Rescue Bearded Dragon: Everything Beginners Should Know
Meet the Bearded Dragon
Are you considering adding a Bearded Dragon to your family? These gentle reptiles are cute, friendly, and relatively easy to care for. But, what happens when you come across a Bearded Dragon in need of rescue?
What Is a Rescued Bearded Dragon?
A rescued Bearded Dragon is one that has been abandoned, lost, or mistreated. It can be a challenging task to accommodate a rescued Bearded Dragon back to its healthy and happy state, but it can be done. Here we will look at how to rescue a Bearded Dragon, what you should have ready before taking in a rescued Bearded Dragon, and how to care for it during the rescue and afterwards.
How to Rescue a Bearded Dragon?
If you find a Bearded Dragon in distress, rescue it immediately. You can make the rescue process smoother by following these steps:
- Approach slowly and gently
- Wear gloves or use a towel to pick it up
- Place it in a box or carrier. Be sure the container has enough ventilation, heat, and some hiding places
- Find a veterinarian with experience in treating reptiles
Preparations Before Rescuing a Bearded Dragon
Before taking in a rescued Bearded Dragon, you need to have the right equipment and set up ready. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- A cage that’s at least 75 gallons big
- a UVB light for at least 10 hours a day
- Heat lamps for basking
- Heat Mats/ Ceramic Heaters for ambient temperature regulation
- A hiding area to provide comfort to your Bearded Dragon
- Substrate like reptile carpet, paper towels, or ceramic tile
- A proper diet of insects, worms, and vegetables
- Water and food dishes
- Thermometer & humidity gauge
- Calcium and Vitamins supplements
How to Care for a Rescued Bearded Dragon?
Caring for a rescued Bearded Dragon is no different from caring for a healthy one. However, you need to offer it lots of tender loving care throughout the recovery period. Here are some tips on how to care for your rescued Bearded Dragon:
- Make sure it has access to fresh water daily
- Offer it a healthy diet consisting of insects, worms, and fresh and leafy vegetables
- Monitor its behavior and make sure it’s active and alert
- Keep track of its weight
- Clean the cage regularly
- Keep the environment clean and safe
- Provide enough space for it to move around comfortably
- Ensure proper heat and humidity regulation
- Provide calcium and vitamin supplements to prevent metabolic bone disease
Conclusion
Rescuing a Bearded Dragon is a noble endeavor. With the right equipment, preparation, and care, you can nurse it back to good health and offer it the love and attention it needs to be happy and comfortable. Take it slow, and don’t forget to show your Bearded Dragon some love throughout the process. You never know, your rescued Bearded Dragon might just become the happiest and healthiest pet you’ve ever had.