Introducing the Hypo Orange Bearded Dragon

The bearded dragon is one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world, and for good reason. These lizards are friendly, curious, and relatively easy to care for. One of the most sought-after variants of the bearded dragon is the hypo orange bearded dragon. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at this fascinating reptile and provide you with everything you need to know to care for one properly.

What is a Hypo Orange Bearded Dragon?

The hypo orange bearded dragon is a color morph of the common bearded dragon. This morph is characterized by its bright orange coloration, which gives it a unique and striking appearance. The hypo gene, which stands for ‘hypomelanism’, means that the lizard has a reduced amount of black pigment, making its colors more vibrant.

Caring for a Hypo Orange Bearded Dragon

If you’re interested in keeping a hypo orange bearded dragon as a pet, there are a few things you’ll need to know. Here are some of the most important aspects of caring for one:

Housing

Before bringing home a hypo orange bearded dragon, you’ll need to have a proper vivarium set up. The enclosure should be large enough for the lizard to move around and climb, with plenty of hiding places and climbing areas. The temperature should be maintained at around 95°F at the basking spot, and around 80°F throughout the rest of the enclosure. A UVB light should be provided to mimic natural sunlight and help the lizard produce Vitamin D3.

Diet

Like all bearded dragons, the hypo orange variant requires a varied diet consisting of both insects and vegetables. Good options for protein include crickets, mealworms, and Dubia roaches. Offer a variety of vegetables daily, such as collard greens, mustard greens, and butternut squash. Avoid feeding spinach and avocado, which can be toxic to lizards. Dust insects with a calcium supplement a few times a week.

Handling

Bearded dragons are generally very friendly and tolerant of handling. However, it’s important to be gentle and not to grasp the lizard too tightly. Wash your hands before handling to avoid transferring any bacteria to the lizard’s skin. Start with short handling sessions and gradually increase the time as the lizard becomes more comfortable and used to you.

Potential Health Issues

As with any pet, there are potential health issues to be aware of when keeping a hypo orange bearded dragon. Some of the most common issues include:

• Metabolic bone disease, which can occur if the lizard doesn’t receive enough calcium and Vitamin D3
• Respiratory infections, which can be caused by poor husbandry or poor immune function
• Parasites, such as mites or ticks
• Fungal infections, which can occur in high-humidity environments

If you notice any signs of illness in your lizard, such as lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing, contact your veterinarian immediately.

In Conclusion

The hypo orange bearded dragon is a stunning and fascinating pet reptile that can make a wonderful addition to your household. With proper care and attention, your hypo orange bearded dragon can live a long and healthy life. If you’re thinking of adopting one, make sure to do your research and provide a proper habitat, diet, and veterinary care.