Hello everyone! I am currently prepping to own my first beardie and currently have a leopard gecko. I’m a tad confused on feeding the young ones, however.
Are live crickets a must? Are superworms, horn worms, roaches, or any other feeder acceptable? Are freeze dried, canned, or even grub pie an acceptable substitute? I just hate the idea of crickets.
What veggies should babies have? Everything an adult does? Everyday?
Sorry for the dim witted questions, I just want everything to be perfect for my new baby. Because of course, he/she deserves the best! :mrgreen:
ok so lets start w/ the lighting in the tank -- that is the most crucial thing first - he wont eat if its not correct we can discuss feeding once we get the lighting straightened out-- have you bought the tank yet? If not refer to this link and it will give tons of info and if you have more questions please ask viewtopic.php?p=1945606
Karrie
ok so lets start w/ the lighting in the tank -- that is the most crucial thing first - he wont eat if its not correct we can discuss feeding once we get the lighting straightened out-- have you bought the tank yet? If not refer to this link and it will give tons of info and if you have more questions please ask viewtopic.php?p=1945606
Karrie
Lighting will be a reptisun 10 tube type UVB, the 30” one. Basking bulbs will be in a dual type dome, one for day and lower wattage red one for night. Digital thermometer will monitor temperature, plus a temp gun for daily checks. I haven’t bought anything except the dual dome fixture yet as I am not planning on getting the dragon for a few weeks yet.
Tank is going to be a 40 breeder with a flip type lid, or a 36x18x18 exo terra. I’m aware that it’s the bare minimum, but I’m home 24/7 if he wants to get out.
Ok I would get a 24" uvb fixture you don't need the 30" for a 40 gallon-- the red bulb is a big NoNo- dragons need dark when they sleep cool temps colored bulbs hurt the eyes and disrupt their sleep-- you want a T 5 bulb- the 24" fixture comes w/ a 5.0 bulb keep it for a backup- you want the 10.0 like you said- anymore questions please ask-- no sand for substrate- nothing loose for a substrate-- please go to the link I posted for husbandry
Karrie
Ok I would get a 24" uvb fixture you don't need the 30" for a 40 gallon-- the red bulb is a big NoNo- dragons need dark when they sleep cool temps colored bulbs hurt the eyes and disrupt their sleep-- you want a T 5 bulb- the 24" fixture comes w/ a 5.0 bulb keep it for a backup- you want the 10.0 like you said- anymore questions please ask-- no sand for substrate- nothing loose for a substrate-- please go to the link I posted for husbandry
Karrie
I had no idea they could see the red light. So thanks for telling me! I live where it’s rather chilly in the winter so I thought it might be necessary. If I need it I’ll get a CHE instead.
Substrate is tile or reptile carpet for safety and easy maintenance.
I assure you I have done my homework, I am merely confused with feeding babies. I would never get an animal without knowing how to properly care for it. :mrgreen:
Babies are fed more at first than adults- 2-3 times per day of a staple feeder crickets dubia roaches or BSFL or all 3 as a variety- I fed my 3 month old BSFL and dubias - the BSFL were used as lures to the salad bowl - you want them started on salads as well right away and most of the time they just want the insects - that is why you use lures to get them to the salad bowl - I also used small super worms 1-3 on top of the salads as well - butter worms 1-3- it help get Blaze to that bowl - you want a bowl that insects cant get out of - I fed him 2 times per day up until he quit eating the protein in the afternoon which was about 6 months old I am thinking - w/ all the stuff he was getting in the mornings he wasnt hungry in the afternoon- make sure your dusting the insects w/ Calcium D3 5 x per week but only once per feeding - Vitamins w/ beta carotene 2 x per week once per feeding -
Here is a website for nutrition ignore the kale thing http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html
I also started feeding him silk worms as well at about 4 months old or so - I was getting small silk worms to add to his salads as well they are a good staple feeder along w/ the BSFL - the BSFL you do not need to dust as they are calcium enriched -- and you can use as many as you want --
Karrie