Bearded Dragon Care Sheet
Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are popular and friendly reptile pets that are known for their unique appearance and engaging behaviors. Providing proper care is essential to ensure their well-being and longevity. Here's a care sheet to guide you in caring for your bearded dragon:
Housing:
- Enclosure: For a single adult bearded dragon, a 40-gallon tank (36" x 18" x 18") is suitable. However, larger enclosures are even better, and the BlackBox XT4 BIO24 48x24x24" would provide ample space for an active and growing bearded dragon.
- Substrate: Use non-particle substrates like reptile carpet, tile, or paper towels for easier cleaning and to prevent ingestion.
- Basking Area: Provide a basking area with a basking lamp that reaches 100-110°F (37-43°C). This allows the bearded dragon to thermoregulate by moving between warm and cooler areas.
- UVB Lighting: Use a high-quality UVB light to provide essential ultraviolet rays for proper calcium metabolism. A 10-12% UVB bulb should be placed in the basking area.
- Hides and Decor: Include hiding spots, basking platforms, and branches for climbing. These enrichments create a more natural and engaging environment for your dragon.
Diet:
- Feeding: Bearded dragons are omnivores. Their diet consists of insects, such as crickets, dubia roaches, and occasional mealworms, as well as a variety of vegetables and fruits.
- Vegetables and Greens: Offer a mix of leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, and kale. Rotate the greens to provide variety and avoid excess oxalates.
- Fruits: Offer fruits like berries, apples, and melons as occasional treats. Avoid feeding too much fruit due to its high sugar content.
- Supplements: Dust insects with calcium powder and provide a vitamin supplement occasionally as recommended by a reptile veterinarian.
Health and Handling:
- Health Checks: Regularly monitor your bearded dragon's behavior, appetite, and appearance. Any sudden changes might indicate health issues.
- Handling: Handle your bearded dragon gently and consistently to build trust. Avoid excessive handling during stressful times, like shedding or after eating.
Environment and Maintenance:
- Temperature: Maintain a temperature gradient in the enclosure. The basking area should be around 100-110°F (37-43°C), and the cool side around 75-80°F (24-27°C).
- Humidity: Bearded dragons require relatively low humidity, around 30-40%.
- Cleaning: Regularly clean and disinfect the enclosure. Remove waste promptly, clean surfaces, and change substrates regularly.
- Shedding: Provide a humid hide filled with moist sphagnum moss to aid in shedding.
Choosing the Enclosure:
The BlackBox XT4 BIO24 48x24x24" would be an excellent choice for housing a bearded dragon. The dimensions of 48 inches by 24 inches by 24 inches provide ample space for climbing, basking, and exploring. Bearded dragons are active reptiles that benefit from vertical space, and this enclosure offers the height they need to satisfy their natural behaviors.
Customizing with ACCESSORIES from BLACKBOX:
TWO BlackBox Lamp Holder Kits and a 24W UVB 14% is the perfect setup for your Bearded Dragon - This is available during customization.
Remember, each bearded dragon has unique preferences and needs. Tailor their care based on individual behavior and health. Regular veterinarian check-ups and researching from reputable sources will help ensure your bearded dragon's health and happiness.
