Introduction to Adult Bearded Dragon Care

Bearded dragons are quickly becoming one of the most popular reptile pets in the world, and for good reason. They are friendly, easy to care for, and fascinating animals to watch. However, caring for them does require some special knowledge and attention, especially when it comes to adult bearded dragon care.

Housing Your Adult Bearded Dragon

When it comes to housing your adult bearded dragon, there are a few important things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need a tank that is large enough to accommodate your bearded dragon’s size. Adult bearded dragons can grow up to 2 feet in length, so a tank that is at least 50 gallons will be necessary. You’ll also want to make sure that the tank has plenty of hiding places and a basking spot where your bearded dragon can soak up some heat and UVB rays.

Feeding Your Adult Bearded Dragon

Adult bearded dragons are omnivores, which means that they eat both plants and insects. When it comes to plant matter, you can feed your bearded dragon a variety of leafy greens like kale, collard greens, and mustard greens. For insects, you can feed your bearded dragon crickets, mealworms, and superworms.

It’s important to make sure that your bearded dragon is getting the right balance of nutrients. About 75% of their diet should be vegetables, while the other 25% should be insects. You can also sprinkle calcium powder on their food to make sure that they are getting enough calcium, which is important for their bone health.

Temperature and Lighting Requirements

Bearded dragons require specific temperature and lighting requirements in order to stay healthy. You’ll need to provide a heat lamp or under-tank heater to maintain a basking spot temperature of around 95-100 degrees Fahrenheit. The rest of the tank should be kept at a temperature between 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to heat, you’ll also need to provide UVB lighting for your bearded dragon. This type of lighting is essential for their metabolic health and helps to prevent metabolic bone disease. You should provide your bearded dragon with 10-12 hours of UVB lighting per day.

Handling Your Adult Bearded Dragon

Handling your adult bearded dragon is an important part of their care. While bearded dragons are generally friendly and enjoy human interaction, it’s important to handle them correctly in order to avoid causing any harm to them. When picking up your bearded dragon, make sure to support their entire body with both hands. Never pick up a bearded dragon by their tail, as it can cause injury.

You should also make sure to wash your hands before handling your bearded dragon, in order to avoid transferring any germs or bacteria onto them. Start by handling your bearded dragon for short periods of time, and gradually increase the amount of time as they get more comfortable with you.

Conclusion

Caring for an adult bearded dragon requires some special knowledge and attention, but with the right care, your bearded dragon can live a healthy and happy life. By providing a proper habitat, a balanced diet, and proper temperature and lighting, you’ll be well on your way to being a responsible bearded dragon owner.