First baby beardy...AT LAST!

[Celeste]

I finally got my baby beardy 3 weeks ago, after waiting 4 years to get one!
My wonderful boyfriend knows exactly what i want, and got me a beardy for my birthday!
He/she is the cutest pet ever, and is growing at a tremendous speed!

I dont know the sex yet, but the name is Levi.
I felt very bad after the first week, he wouldn't eat anything, and was just lying there, then i realized that the cage was WAY too hot, and that I don't need a heated pad, uv light and basking lamp in sunny South Africa (no thanks to the petshop who told me to keep the heat-pad on 24 hours a day!)
After getting the right temperature, he doesn't stop eating or growing, and he shedded skin after only 2 weeks!

He loves sitting outside and exploring, ironically only eats yellow fruit and veggies,(butternut, carrots, yellow peach etc.) and at least 20 crickets a day!
I hope he doesn't get obese! if that is even possible

I am still a little concerned about the sand in his cage, the pet shop told me it would be fine, but a lot of people disagree, and say that it is bad for beardies.

I am so excited and cannot wait for him to grow nice and big!

 

[Eljay]

Yep, sand just isnt worth it! some beardies are fine on it, but its just not worth the risk. they can ingest it, and become impacted and even die. Tile, is probably best!

Anyway, welcome along! youre BD is a cutie! you'll find lots of advice here, get stuck in

(P.S) If your dragon is in their vivarium for most of the day and not outside, I would still have a UV tube in your viv. they need the UVB (the stuff in sunlight) to make vitamins and grow

 

[Celeste]

Thx for the advice! What type of tile should I use? and how about reptile carpet/paper towel or newspaper?
I do have a UV bulb, but am planning on getting an outside cage soon!
Im sure he will love it! already gets excited whenever he comes into contact with sunlight

 

[wizbee]

Congratulations on getting your new baby!
He is beautiful!
Any kind of tile with a rough surface will work great. Terracotta is great for keeping the nails trimmed. Check out the Enclosures thread for some great pictures of beardie homes!
My Boga enjoys going outside also. Her outside cage is in my avatar. I still have a uvb for backup on cooler days!

 

[wizbee]

Oh and newspaper, paper towels are easier to clean up than repticarpet which is also much better than sand.