10 Things You Need to Know about Your Bearded Dragon At 2 Months Old
10 Things You Need to Know about Your Bearded Dragon At 2 Months Old
Congratulations, you are a new bearded dragon parent! Your little one is now 2 months old, and there are a few important things that you need to know to ensure your bearded dragon grows up healthy and happy. In this blog post, we will cover the top 10 things that you need to know about your bearded dragon at 2 months old.
1. Housing Requirements
Your 2-month-old bearded dragon will need a spacious, safe and comfortable enclosure. A 20-gallon tank or larger is recommended. The enclosure should be equipped with heating and lighting, a basking area, a hiding spot, and a water dish. The temperature inside the enclosure should be maintained between 95°F and 105°F during the day, and between 75°F and 85°F at night.
2. Feeding and Diet
Your 2-month-old bearded dragon will need a balanced and nutritious diet to grow healthy and strong. Feed your bearded dragon live crickets or other insects (such as mealworms, superworms, or dubia roaches) that are gut-loaded with nutritious vegetables and fruits. You can also offer fresh vegetables and fruits such as collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, squash, carrots, and strawberries. Avoid feeding your bearded dragon citrus fruits and iceberg lettuce as they can cause health problems.
3. Hydration
Your 2-month-old bearded dragon will also need access to clean and fresh water at all times. Put a shallow dish of water in the enclosure and change it daily. Bearded dragons may also enjoy being misted with water, but make sure that there is no standing water in the enclosure as it can lead to skin infections and other health problems.
4. UVB Lighting
Your 2-month-old bearded dragon needs UVB lighting to help it produce vitamin D3, which is essential for healthy bone growth and overall health. Provide your bearded dragon with a UVB bulb for 10-12 hours per day. Make sure that the bulb is no more than 12 inches away from the basking area.
5. Handling and Taming
Handling and taming your 2-month-old bearded dragon is important to develop trust and a bond between you and your pet. Start with short handling sessions of 10-15 minutes each day, gradually increasing the duration as your bearded dragon becomes more comfortable with you. Avoid handling your bearded dragon for the first few days after bringing it home to allow it to acclimatize to its new environment.
6. Shedding
Your 2-month-old bearded dragon will start shedding its skin as it grows. You may notice your bearded dragon becoming irritable or grumpy during this time, which is normal. Make sure that the enclosure is moist and humid to help your bearded dragon shed more easily. Offer a small, shallow water dish for soaking and mist the enclosure regularly.
7. Vet Check-Ups
Regular vet check-ups are important to ensure that your 2-month-old bearded dragon is healthy and growing properly. Take your bearded dragon to the vet for a wellness check-up once every 6-12 months, or if you notice any changes in its behavior, appetite, or appearance.
8. Socialization
Socialization is important for bearded dragons to learn how to interact with other animals and humans. Encourage socialization by occasionally introducing your bearded dragon to other pets in a controlled and supervised environment. You can also take your bearded dragon outdoors for fresh air and sunlight, but always keep it on a leash or in a secure enclosure.
9. Behavioral Cues
Bearded dragons communicate through body language and behavior cues. Learn to read your 2-month-old bearded dragon’s cues, such as head-bobbing, arm-waving, eye-bulging, and tail movements. These cues can indicate fear, aggression, excitement, or contentment. Understanding your bearded dragon’s cues will help you create a positive and safe environment for your pet.
10. Enjoying Your Pet
Finally, enjoy your 2-month-old bearded dragon! Bearded dragons are fascinating and entertaining pets that can provide endless hours of enjoyment. Watch your bearded dragon explore its environment, bask in the sun, or hunt insects. Take photos and videos of your bearded dragon to create lasting memories.