About to bring home your very own baby bearded dragon? Here is what you need to know. If you are a Game of Thrones fan, you probably have fantasized about being the “Mother/Father of dragons”. Turn your imagination into reality by bringing home a pet baby bearded dragon. Even the most prudish animal enthusiasts’ would find it difficult to label these creatures as anything but adorable. Nevertheless, these mischievous little pets come bearing certain characteristics. In order for them to mature into a more appealing state, they need proper care and attention.
As a pet parent, it is important to educate yourself about the pet you will be bringing home. Taking care of baby bearded dragons, in particular, is not challenging at all. However, here are some factors that you should keep in mind if you want your beardie to stay well.
The Perfect Home for Your Beardie
Introducing the baby dragon to a new environment can cause the pet to develop stress and anxiety. You can determine that by the change of their color as it gets darker. Hence, is it absolutely essential to set up a home that features all the essence of its natural habitat?
Reptiles like snakes and lizards are usually housed in tanks. An ideal living habitat for bearded dragons would be a simple aquarium. It is inexpensive and easy to maintain.
When choosing a bearded dragon tank, the size is the most significant factor. Many people select a small tank for their bearded dragon to begin their new life, which is not a good idea. In the long run, it would save you more money to buy a tank that does not need to be upgraded according to your pet’s growth.
That being said, here are some recommended tank sizes:
- Baby Bearded Dragon – 20 gallons
- Infant Bearded Dragon – 40 gallons
- Matured Bearded Dragon – 125 gallons
As bearded dragons are very ardent climbers, while contemplating the design, the length and width should take precedence over the height.
What to Feed Your Beardie
The diet plan of a young bearded dragon should be rich in omnivores, maintaining an 80% to 20% ratio of insects and greens (respectively). Insects are the foundation of a baby bearded dragon’s diet. The best insect option for your baby dragon would be Dubia roaches. Wondering where to find them at a reasonable price? Have a look at Dubia roaches for sale. Apart from that, phoenix worms and crickets are also a good addition to the pet’s diet.
Despite the fact that greens make up only 20% of a baby bearded dragon’s diet, they are vital. Greens such as turnips, dandelions, mustard, and collard are highly recommended by many baby dragon breeders.
Always remember, as your dragon is growing, you will need to modify the diet accordingly. Along with a good amount of veggies, you will need to add calcium and multivitamin supplements into the mix.
Hydrating Your Baby Dragons
Dehydration is one of the most common issues that new Bearded Dragon parents experience. Though hydration should be a process that comes naturally to bearded dragons, many baby dragons are not very apt to do so. Therefore, you need to be misting your dragons till you feel they can drink by themselves.
This leads to the possibility of them drowning. To prevent such accidents, make sure to keep shallow water bowls that are cleaned on a regular basis. In case the bearded dragon peed in the water bowl, it should be replaced right away.
Creating a Bond With Your Baby Dragon
The lack of empathy of humans towards animals has led to their extinction. This is why, creating an emotional bond and being able to handle your pet with affection is quite crucial, especially in the case of a baby bearded dragon. Baby pets are always more fidgety than adults and need time to adjust to their environment, therefore it is advisable to wait for 7-10 days before physically handling the dragon.
Observe if your baby dragon is eating regularly. This is a green signal indicating your pet is docile and ready to be tamed. Begin the process by gently offering your hand and encouraging your dragon to come to you.
Do not try to pick it up by the tail, as this might cause serious injuries and make the pet highly tense. Rather, gently hold/lift it up by the belly and support its weight. Try not to make any sudden movements as that would alarm the baby dragon and scare it into hiding.
Correct Temperature and Lighting for Your Beardie
Getting the tank to the right temperature can get a little tricky. You will have to create a special spot for your baby dragon (like a rock or a plank of wood) that is specifically placed under a basking lamp, keeping the temperature at 100-105 degrees Fahrenheit. Apart from that, the tank must be maintained at 85 degrees.
The bearded dragons are usually cold-blooded creatures, and they try to maintain their body temperature by migrating from one end of the tank to another. Hence, maintaining this temperature range is important. Buying a dual temperature thermometer is a must for accurate maintenance.
When it comes to lighting, to be able to absorb the vitamins, a beardie requires 12 hours of soaking in UV light. A good recommendation would be 12% Arcadia (a dragon lamp catered to the needs of bearded dragons).
Are You Ready?
Now that you have all the information you need to provide a good, healthy life to your baby bearded dragon, you can finally bring one home. You should feel confident enough to take the responsibility of owning one of these marvelous reptile.
Just remember to choose a good home and organize it according to the reptile’s needs. Handle the reptile with extreme care and introduce a variety of food to its diet when necessary. Consult your vet to address any health concerns you have about your pet.
With the basics and essentials we have provided, your pet will surely grow strong and happy.
