Bearded Dragons
The inland bearded dragon is generally considered one of the all-time best lizard pets. It is known for being alert, hardy and tame, and bearded dragon owners love watching their lizards, whether during a feeding frenzy while chasing crickets or simply interacting with each other. Bearded dragons exhibit interesting behaviors, too, such as “arm waving,” in which a female (and occasionally males) may lift a front leg in the air and “wave” it as a submissive gesture. The spiny “beard” from which the lizard gets its common name may also be extended, though it’s uncommon for tame captives to do so; dragons typically do this when alarmed.
Hatchlings measure about 4 inches; large adults can be nearly 2 feet in length. Average captive lifespan is between six and 10 years, though there are reports of specimens living twice that long.
While a hatchling dragon could live in a 20-gallon aquarium for a short time, it will quickly need a larger enclosure. A 75-gallon aquarium or equal-sized enclosure is OK for an adult dragon. However, a 4x2x2 terrarium should be used.
A basking site of about 90-110 degrees Fahrenheit works well for them, 90 for adults, 100-110 for juvies. The basking site should be positioned on one side of the enclouser, over a rock, branch, etc. . Keeping the spotlight at one end of the cage will allow your dragon to thermoregulate (move between a cooler end of the enclosure and the hotter end with the basking area). The cooler end of the enclosure can be kept at about 80 degrees. In addition to a basking light, a UVB light is MANDATORY. Spiral UVB bulbs can be used however T5HO are prefered. This lighting is critically important for dragons that are kept indoors, as it assists them in synthesizing vitamin D3, which aids in calcium absorption. Keep the humidity level between 20-40%. A hygrometer (humidity gauge) will help you to monitor humidity.
Sand is commonly used with bearded dragons, though there is concern, especially when keeping young lizards, that intestinal impaction could result if they accidentally eat some. We were at Pets Unlimited prefer Zoo-Meds Forest Floor as it is too large for accidental ingestion and it can aid in humidity if need. Reptile carpets are also another good idea. However they should be spot cleaned daily and replaced weekly to inhibit bacterial growth.
Bearded dragons are omnivorous, meaning they eat both animal and plant matter. The can be picky with greens at a young age but it is very imporatnt to continue to offer hearty greens. Insects, such as crickets and mealworms, should be dusted with a vitamin/mineral supplement and calcium 2-3 times per week. Bearded dragons will also eat pinky mice, and a wide variety of nutritionally balanced manufactured diets are available at pet stores.
Mist bearded dragons using a water spray bottle; they’ll lick water droplets off cage walls, rocks, etc., as well as themselves. Don’t overdo it; you don’t want their enclosure to get too wet and become humid. Offer water in a dish that is large enough for them to soak. Be sure to keep this dish and the water in it clean.