Thank you! I think Dezi is gorgeous, but I may be somewhat favoring, on his behalf?
Like you, I had no idea what I was doing, but I got the hang of it soon enough, and so will you. I am not proficient enough to show you haw to post photos, but I bet there are some people on the site who can, (hint, hint).
Kingofnobbys is an expert on beardies, and I listen to any advise he gives. At his age, maurice (love the name) would do better to have smaller, softer food than superworms. Dezi loves them, but he is a big boy--two foot of lizard love! At that age, DeziLu ate crickets and smaller worms, all calcium dusted, of course. I offer as big a variety as possible, to give him a well rounded nutrition. He would not eat any salad, until over two years old, bad boy, but I always offered it, anyway. He needed live protien, to help him grow big and strong, and he knew it. I fed Dezi several meals a day, with snacks. That was perhaps more than absolutely neccesary, but I had the time, and we both enjoyed the contact. (I hand fed all food- still do. It Helps grow the very strong bond between us)
They are so much more intelligent than I would have believed, before I got to know one. Dezi is also my first Beardie--In fact, he is my first reptile, although I have had much experience raising and caring for a variety of other creatures. After three years, I have fairly good knowlege, but learn something new, all the time. It is a challenge, because they are complex creatures with very specific needs, but also one of the joys of owning a beardie. Have you read about MBD (metabolic bone disease) yet? A very bad disease, due to lack of UVB--and easy for the young to develop it, if they do not get just the right heat, UVB, calcium, and vit.D...At his current fast rate of growth, Maurice is in special danger of MBD...This site is quite valuable a resource! And there are so many Beardie lovers who will help with advise, just because they care about all Beardies.
Without photos and more info about civ set up, etc, I cannot offer much more advise, but one thing I know for sure is they need lots of love and attention. Hugs, snuggles, and close contact are crucial to these sensitive, beautiful creatures. They also love to play! Dezi likes to chase a feather cat toy, and a red lazer light. He plays hide and seek very well! (in a room that has been carefully lizard proofed) And he watches tv! He prefers football; I think it is the colorful uniforms and activity that attracts him...he does not seem to have a preference of team. (but does not like the LSU mascot, a tiger.) Snuggles are his favorite activity of all. At evening, he lays on my chest, head on my neck or shoulder, and gives a beautific smile. He often sighs, as he snuggles in closer, as I pet his head and stroke his eyebrows...It is both of our favorite time of day.
i hope you will be helped to post photos soon, so I can see Maurice! And feel free to ask any questions on this site. There are no stupid questions! I am always delighted when a new owner takes an interest in his or her new beardie friend. With the right set up and nutrition, you and Maurice can have many years of amazing lizard love.??
Dezi demonstrating proper snuggle technique...