Hi and welcome!
I think that it's great that you came here to do your research and I agree with points shared before me. There's a lot of great advice on this site.
I don't feed Rocky mealworms- I have stuck with dubias and superworms (which you will also hear mixed messages). Like human food, there's going to be some back and forth but we have to learn and monitor the behavior of our beardies very carefully and continuously. Nonetheless, I believe consistently, superworms are a no for superworms.
Rocky was not potty trained by me but I got him at a young age and he naturally went to the same spot in his enclosure since day 1. I switched enclosures but Rocky stuck with the same spot...he went just a little closer to the glass. I think like
@RangoRocky mentioned, they can't stand the smell of their poop so with it being a larger enclosure he wanted to be certain that I could see it and get it out. And believe me, what I did move fast enough, he glass surfed or banged on the glass.
In fact, it was the first time he glass surfed and it was at night- I was like what in the world is going on but once you smell the poop, you'll understand why quickly!
As Rocky gets older and can spend time out of his enclosure, Rocky will go back to the enclosure to poop. When I wasn't around, he found the bathroom and pooped by the toilet (true story- see my posts).
You are in for a fascinating experience!
I
bathe Rocky around 85-92 degrees Fahrenheit. I have a digital thermometer and check the water before putting Rocky into it). I then check it as time goes on as the still water begins to cool. I noticed when Rocky was younger, he didn't mind baths...15 minutes was a breeze...now I pray that he lasts 10 minutes. Last week he jumped out twice.
Depending on the temperament of your beardie, your taming time and tactics will vary. I didn't see it as taming. I had to get used to Rocky (and face my fears- see other post) and Rocky had to adjust to this new GIANT PERSON, a new home, gain trust etc. I put Rocky in my room and let him watch me. I've heard don't touch them for a week...looking back, I think it was too long and it contributed to my fears - Oh this is about Rocky.
I put Rocky's set up in my room but way across the room because I read in my room, I talk on the phone, watch TV and spend relaxing time- so Rocky can naturally watch me being me. The only hang up with this is when it's bedtime for Rocky, tv off for me. And Rocky prefers cartoons and music while I work so I if I am in my room in the daytime, I have to suffer.
While I could've used my home office is too stressful, and he would've left, lol (and so would I).
I would feed Rocky with tongs but then hand him the greens, he would then move closer and I would move back further! Once I got it together, it was all good.
I would then move to picking him up out of the tank. I believe I used gloves so he could associate it with leaving the enclosure. I would have pep talks with Rocky. These talks lasted hours and that's when I asked myself, "WHAT DID I GET MYSELF INTO?!" Rocky would put his hand in mine like, "C'MON"- but I was still nervous. I thought Rocky would bite me, run under the bed- get lost and I would never find him. I promise you, there are adventures but NOTHING THAT I THOUGHT I WOULD BE.
I also cut up fleece from an old shirt and put it in Rocky's enclosure and carrier- it helped. I actually keep it to this day. Rocky doesn't NEED it but if we are in the store late, Rocky will get right under it and go to bed so it comes in handy. He will sleep in light but when people peek in his carrier and he doesn't want to be bothered, it's hilarious!
As I type this, Rocky would be up. I freaked out, he had a fun day yesterday and is probably tired. I just screamed his name 6 times...he's looking at me like I'm crazy but once he opened his eyes, I'm okay. Now I say, "go back to bed" LOL
Rocky is so routine that he has trained me. As this is my first reptile and he can't talk, he had me on pins and needles (and obviously still does).
As much as I handle Rocky and we play all day- Rocky has just started sleeping in my bed at night. I have had Rocky since May 2022. Rocky gives me "hugs" daily (see posts for explanation) but he also brushes me off and my feelings are hurt, LOL
Don't buy everything (unless you just want to spoil your beardie like me). You need certain things and other things like the timers are life savers. You can find some things at the hardware store, look online for sales- make sure that your beardie had something to climb on, bask, proper lighting, fixtures- the distance, enclosure size, calcium and vitamin supplements- these are all key but all of the extras that you might be convinced that you need isn't true like coiled or colored lights- detrimental to your beardie's health. The harness is adorable...I know Halloween is coming up...not a priority. I think you know what I mean. All the extras come in time.
No two beardies are the same but the love that we have for our beardies is immeasurable. Keep asking questions- there are so many people with so much experience, so much technical knowledge. I tend to share stories as I can only explain what Rocky is putting me through, I mean, that I have experience with Rocky so far, lol
I also recommend using the search button. It may address some of the questions you have.
Okay Rocky is up now, I have to go prepare his water and daily greens. I wish you the best of luck.
