Do you have a pet bearded dragon? Are you planning to get one soon? We have all the things you should and should not do when you have these specific pets in our quick lists below.
Always
Keep new pets in a separate room for three to six months
Follow general hygiene rules by washing up before and after handling
Thoroughly wash hands after cleaning the habitat
Use day and night lights
Give your pet bearded dragon fresh air
Keep two temperature zones - one at 77 to 90 degrees and one at 90 to 100
House in separate enclosures unless using large containment and double everything including sleep and sunbathing areas
See an exotic vet for annual exams, blood work and fecal.
Bearded dragon habitat to-do's
Ten-gallon aquarium for baby dragons
Adults need quadruple the space as they are long
Use rocks and branches that can handle the weight of your bearded dragon
Room for several zones and multiple feeding areas
Have appropriate bedding – such as reptile-carpet, towels, newspaper or tiles
Offer a hiding spot or nesting area
Things to avoid
Loose bedding – such as corn cob cage liners, nut shells, gravel, cat litter, wood shavings or alfalfa pellets
Too many vitamins
Letting your pet bearded dragon run free - it can get too cold, eat something dangerous, get hurt, or run away
Putting two pets in the same cage or aquarium - adults may eat the very young
Lightening bugs
Insects not from the pet store because they can contain pesticides
Exposure to elements on basking equipment and lights
To keep your bearded dragon happy, healthy, and safe, follow our tips and schedule a check-up at Long Island Bird & Exotics Veterinary Clinic. Our staff is happy to answer any questions. Give us a call anytime at 516-482-1101.