New Dragon In the House

[Defratos]

Hello everyone, so we took my 4 year old to the pet store just for a visit. Got him to pet some cats and walk around. As soon as he saw the one bearded dragon they had in the store he went crazy and wanted to buy it (secretly inside I also wanted him to buy it ) we tried to convince him of a cat (or at least my wife did) but he was adament he wanted the dragon, so I took the opportunity to quickly scoop him up and take him back home.

Now I've owned a bearded dragon when I was younger and he was one of the best pets I've ever had, loved him to bits, so I'm very excited about our new addition to the family.

It's probably been 20 years since I've owned a dragon and need to freshen up on basic care for him.

The lady at the pet store told me he's a 6 month old male (although I feel he's older) he's around 43cm long (anyone that can help me guess his age would be appreciated).

As soon as we got home I quickly realised the tank and setup they gave us was not right for a bearded dragon (it was more suitable for lizards and other tropical reptiles). Also it came with no basking light which was really annoying to see as they don't seem to care how the dragon will be treated after purchase. Anyway I went back and bought a bigger tank (the only tank they had with some sort of a basking light) (pictures attached) it shows its for a snake. So a few questions I have below and if someone can help me I'd really appreciate it:

1) Is the tank big enough for now?
2) Is the basking light/bulb correct?
3) can you guestimate his age? he's around 40~43cm (will get a more accruate measurement tom).

Currently I'm using a simple plastic sheet as a substrate (originally the pet store gave me some rabbit wood chips ) Still waiting to figure out whats the best substrate to use.

This blue light is what came with the first tank. I use the night setting on it when he sleeps (is this ok?) it doesn't generate any heat.

Annoyingly no one in KSA (Saudi Arabia) supplies live insects , so I'm having to feed him greens and some dead insects the pet store gave me. I've ordered a bunch of food from amazon but need to wait for it to ship from the USA to KSA.

Any advice you guys can give me would be appreciated thanks.

 

[KarrieRee]

Hello everyone, so we took my 4 year old to the pet store just for a visit. Got him to pet some cats and walk around. As soon as he saw the one bearded dragon they had in the store he went crazy and wanted to buy it (secretly inside I also wanted him to buy it ) we tried to convince him of a cat (or at least my wife did) but he was adament he wanted the dragon, so I took the opportunity to quickly scoop him up and take him back home.

Now I've owned a bearded dragon when I was younger and he was one of the best pets I've ever had, loved him to bits, so I'm very excited about our new addition to the family.

It's probably been 20 years since I've owned a dragon and need to freshen up on basic care for him.

The lady at the pet store told me he's a 6 month old male (although I feel he's older) he's around 43cm long (anyone that can help me guess his age would be appreciated).

As soon as we got home I quickly realised the tank and setup they gave us was not right for a bearded dragon (it was more suitable for lizards and other tropical reptiles). Also it came with no basking light which was really annoying to see as they don't seem to care how the dragon will be treated after purchase. Anyway I went back and bought a bigger tank (the only tank they had with some sort of a basking light) (pictures attached) it shows its for a snake. So a few questions I have below and if someone can help me I'd really appreciate it:

1) Is the tank big enough for now?
2) Is the basking light/bulb correct?
3) can you guestimate his age? he's around 40~43cm (will get a more accruate measurement tom).

Currently I'm using a simple plastic sheet as a substrate (originally the pet store gave me some rabbit wood chips ) Still waiting to figure out whats the best substrate to use.

This blue light is what came with the first tank. I use the night setting on it when he sleeps (is this ok?) it doesn't generate any heat.

Annoyingly no one in KSA (Saudi Arabia) supplies live insects , so I'm having to feed him greens and some dead insects the pet store gave me. I've ordered a bunch of food from amazon but need to wait for it to ship from the USA to KSA.

Any advice you guys can give me would be appreciated thanks.

Ok so lets begin w/ what NOT to use ---- the blue light - causes long term eye damage and can lead to blindness -- the 13 watt UVB coil --- no good and will cause all kinds of health problems / death if not replaced -- heat mat only good if the dragon is sick and used to keep ambient temps to around 80 at night IF THEY ARE SICK-- we recommend a CHE for that -- the height of the tank is not recommended you want at least 18" but we recommend a 4x2x2 tank for a full size dragon--
this is what you want to keep your dragon healthy ---
a 24" Zoo Med UVB w/ a 22" Reptisun 10.0 T 5 bulb this would need to be placed on top of the tank w/ no screen it needs a distance of 12-15 inches w/ basking decor directly under it -- you can use the 5.0 bulb that comes w / it for the 12" high tank your basking decor would need to be directly under it 6-8 inches w/ NO SCREEN- 5.0 bulbs cannot go thru the screen -- next you need a solid clear bright white basking bulb like one of these Flukers -- Zoo Med Repti basking -- Arcadia Halogen-- or a Exo Terra Intense basking bulb --- you will need 2 of digital probe thermometers one for the cool side of the tank and one for surface basking temps 95-100- you must have those probe thermometers to get accurate temps stick ons are good for ambient temps -- you want night time temps 65-75 and NO lights --- these things I have posted are EXTREMELY important for the over all health and behavior of your dragon --- please get these as soon as you can --- the tank size can wait for now but you must get your surface basking temps and UVB up to par or your dragon will quit eating -- if its warm where you are take him outside for some good UVB 15-30 minutes do not leave him he must be supervised -- if you use a container use plastic NO glass -- as far as how old he is please post a pic of him and we can try and guess -- the light stand is good to hang onto it for future use --- I recommend getting him on some textured NON adhesive shelf liner you can find that on line or in a home improvement store --- you can decide later what you want for permanent w/ the bigger tank -- clean w/ vinegar/ water 50/50 then wipe w/ clean wet cloth

 

[xp29]

Ok first. That coil uvb is no good. You need a long tube style. Second that blue light will disrupt his sleep and will damage his eyes, please get rid of it asap. If you need heat at night use a ceramic heat emitter. It makes heat but no light. (Beardies like a cool dark place to sleep) night time temos should be 68 to 75 degree ferinheigh. Third that habitat can work for a little while, but at 12 inches height it's going to be hard not to overheat you dragon. Be really careful with his basking lights on a tank that low. For his basking please use a clear bright incandescent bulb, no off whites or yellowy,orangey bulbs.

 

[Defratos]

Thanks for the update, really appreciate it.

Ok so he's sleeping, I've taken off the blue light and switched off the heat mat (Temps should be around 68~77) this is a guestimate going by the room temps but I'll get a digital probe thermometer.

So I've searched amazon and please let me know if the below are correct:

24" Zoo Med UVB w/ a 22" Reptisun 10.0 T 5 bulb: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B084ZMW...&colid=1OJGR512R5VI&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

solid clear bright white basking bulb: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00U8N9...&colid=1OJGR512R5VI&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

For the time being can I just get a similar off the shelf light that is white for basking until this one arrives? and I'm guessing the basking light can be hung outside the screen?

 

[KarrieRee]

Thanks for the update, really appreciate it.

Ok so he's sleeping, I've taken off the blue light and switched off the heat mat (Temps should be around 68~77) this is a guestimate going by the room temps but I'll get a digital probe thermometer.

So I've searched amazon and please let me know if the below are correct:

24" Zoo Med UVB w/ a 22" Reptisun 10.0 T 5 bulb: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B084ZMW...&colid=1OJGR512R5VI&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

this isnt the Zoo Med but it will work this is a good fixture and we often recommend this as well its amazing you found it - every where I have looked this has been sold out

solid clear bright white basking bulb: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00U8N9...&colid=1OJGR512R5VI&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it&th=1

this bulb is a good one but wattage is going to be trial and error --- that is why you need the digital probe thermometers to get accurate surface basking temps

For the time being can I just get a similar off the shelf light that is white for basking until this one arrives? and I'm guessing the basking light can be hung outside the screen?

 

[xp29]

Yes any incandescent clear bulb will work, just be really careful not to overheat him, that is a low habitat, also i wouldn't try to put the basking bulb inside, to hot and to close. They can jump. You don't want him to get intobthe bulb and get burned.

 

[KarrieRee]

this isnt the Zoo Med but it will work this is a good fixture and we often recommend this as well its amazing you found it - every where I have looked this has been sold out

this bulb is a good one but wattage is going to be trial and error --- that is why you need the digital probe thermometers to get accurate surface basking temps

this isnt the Zoo Med but it will work this is a good fixture and we often recommend this as well its amazing you found it - every where I have looked this has been sold out

this bulb is a good one but wattage is going to be trial and error --- that is why you need the digital probe thermometers to get accurate surface basking temps

this isnt the Zoo Med but it will work this is a good fixture and we often recommend this as well its amazing you found it - every where I have looked this has been sold out

this bulb is a good one but wattage is going to be trial and error --- that is why you need the digital probe thermometers to get accurate surface basking temps

Yes use the stand if you haft to --- but you need those probe thermometers to get temps--

 

[Defratos]

Thanks guys appreciated.

For the bedding/substrate I'm using something very similar to this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B096NX7...colid=1OJGR512R5VI&psc=1&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Should be ok right?

Also one final thing, Any recommendations on the best veggies to feed him? I haven't had time to search the forum, I'm sure its somewhere in here.

 

[KarrieRee]

Thanks guys appreciated.

For the bedding/substrate I'm using something very similar to this: Amazon.co.uk

Should be ok right?

Also one final thing, Any recommendations on the best veggies to feed him? I haven't had time to search the forum, I'm sure its somewhere in here.

Yes on the liner- I can post a nutrition website for you-

 

[Defratos]

ok so did some quick checks and have come up with the below that should be ok for a dragon, please let me know if anything is not recommended:


Vegs: Peas-Green beans-Courgette-Butternut squash-Sweet potato-Bell pepper-Broccoli (small bits weekly)-Acorn squash-Cabbage-Kohlrabi-Parsnip-Pak choi-Yellow squash-Asparagus-Okra-Swiss chard-Spring greens-Floret mix-Lambs lettuce-Kale-Collards-Parsley-Clover-Dandelion greens-Turnip greens-Mustard greens-Endive-Rocket-Coriander-Watercress.

Fruits: Figs-Watermelon-Apples-Mango-Papaya-Dates-Peaches-Apricots-Plums-Kiwi-Pears-Strawberries-Raspberries-Blueberries-Guava-Grapes-Raisins-Apricots.

Understanding that it should be mainly vegs and fruits are just used as a treat (but not everyday).

Also how often should I be feeding him? everyday greens? or just a few times a week?

 

[hdochow]

salads should be given every day. what sir henry doesn't eat gets fed to the roaches at the end of the day. he gets a rotating mix of collards, kale, watercress, mustard, dandelion (FAVORITE!!!) for greens and then summer squash, zucchini, various color bell peppers, chayote, and sweet pepper for other veg. about once a week it is treat fruit day and then it is either blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries (OH YEAH RAZZERS!)

here's the website karrieree was talking about. ignore what it says about kale. more has been learned since the site was made and kale is actually a great staple feeder. Nutrition Content

 

[Groggyfroggie]

Hi! So here's a useful nutrition content site I believe Karrie was gonna post.

Nutrition Content

Also here's a simplified "meal plan" for beardies. Yes he should have a salad everyday. At 6 months old I think you can do 50% veggies and 50% insects, cuz it's about 20% veggies when they're a baby, then transition to about 80% veggies when they're an adult.

 

[KarrieRee]

Yes on the liner- I can post a nutrition website for you-

Nutrition Content
the kale info is out dated its a great staple feeder-- the main diet is protein till one year - it will switch to 20% insects at one year and 80% veggies

 

[Defratos]

Thank you for the nutritional content.

I tried to get some clearer pics today while he was basking in the sun, can anyone guess his age?

He seems to be around 17" or 43cm long

Also I read somewhere that I have to wash my hands every time I touch or pick up the dragon, is this true? I remmeber as a teenager when I had my other bearide I wasn't washing my hands everytime I picked him up and I seem to be ok. Just wondering as I have a 4 year old who picks him up and touches him (supervised ofcourse)

 

[xp29]

That looks good but i think cabbage is hard on their digestive system, maybe leave it out.