How To Take Care of a Bearded Dragon
The omnivorous bearded dragon makes a popular pet because it does not require high maintenance and is a good medium-sized reptile. You can keep bearded dragons in aquariums. You should generally only purchase matured or full-sized bearded dragons, as young bearded dragons are too fragile for beginner reptile enthusiasts. Bearded dragons originated in Australia and get their name from puffing their necks out when threatened or to show off. Bearded dragons can grow up to 22 inches in length and live up to 10 years.
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Instructions
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Set up a 55-gallon aquarium for the bearded dragon. Smaller aquariums don't give the bearded dragon enough room to roam around. Cover the cage with a screen cover to allow sufficient air circulation.
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Cover the bottom of the aquarium with sand for mature bearded dragons. Use newspaper for younger bearded dragons, which will try to eat the sand. Add rocks and artificial logs to the bearded dragon's habitat.
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Install a heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter to create a basking area for the bearded lizard. The temperature for the basking should range from 95 to 110 degrees F, with the main temperature of the cage ranging between 75 and 85 degrees F. Use full spectrum lights to keep the cage lit for 12 to 14 hours per day.
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Spray the cage and bearded dragon's food with water because bearded dragons lick up water from their habitat and not usually from a water dish. Apply a vitamin supplement powder to the bearded dragon's food. Feed the bearded dragon crickets, mealworms and other insects two to three times each week. Use leafy greens, vegetables and fruit as the main components in the bearded dragon's diet, according to The-Lizard-Lounge.com.
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References
- Photo Credit Bearded Dragon Push-Up image by getgrim from Fotolia.com
