Introduction

So, you’ve decided to get a bearded dragon as a pet. Congratulations! These fascinating lizards are both entertaining and rewarding to own. They are great for beginners due to their docile nature and relatively low maintenance. However, before you bring your new bearded dragon home, it is important to create a suitable habitat. This guide will take you through the essential bearded dragon must-haves to ensure your pet lizard is healthy and happy.

Housing

The first and foremost bearded dragon must-have is a suitable housing. A terrarium or vivarium is the best option for your pet lizard, and its enclosure should be at least 40 gallons. Ideally, it should be longer rather than taller as bearded dragons require more floor space than height. Proper ventilation is also essential, meaning you will need to have a slightly open space at the top of the enclosure to allow for heat and air flow.

Heating and Lighting

Bearded dragons require specific temperatures to thrive. They need a basking spot where they can heat themselves up to 100-110°F (37-43°C), and then a cooler area of around 80-85°F (27-29°C) to regulate their body temperature. To achieve these temperatures, you will need a heat lamp and a UVB light. The heat lamp should be placed over the basking area and the UVB light should cover the entire enclosure. A timer can help regulate the light cycle, simulating the natural day/night cycle in the wild.

Substrate

The correct substrate is another essential bearded dragon must-have. It is important to select a substrate that is safe for your pet lizard to help prevent impaction – a blockage of the digestive tract – which can be fatal. Some of the preferred options are reptile carpet, newspaper, and ceramic tiles. Avoid sand or loose substrate as they can cause impaction if ingested.

Food and Water

Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both animal and plant-based foods. Fresh vegetables and fruits, such as kale, spinach, apples, and strawberries, are a great addition to their diet. Insects such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches are also crucial sources of protein. You should feed your bearded dragon both insects and fresh vegetables every day, and make sure to remove any uneaten food from the enclosure after feeding. A fresh water supply should also be available at all times.

Accessories

Lastly, you will want some accessory items to create a comfortable environment for your pet. These include rocks, logs, and branches to give your bearded dragon things to climb on and hide behind. Ceramic or stainless steel food and water bowls are also important, and you can include a basking platform to help them reach the heat lamp more easily.

Conclusion

Bearded dragons are fascinating and entertaining lizards that are wonderful pets for beginners. By providing them with the bearded dragon must-haves discussed in this guide, you can create an environment in which they will thrive. Keep in mind that owning a bearded dragon comes with a commitment to providing them with quality care and habitat maintenance. Enjoy your new pet and welcome to the world of bearded dragon ownership!