Pet Lizards

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular species of pet lizards available. Despite their striking appearances, bearded dragons are popular choice for pet lizards because they are relatively easier to handle and take care of as compared to other species of lizards.

They are natives of southern Australia. They like crawling on rocks and stones and branches so if and when you decide to get one of these as your pets, keep that in mind in order to simulate an environment as close to it’s natural habitat as possible.

They are mild mannered and gentle lizards that is why they are easy to manage. Plus, of all the pet lizards out there, Bearded Dragons are the easiest to breed in captivity.

Diet

These little critters are omnivorous animals so they could eat insects, small mammals, worms, fruits and vegetables.

A hatchling should be fed with crickets three times a day on the average. As it grows older, you could include a variety of worms to its diet like earthworms, waxworm, cockroaches, etch. You could also feed your bearded dragon leafy vegetables. Spray the vegetables with water to help hydrate your pet.

As it grows older, you could include more insects to its diet. You could include locusts, Cockroaches an a variety of worms, crickets and vegetables. Avoid feeding your lizard with insects that you caught in the backyard. These insects may have insecticides, parasites or diseases that could cause your pet to get sick or suffer an illness. Stick to feeds that you can buy from pet stores for your bearded dragon to ensure its health.

Add minerals and vitamins to its diet. This way, you could make sure that it will receive all the nutrients that your lizard needs.

Housing

A 40 gallon tank should be enough to house your bearded dragon. Some breeders or owners would suggest that you get a 20 gallon tank while your pet is still young. This may be good but to be practical, getting the 40 gallon tank from the beginning should be better so that you don’t have to transfer your pet from one terrarium to another.

Breeders usually use glass aquariums to house their pet lizards. They like glass aquariums because they are easier to clean and they don’t get scratched as much. The clear glass also allows owners to view their pets easier.

It is important that the natural environment of the bearded dragon be simulated as close to reality within its captive home. Since this species of lizard lives naturally in the desert, the substrate of its terrarium should feel like the desert which is sandy and rocky. Adding a tree branch in their new home is also advisable since it will provide exercise for your pet as well as satisfaction since bearded dragons like climbing on high places.

Lighting

Bearded dragons require special lighting as well. In fact, for it to maintain its health, you should add UV light bulbs to its house. Bearded Dragons require both the heat and the UV light. Without the light and the heat, your pet lizard could suffer from Metabolic Bone Disease.

Your pet dragon will require to be basking under the light and heat for about 12-14 hours per day. Make sure that you put the bulb in the aquarium and not outside. Glass is known to deflects UV light.

Health

Pet lizards are susceptible to numerous kinds of diseases, illness and sickness. To mention some of them, Bearded Dragons are known to suffer from mites, thermal burns, thermal ingestion, calcium deficiency, respiratory infections, parasites, etc.

The problem with bearded dragons, as well as all other pet reptiles is that they are not too good at showing their health conditions if they are sick. The keep the symptoms of their diseases or illness hidden so it’s difficult to identify if your pet is sick or not.

To prevent the sickness, and nutrient deficiencies, make sure that your pet gets all the necessary nutrients it requires. Also, at the very first sign of sickness, take your pet to the vet right away.

These are just the basic information we have on the bearded dragon. If you are seriously considering taking one as a pet, further literature and readings are suggested to make sure that you can provide the proper recommended and required care for your bearded dragon.

Tags: australis, bearded dragon, diet, health, housing, lizard, pet, species

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