A male bearded dragon has two bulges on each side of its anus, while a female bearded dragon has a single bulge in the center. A small flashlight can help you see these bulges and help you identify a male or a female bearded dragon.
Bearded Dragon Care Bearded drakes require a clean environment to flourish. Regular cleaning of the habitat, including its substrate and accessories, is essential. You can use a sponge, washcloth or soft-bristled brush to clean the habitat. You should avoid allowing the habitat to become too filthy as this can be dangerous for the animal's health.
Bearded Dragon Resource Bearded Dragons have become a popular pet reptile, but their care is very complicated. This popular pet is being mistreated and under-cared for. You can learn more about how to care for a beardie by reading this article.
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Bearded dragons can display a variety of morphs. These morphs are mainly based on body types, but can also be derived from selective breeding.
When you’re looking for a bearded dragon, it’s important to understand the different morphs. A morph is a genetic mutation that results in certain traits. The most common are color variations. You can see a wide range of colors in beardies, including beiges, browns, and muted tans.
There are other morphs that result from genetics, such as visual morphs. These are inherited traits that are passed down from parents. They’re often the most unique beardie varieties. Some of them are translucent, meaning they have a transparent appearance. Others, such as hypomelanistic, lack melanin, which makes their skin lighter.
Bearded dragons like many other reptiles have specific lighting requirements that can be really confusing, especially for new owners that don’t have previous experience.
Because of that reason, having a good understanding when it comes to lighting the space of your bearded dragon is very important.
You should know there are plenty of options when it comes to lighting for bearded dragons and choosing the wrong setup can be harmful to your pet. However, if you carefully read our guide you will get plenty of information about setting up proper lighting for your pet.
To choose the right species, you should research its size and habitat. Some beardie species grow smaller than others, like the dwarf bearded dragon. The dwarf bearded dragons grow from fourteen to 18 inches.
If you hold them flat (instead of cradling them) they will feel safer. When you get a new dragon, give them three to four days to adjust before attempting to handle for short periods of time.
If handled incorrectly, the skin of a bearded Dragon is rough. This reptile will become more docile once it is accustomed to being handled. Handling the beardie with light gloves or long sleeves will prevent any minor cuts and scrapes. Keep in mind, however, that all reptiles are susceptible to Salmonella bacteria and can get severe illness if they are not treated.
How Big Can Bearded Dragons Grow Before you bring a bearded Dragon home, you need to understand how large they can grow. These reptiles can vary in size depending on their genetics. They should be kept in 55 gallons and larger tanks. A larger tank will offer more hiding spaces and be closer in proximity to their natural habitat. Although it's fine to start small, as your beardie grows older, you will need to upgrade to a larger tank.
A diurnal lizard, they are awake and active during the daytime. They should get 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. Bearded Dragons require an ultraviolet light to be fully-healthy (and when combined with calcium supplements helps to prevent Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism and Metabolic Bone Disease). UVB bulbs can be monitored with a UV radiometer and should be replaced every 6-12 months. In addition to a UVB bulb, they should also be provided with a 40 to 75W infrared bulb to bask in.
You should set up your bearded dragon's habitat before you take it home. It should have heat, ultraviolet light, and food. Also, make sure to inspect all equipment, especially the basking pads. You should maintain an even temperature throughout your day. Keep the humidity as low and as low possible.
Gotcha. What would you say is the proper day/night cycle in terms of how long lights be on for and at what times? I would not recommend giving your dragon a day/night cycle that differ from local rhythms so significantly. You should be fine to just offer salad first thing in the morning before you go to work. Bugs can also be offered in a dish first thing in the morning, or via a slow feeder like the Exo Terra “Termite Mound” cricket feeder. However, if you have to offer the bugs after you get home from work, that’s pretty late, but not the end of the world.
Can you recommend organizations/businesses to buy a bearded dragon? I’ve read that box pet stores aren’t the greatest. Is this true? Our older son has been asking for one, but I don’t know the reliable places to get one. Thank you.
If you have a larger beardie, you may also want to add a space heater or a room thermostat. Make sure to have a fire alarm as well. A thermometer is also necessary for monitoring the temperature. You can purchase one for a few dollars at an online store.
Leopard geckos shed their skin throughout their entire lives. But, unlike mammals, reptiles shed their skin all at once and not continuously. If their diet and environment are right, usually geckos shed without a problem. Some owners will see no.
Bathing your bearded dragon is important for several reasons. Hydration is one of the biggest ones. Many beardies don't like drinking from bowls, but will happily slurp up their bathwater. Baths are of course also important for hygiene.
Many reptiles do cry, including bearded dragons, but they do this because the flow of tears helps to clean out and protect their eyes, not because they are unhappy.
Bathing your bearded dragon is important for several reasons. Hydration is one of the biggest ones. Many beardies don't like drinking from bowls, but will happily slurp up their bathwater. Baths are of course also important for hygiene.
Bearded dragons are able to imitate other bearded dragons to open doors. “The ability to learn through imitation is thought to be the pinnacle of social learning and long considered a distinctive characteristic of humans.