually take well to handling. Temperamentīearded dragons make wonderful pets. SizeĪdults will reach a total length of 15-20 inches. ![]() They become sexually mature between 10 and 18 months. In captivity, bearded dragons can live 7 to 10 years with proper care. Bearded dragons are ground dwellers, but will climb rocks and low branches. Visit the Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service website NATURAL HISTORYīearded dragons are found in the rocky, semi-desert areas of Australia and Tasmania. Call 53 to schedule an appointment with the Companion Exotic Animal Medicine and Surgery Service.ĭownload PDF of this "Bearded Dragon Care" article
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |