Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Sorry if this is long. I'm considering getting a bearded dragon for a pet next summer. My interest in these lizards started last summer when I saw many of them for sale at a local reptile show. I decided against buying one at the time when I realized the attention and commitment they require, especially the younger ones that were for sale. Basically I'm a "newbie" and I have (or at least think I have) a basic idea of the cage set up etc. PLEASE correct me and give me any input you may have.

Enviroment: 20gallon (size increases as it grows) glass terrarium w/ mesh lid, reptile turf or other safe substrate, climbing structure, water dish, shelter, heat lamp (I have no idea what kind, all I know is the basking spot should be between 95 and 115degrees).

Feeding: crickets 3 times a day, as much as the beardie will eat, wax worms as a rare treat, and assorted vegetables as well. (I kind of need clarification on feeding esp.)

Other: A few times a week, bathe the beardie in warm water that comes no higher than the beardie's neck to ease shedding, occasionally spray beardie to encourage drinking.

A few questions I can think of off the top of my head are; Which is better for a first-time beardie owner, male or female? What are the differences in characteristics of males vs. females? Are there any differences? I hope I can learn more about the care of these interesting creatures.

Thanks in advance,
Sarah

Hi!

Good for you for doing your research before you get your beardie! I'm sure he will be very happy when you get him

Environment sounds good. Just keep in mind, he will outgrow that 20 gallon very quickly. Make sure that in addition to the heat lamp, you get him a UVB light as well, that he can get within 8 inches of. These are flourescent lights, which give off no heat. Reptisun or reptoglo bulbs are a good choice, either a 5.0 or 8.0. Since these lights give off UVB and UVA, there is no need to buy any sort of "special reptile bulb" for him, a regular household bulb will be fine so long as it is getting warm enough. So essentially you will have 2 seperate light fixtures over the top. There is also what's called a mercury vapor bulb, which give off heat AND uvb, that you could use as well, that go in one regular incansescent fixture.

For a good list of veggies, go here:
http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Nutrition.html
As a baby, you will yes, be feeding him 3 times a day as much as he will eat. This can easily be 60 crickets or more a day, so be prepared to have lots of crickets on hand The wont be too interested in their salads right away, but the older they get the less bugs you have to feed them and the more salad they will eat. For my two adults, they get a salad every day and insects maybe once or twice a week.

There really isnt any difference in temperament or anything between the males and females, this is going to all depend on the dragon. My male is a total sweetheart, completely calm, etc, while my female is psycho. She only tolerates handling but tries to get away most chances she gets. I think she is just insane, because she is the only adult dragon ive ever come across, male or female, that isnt as calm as a rock

Hope this helps! Good luck
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~Melissa~
1.6.3 Leopard geckos
1.1 Bearded dragons
1.0 Hog Island Boa
0.1 Western hognose
0.1 Coastal carpet python
1.1 Crested Gecko
1.0 Savannah Monitor
0.0.1 Sulcata tortoise
1.0 Eastern Collared Lizard
1.1 Ferrets
0.1 Chinchilla
2.0 kitty cats
0.0.1 Firebelly newt that lives with a betta

Wow! Thanks so much, Melissa. It's hard to believe those little youngsters can eat up to 60 crickets a day, considering how small they are! lol I almost want to just hurry up and get it over Christmas holidays, but I'm sure the wait will be worth it. I notice you have a leopard gecko! I do as well, I got her about 2 years ago. Thanks again!

Sarah

Your welcome!
Yep, it can sometimes get tiring watching them pound down crickets, they are like little vacuum cleaners! lol. Just make sure they are appropriately sized (no bigger than the space between their eyes.).

Leopard geckos are fun little guys too. I love mine
-----
~Melissa~
1.6.3 Leopard geckos
1.1 Bearded dragons
1.0 Hog Island Boa
0.1 Western hognose
0.1 Coastal carpet python
1.1 Crested Gecko
1.0 Savannah Monitor
0.0.1 Sulcata tortoise
1.0 Eastern Collared Lizard
1.1 Ferrets
0.1 Chinchilla
2.0 kitty cats
0.0.1 Firebelly newt that lives with a betta

I shall make sure of that. ttyl!

Sarah