Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Question for all...

There seems to be a lack of good quality bearded dragon books out there. I have the newest edition of Bearded Dragon Manual, but its a few years old nor (2005 I think)...I have several other books but they are not very good, just the general junk you buy at the petstore.

Am i missing something? Are there any wonderful bearded dragon books out there that i havent discovered yet?
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1.1 Bearded Dragons
2.2 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Uromastyx (Mali)
1.1 Corn snakes
0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake
1.0 Rosy Boa
1.1 Green Anoles
1.1 House Geckos
0.0.2 Flying Geckos
0.0.1 Red Eye Tree Frog

i just read this forum for my info, its a collective knowledge of a bunch of people who have been caring for beardies for years so it's pretty much better than the vets around here. that and it doesnt cost anything to just ask a question here.

Yeah, i mostly use forums and good credible websites, plus my reptile vet...but im an avid reader and collector of books and i have a huge herp "library" I just wanted make sure there were no really good beardie books i was missing
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1.1 Bearded Dragons
2.2 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Uromastyx (Mali)
1.1 Corn snakes
0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake
1.0 Rosy Boa
1.1 Green Anoles
1.1 House Geckos
0.0.2 Flying Geckos
0.0.1 Red Eye Tree Frog

I read more than just bearded dragon care sheets and the forums, but other reptile sources as well. Kingsnake.com has been a vast resource for me when I first started getting into keeping reptiles, then I bought several books about bearded dragons, talked with long term breeders and keepers of bearded dragons and other reptiles, asked questions at the annual guest chat week/month we have here in the reptile chat rooms, plus my own research online.

I also try and take into account new suggestions or practices others post here that go against the 'normal' methods. Twenty years ago the 'normal' methods have been proven bad or not so great in the last five years or so. Thus makes sense to me what we do now, could not be the best way, as further research into reptile care and needs is done. So when somebody mentions higher basking temps than typical 95-115F range, I think about it. Or using supplemental D3 only with no or little UVB exposure... Not that all these alternative methods are truly good, but I do like to sit back and think about it.

Observing my own dragons help too. Mine, first thing in the morning, climb up to the top of their basking area then move off to cooler areas. They do this as well right after eating...indicates to me they do like the hottest basking area for quick warm up and to begin digesting...then moving to cooler areas when they have the core temperature they need. Hence why I find angled wide or multi leveled basking sites are good.

Basically I use many resources. Reptile Magazine is a good resource but not every article published is the best way to do things but certainly are just as good as many resources online.
(side note: Nice article on ackies Robyn)
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PHLdyPayne

Thanks for the comments on the article : )

Reptile books/literature are notoriously poor, the few great titles are drowned out by the mass of poor titles.

The best books, like Greg Maxwell's Chondro book, Tremper's Leopard Gecko book, VPI's Ball python book, simply have GREAT reptile info, and any reptile keeper can learn from them. Greg's Chondro book doesn't just teach you how to keep chondros, or even tree snakes, it teaches you how to be a better REPTILE keeper, period. Really a terrific book, one of my faves.

The Savannah book by Ravi and Bennett is the best captive husbandry lizard husbandry book available, period. It has more lizard info, applicable to a wide variety of lizard species, including Beardeds, than any Bearded book or caresheet I have seen.

The best books get into more theory and strategy, and don't get stuck on regurgitating out of date husbandry details.

For $20, every lizard keeper should have a copy of that Savannah book.
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robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

A good one is "Bearded dragons and Frilled Lizards" by: Andree Hauschild and Huber Bosch. I highly reccomend it. Josh

I agree with robyn's suggestions too. It's good to get information from different angles. Josh

Awesome! Thanks Robyn, i will look into those titles
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1.1 Bearded Dragons
2.2 Leopard Geckos
1.0 Uromastyx (Mali)
1.1 Corn snakes
0.1 Mexican Black Kingsnake
1.0 Bairds Ratsnake
1.0 Rosy Boa
1.1 Green Anoles
1.1 House Geckos
0.0.2 Flying Geckos
0.0.1 Red Eye Tree Frog

There is a book better than all others.

I own every Bearded Dragon book out there past and present (that I know of)

One book stands out.

Your Bearded Dragon's Life By Liz Palika

The bad news is it is out of print. Try Amazon.com they sometimes have used available. This book covers from birth to when it's time to say goodbye. It's an easy read and is written by a BD lover and long time keeper. It gets my highest recommendation by far.

I have this book as well, it is a good read. One thing I really like is how it breaks down each age cycle for dragons, from out of the egg to as BDLvr puts it, its time to say goodbye. During each life stage it gives a great guide on how often to feed and what to feed, such as 90% insects during the first 6 or so months changing to 90% greens/vegetables once full adulthood reached.
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PHLdyPayne