Beardie Tips

[jpzdude]

Lately my bearded dragon has seemed a bit bored. He just sits and basks all day long(which I know they love to do). However, I'd like to do some things with him or his habitat to make sure he has the best life possible. Does anyone have any tips on things they do with their beardie or things they put in the tank so it is more interesting? Anything is appreciated, especially some tank pictures if anyone could please send them! Thanks!

-Jackson.

 

[ParkerandMe]

There are lots of fun things to do with your beardie! I don't know what's in your cage, but when you take him out of his cage there are many options. You can take him for a walk around the yard(they sell beardie harnesses on many websites such as beardeddragon.co), and take him out to the park or something. They usually don't walk along side you, but they will scramble and then stop to bask. You might have a hard time getting him to move out of a sunny spot! Keep in mind, the temps should be about 70*F or above when you take him out. You can also give him a swim. Not all beardies like water, but some do, and a nice swim is a good way to cool off. Make sure the water is not above his elbows, and that he has a dry spot to go on if he doesn't seem too enthusiastic. If your going on a car ride, he'll probably love to come along. It's funny because when a tree branch or something passes over the car top they'll duck because their parietal eye (light sensing spot on their head) is telling them to watch out. Also, you can just take him out and let him crawl around you/your room. Make sure you "beardie proof" it, and close off places they can crawl into and get stuck in. No matter what you do, I'm sure your bearded dragon will be happy just to spend time with you. Taking him out thirty minutes a day is good stimulation for him as well as a great way to bond. He should get 12 hours of UVB rays from his light, but he can have less if you take him out in the sun, which is much better for him than artificial light anyway. Best of luck, and let us know what fun things you did with your beardie!!!

 

[jpzdude]

Awesome to hear! Im going to definetly start taking him outside more as it is around 90 degrees out most days here! Thanks so much for the advice, and I will post pictures soon!

 

[justjules]

I take my dragon out almost every night about a half hour before her light turns off and cuddle with her. She loves it. She'll snuggle under the blankets or curl up near my neck until she falls asleep. They make such good cuddlers. So even if I didn't have time to let her run around during the day at least I have the evening to cuddle! Sometimes I'll watch TV and I swear she watches all of the moving colors. She always falls asleep too and so I just put her back in her cage and tuck her in

 

[bobbycarp]

I let ours loose in the house. He scurry's all over the place exploring. Parks back in front of his tank when he gets cold most of the time. Gotta keep an eye on them though or it becomes "find the dragon", which can be quite hard. And he has an outdoor playpen.

 

[ParkerandMe]

What's in your cage right now? I can't send a pic because I'm not at my house but I have a grapevine for climbing and basking, a hammock, and a half log for hiding. I also have food bowls. Although they should have stimulation in their cage, there should still be room to run around. Good luck!

 

[Taterbug]

How big is your cage?

I offer lots of different furniture for climbing over, on and under.
Some dragons like a place to dig.

You can encourage active foraging by hanging leaves around the cage instead of a salad bowl, or putting silkworms around the cage for hunting. The silks cling well and don't hide like other feeders.

You can also give a view out the window, both my dragons loved watching the outside.