"Bearded Dragons also need proper lighting. A UVB light is needed, with two options being available, Fluorescent strip bulbs or mercury vapor bulbs. These bulbs have variable ranges of UVB output; owners must ensure proper distance from bulb to the basking spot so the lizard can properly absorb the rays. Recommended ones are: Repti-Sun 10.0 compact bulbs as they are cheaper, and have a greater effect. Compact and coil bulbs are harmful to their eyes, but you can buy Repti-Sun 10.0 tube Fluorescent bulbs. They are about the same price and you can order them online cheaper then in a pet stores. Bulbs are typically replaced every 6 months[8]. Without adequate UVB the Dragon will develop Metabolic Bone Disease and not eat as much. A Dragon needs between 12 and 14 hours of daylight; much less or more causes problems with their circadian rhythms and makes them lethargic and sick." (Quoted from the wikipedia)
UVB helps them breakdown their calcium and actually use it properly, as well as helps prevent a ton of health issues, it's really hard to get them unfiltered sunlight in calgary, especially with the miserable weather we have been having lately! You shouldn't really rely on the sun for your main source of uvb though, hopefully that helps a little bit, I'm still pretty new to all of this myself, I would probably suggest posting on the main part of the forum and asking some of the more experienced users their advice.
Just watch her breathing, hopefully it will improve, treating respiratory infections is NO fun!
Yikes, that is hot, our apartment is all over the place for temperatures (until the summer at least, then we'll cook in here) and we have had issues getting and keeping the proper temperatures as well.
UVB helps them breakdown their calcium and actually use it properly, as well as helps prevent a ton of health issues, it's really hard to get them unfiltered sunlight in calgary, especially with the miserable weather we have been having lately! You shouldn't really rely on the sun for your main source of uvb though, hopefully that helps a little bit, I'm still pretty new to all of this myself, I would probably suggest posting on the main part of the forum and asking some of the more experienced users their advice.
Just watch her breathing, hopefully it will improve, treating respiratory infections is NO fun!
Yikes, that is hot, our apartment is all over the place for temperatures (until the summer at least, then we'll cook in here) and we have had issues getting and keeping the proper temperatures as well.