Caresheet for Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps

Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Family:Agamidae
Genus:Pogona
Species:P. vitticeps
Bearded Dragon

General

Description

Bearded Dragons are one of the most popular reptiles to be kept as a pet and with very good reason. They have a very gentle nature, appear to enjoy human contact and breed easily in captivity. They are also an impressive looking lizard that will grow to a reasonable size ideal for handling. Bearded Dragons are so named due to defence and courtship displays when they puff out their throats giving them a beard like appearance.

Habitat

Bearded dragons originate from Australia where they live in both deserts and subtropical forests.

Size

Adults range between 41 to 56 cm (16-22 inches) and hatchlings between 75-10mm (3-4 inches.)

Life span

8-10 years

Choosing

Bearded Dragons are readily available from both retailers and private breeders. When choosing your pet you should look for alertness and bright eyes. You should also check the mouth, nose and eyes for any discharge and give the animal's body a general inspection for any sores. It is quite common for Bearded Dragons to be missing a toe or a piece off their tail, but make sure these are old wounds and thoroughly healed. The age is also important, as newly hatched Bearded Dragons are not so robust as is the case for most newly born animals. A juvenile of about 6 months old is a good age to purchase.

Housing

Enclosure

As is the case for most reptiles the bigger the vivarium the better. You also must remember that Bearded Dragons grow up fast, so they will soon outgrow a vivarium that was suitable for them when they were younger. An ideal vivarium for an adult or a pair is 48x24x24 inches (120x60x60 cm). You should ensure that this is purpose built with adequate ventilation.

Substrate

Sand is most often used for adult bearded dragons but there is much debate about the best substrate for them. It is though that sand can cause impaction. Impaction is caused when reptiles accidentally ingest foreign bodies with their food that they are then unable to digest. It is generally recommended to keep juvenile bearded dragons on kitchen towel.

Humidity

Bearded dragons require a dry atmosphere with humidity between 24-40 percent.

Temperature

The daytime temperatures at the hot end of the vivarium range between 35-43C (95-110F) and the cool end of the vivarium should be between 26-30C (80-85F). Temperatures at night should be no lower than 16C (60F).

Lighting

Apart from the light in the basking area Bearded Dragons require an Ultraviolet light source. This is very important otherwise they will not be able to manufacture vitamin D-3, which will eventually lead to their death.

Food And Water

Feeding

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning that they eat both animal and plant matter. The general rule applied is never to feed them live foods that is bigger than the distance between the lizards eyes. Baby and juvenile Bearded Dragons should be ideally few two to three times a day with small amounts. Crickets are the standard live food with the addition of locusts when the animal is big enough. Live food should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin D3 supplement. Greens should always be given daily, which it is a good idea to lightly mist as it keeps them fresher and also helps the animals hydration.

Water

Bearded Dragons receive their moisture water requirement from their food, but fresh drinking water always be available. Place it in a shallow bowl that the animals cannot tip over It is also a good idea to mist the animals a few times a week and give them a water bath weekly. This the enjoy and can prevent shedding problems.

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