Hello hello!

[Tecky]

My girlfriend just picked up a baby bearded dragon today. When I say baby, I have no idea how much of a baby it is lol.

My name is Richard though, hope to stick around here for awhile.

Here's a picture of it, and it's setup. There will be more additions to it. But, not sure what else I should say, just howdy! Look forward to talking to you all.

 

[fresnowitte]

:wave: Welcome Richard!
Congradulations on the new baby!

Sorry I hadn't posted here yet. I was in hopes that someone else would say what I'm about to, or that you'd read for yourself about the sand. It's a touchy topic I know. But someone needs to inform you for the sake of your beardie in case your not aware, after that it's up to you.

I use to keep my beardies on a partical substrate until they all became ill with parasites. I use to think that as long as I kept it clean all would be ok. Boy I could have not been more wrong. Not only does sand make the possiblity of parasites greater. (Because it does harbor bacteria)
There is also the risk of impaction. ( I have a link that shows an autopsy of a impacted beardie if you'd like to see it I will post it, but it's not nice.)

I have a rescue beardie Ms. Piggy that had been kept on calcium sand her entire life I'd estimate that she is about 5 yrs.old. I got her in December last year. It has taken me until now with daily baths to get her to shed.
Her skin is thick like a callus due to the overdose of calcium.

Also in the wild they live on a hard and harsh surface. Sand really doesn't allow for their muscles to develope very well. Here is a link to their natural inviroment.
http://www.freewebs.com/kirbydragons/naturalsoils.htm

Please don't be offended by what I've written. I'm only trying to save you and your beardie from what my beardies an I have gone though.

BTW your little beardie is so cute! You are going to enjoy being a beardie parent, they are such characters.

Barbara

 

[zebedeepink]

Hi and welcome I agree with fresnowitte about the sand. Better substrates are non-adhesive shelf liner, ceramic tiles, paper towl or repticarpet. I recommend ceramic tiles - they look great, are really easy to keep clean and will help keep your beardie's nails trim

 

[akingsley9000]

Hi!

Welcome, congrats on the new beardie!!

Nice setup, one question though, what are you using for UVB?

I have to say i agree with fresnowhite about the evil sand.