You will also need to buy a basking rock, some terrarium accessories, and a safe substrate, such as slate tile, non adhesive shelf liner, reptile carpet, or even paper towels. If your house gets cooler than 65 F, you will need yet another specialized bulb called a ceramic heat emitter (CHE). Make sure you're not squeamish about live insects because your beardie needs to eat between 40-60 live roaches, worms, or crickets per day!
Pet store employees will frequently tell you that bearded dragons are great for beginners. They will sell you a terrarium kit with "everything you need." Many bearded dragons have been harmed by poor quality compact UVB bulbs, loose substrates, and inaccurate reptile thermometers found in these kits.
Some new bearded dragon owners think that they can simplify their lives by giving their beardie dry food, like they would their dog or cat. This leads to many health problems and future costly vet visits for the new beardie. Like people, bearded dragons are omnivores so they will need fresh veggies and occasional fruit to stay healthy. Another thing that potential beardie owners overlook is the need to dust the insects and/or veggies with specialized reptile supplements on a regular basis to avoid a serious medical condition called metabolic bone disease (MBD).
Beardies can make great pets! However, before buying or adopting one, please research their care requirements carefully and understand that bearded dragons require a significant commitment. Beardies also have a life span of 7 to 12 years, so be sure you can provide proper bearded dragon care for many years to come.
Some new bearded dragon owners think that they can simplify their lives by giving their beardie dry food, like they would their dog or cat. This leads to many health problems and future costly vet visits for the new beardie. Like people, bearded dragons are omnivores so they will need fresh veggies and occasional fruit to stay healthy. Another thing that potential beardie owners overlook is the need to dust the insects and/or veggies with specialized reptile supplements on a regular basis to avoid a serious medical condition called metabolic bone disease (MBD).
Beardies can make great pets! However, before buying or adopting one, please research their care requirements carefully and understand that bearded dragons require a significant commitment. Beardies also have a life span of 7 to 12 years, so be sure you can provide proper bearded dragon care for many years to come.
