So, you want a pet dragon? Being a bearded dragon owner can seem like the ultimate experience, and it is. They are chill and are generally friendly. However, getting one is just the start; you must take good care of them for them to thrive. Unfortunately, this is where most people get it wrong.
Most new owners buy a dragon, toss it in the tank, and feed it with whatever they find. Mishandling them, inadequate UVB lighting, or feeding them big insects stresses them. But it might not seem like a problem until your dragon won’t eat, develops skin issues, or becomes lethargic.
Doing your homework will make a difference before you bring them home. And you don’t have to look further, this guide has all you need to know.
From picking a healthy dragon to nurturing them in a comfortable shelter, read on for essential tips.
Where to Buy a Bearded Dragon?
Nowadays, it’s easy to find a bearded dragon for sale. Simply head to a reputable store or, even more conveniently, buy online. But wherever you decide to shop, keep these tips in mind:
- Good Health:Look for a dragon with clear eyes, active, smooth skin, and a strong appetite. Avoid those with pale skin, poor appetite, or any noticeable signs of health issues.
- Ask Questions:Dig deeper into the details about the dragon by asking good questions. As for their age, diet, and how often they eat, medical history, and any unusual behaviours.
- The younger the better: Young bearded dragon pets are usually easier to handle for beginners than older ones.
- Examine the environment: First, looking at the environment gives you a preview of the kind of caring provided– is it clean, warm, and well-lighted? It’s also a nice way to gauge if you can meet the same or better standards.
A bit of care in the beginning can prevent costly mistakes down the road. But these are just the basics; be sure to research what matters to you, have a checklist, and use it to tailor your search.
How to Set Up the Perfect Home?
Before you get to the fun part—bringing the pet home, you need to set up a comfortable shelter for them. That includes a housing that is well lit, padded, heated, and fitted with dragon-friendly accessories like branches and rocks.
Follow these steps:
1. Get A Tank
It’s tempting to reuse an idle fish tank. But don’t cave in, because it wasn’t designed for dragons from the start. Besides, they are very active, and keeping them in unsecured enclosures might be challenging.
Instead, get a lockable 40-gallon reptile tank with proper air flow. You want something that is escape-proof, but at the same time spacious to allow them to climb and bask on the rocks.
2. Set Up Heating and Lighting
You need proper heating for your bearded dragons. They use it to digest food and stay healthy. During the daytime, the temperature should be around 100–110°F in the basking area. At night, it should be kept at 70–75°F. So, you need a UVA/UVB light and heat source to do that. Ensure you position them correctly, like on one side of the tank for a warm/cool gradient.
UVB light is necessary to stop metabolic bone disease, a widespread illness among reptiles that don’t receive adequate lighting.
3. Substrate and Decor
You will have to line the tank with a secure substrate. Walnut shell gravel is widely used because it’s edible, and your beardie can burrow. To make cleaning easy, go for reusable terrarium liners.
Install climbing branches, flat rocks for basking, and hides to simulate their natural environment. These things aren’t just for show—they make your pet feel comfortable.
Basic Care for Your Bearded Dragon
1. Feeding Your Bearded Dragon
As omnivores, their ideal foods are protein and vegetables. Supplement their diet with insects like crickets, roaches, and mealworms; young dragons love these. As they mature, their diets shift toward leafy greens like mustard, dandelion, and collard greens. You can also include vegetables like peas and carrots occasionally.
Make live feeders smaller than the width of your dragon’s eyes, and dust them with vitamin D3 and calcium supplements a couple of times a week to strengthen their bones.
And it goes without saying, they should have clean, shallow water at all times to keep them properly hydrated.
2. Handling and Bonding
Beardies adore a gentle touch. Occasionally, let them sit on your hand or roam over soft surfaces like a bed or sofa. Most love warm baths, head pats, and belly rubs once they know you.
Some enjoyable bonding activities include supervised play and relaxing bath soaks. If your dragon puffs out or darkens its beard while doing any activities, it’s feeling uncomfortable or stressed. So be more gentle with them.
3. Ongoing Care and Costs
Daily care includes feeding, cleaning wastes, and heat and light maintenance. Deep clean everything every 2–3 months is advisable.
Once you set up the tank and install accessories, around $150–$500, there’s not much cost involved. You need around $50–$100 for heat and lighting, and $10–$20/month for food and supplements. Plus, for routine cleaning, if you are not doing it.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons make amazing pets. They are cherished for their calm nature and curiosity, which makes the home lively without doing too much. If you or your kids love pets, having them around can be fulfilling.
And here’s the good news: Keeping them is easy— all you need is the right setup, a good diet, and some love and care to keep them healthy and flourishing. With this guide, navigating this new journey should be easier. It helps avoid common costly mistakes from buying to keeping one.
So if you’ve been thinking about it, go ahead and get a bearded dragon from a reputable seller. Do it right and you might not regret it.
