The Leatherback Morph Bearded Dragon: A Beginner's Guide
Introduction
Are you thinking of getting a pet reptile? Do you want a bearded dragon that is unique and stands out from the rest? If yes, then consider getting a leatherback morph bearded dragon.
Leatherback morph bearded dragons are a rare and fascinating morph of the bearded dragon species. They have unique scales that are more rounded and smoother than regular bearded dragons. This gives them a leathery texture, hence their name. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about the leatherback morph bearded dragon if you’re a beginner.
Appearance
Leatherback morph bearded dragons have a unique appearance compared to regular bearded dragons. As mentioned earlier, their scales are more rounded and smoother, and they have a leathery texture. They also have a reduced amount of spikes and a wider head. These features make them stand out and also give them a distinct personality.
Habitat and Housing
Leatherback morph bearded dragons are native to the arid regions of Australia. They require a habitat similar to their natural environment to thrive. Hence, you need to set up a terrarium that mimics their natural environment.
The enclosure should be large enough for them to move around and bask. The minimum size for a single bearded dragon is a 40-gallon tank. For multiple bearded dragons, you’ll need a larger tank. Also, ensure that the enclosure has plenty of hiding spots, basking spots, and climbing structures. The basking spot should have a temperature of 100-110°F, and the cool side of the enclosure should be around 75°F.
Diet and Feeding
Leatherback morph bearded dragons are omnivores and have a diverse diet. Their diet comprises of vegetables, fruit, and live insects. Their diet should consist of about 80% vegetables and 20% insects. Some of the vegetables you can feed them include collard greens, mustard greens, kale, turnip greens, and dandelion greens. They can also eat fruit, including strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries.
For their insect diet, you can feed them crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and superworms. Ensure that you dust the insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements before feeding them to the bearded dragon. This helps prevent bone-related health issues.
Behavior and Temperament
Leatherback morph bearded dragons have a friendly and docile personality. They are easy to handle and enjoy human interaction. However, like all bearded dragons, they can become aggressive if they are stressed, hungry, or sick.
Health and Care
Leatherback morph bearded dragons are generally healthy pets. However, like all pets, they require proper care and attention to prevent health issues. Some of the health issues that can affect them include metabolic bone disease, respiratory infections, and parasites. To prevent these issues, ensure that you maintain a clean and hygienic enclosure, provide them with proper nutrition, and take them for regular checkups with a reptile veterinarian.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating bearded dragon pet, then the leatherback morph bearded dragon is an excellent choice. They’re easy to care for, have a friendly personality, and stand out from other bearded dragon morphs. However, ensure that you provide them with proper care and attention to keep them healthy and happy.