Hello! I'm new to the forums, this being my first post and all. I plan on getting a beardie sometime in the future, but not before I'm sure I've got the time, and information necessary to keep one thriving. Thus, I've got a few questions. I haven't been able to find the exact answers to these anywhere, so I'm hoping that those of you with years under your belt might be able to give me some answers.
1. I've heard people say that porous surfaces aren't good for the bottom of a cage, yet people have recommended ceramic slate tile. (I've also seen people recommend vinyl, but the chemicals that would be released are a no go.) I know that the unglazed slate is porous, so I'd be nervous to put any down. I believe I read something about baking the tile when the cage is cleaned though? I guess my real question here is, 'What would be a good, more 'permanent' bottom than paper towel or newspaper, and if it is some sort of tile, what do you do about the spaces between them?'
2. I read in the articles here that a mercury vapor bulb isn't for beginners. How come?
3. I know this question is probably the most ridiculous one you've ever heard, but as for those cages that have the lights on the inside (not sitting on the mesh covers) is there caging around them, or are they just out in the open, and if so, isn't anyone afraid they might touch them on accident? In some cages they seem pretty low.
4. What are the most common mistakes that you see first time beardie owners make, and how can I avoid making them?
Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer these questions. I know they are very newbie-ish questions, and they're things that probably have everyone eye-rolling at me, but I want to assure you that I have no intentions of 'jumping the gun', running out, and grabbing up a dragon before I have all the necessary tools, and a much better understanding of their care.
1. I've heard people say that porous surfaces aren't good for the bottom of a cage, yet people have recommended ceramic slate tile. (I've also seen people recommend vinyl, but the chemicals that would be released are a no go.) I know that the unglazed slate is porous, so I'd be nervous to put any down. I believe I read something about baking the tile when the cage is cleaned though? I guess my real question here is, 'What would be a good, more 'permanent' bottom than paper towel or newspaper, and if it is some sort of tile, what do you do about the spaces between them?'
2. I read in the articles here that a mercury vapor bulb isn't for beginners. How come?
3. I know this question is probably the most ridiculous one you've ever heard, but as for those cages that have the lights on the inside (not sitting on the mesh covers) is there caging around them, or are they just out in the open, and if so, isn't anyone afraid they might touch them on accident? In some cages they seem pretty low.
4. What are the most common mistakes that you see first time beardie owners make, and how can I avoid making them?
Thank you in advance for taking the time to answer these questions. I know they are very newbie-ish questions, and they're things that probably have everyone eye-rolling at me, but I want to assure you that I have no intentions of 'jumping the gun', running out, and grabbing up a dragon before I have all the necessary tools, and a much better understanding of their care.