The Ultimate Guide: How to Clean a Bearded Dragon
Bearded Dragons - The Lovable Creatures
Bearded Dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles around the world. They are human-friendly and make adorable pets for people of all ages. However, these little creatures come with a lot of responsibilities, and cleaning and maintenance are some of them. In this article, we will help you clean your Bearded Dragon step by step.
Why is Cleaning Your Bearded Dragon Important?
Cleaning your Bearded Dragon is vital for its health and wellbeing. Just like other pets, Bearded Dragons need their environment to be clean and hygienic. This will help prevent diseases and infections that could be harmful or even fatal for them.
How Often Should You Clean Your Bearded Dragon’s Habitat?
How often to clean your Bearded Dragon’s habitat depends on several factors, including the size of the enclosure, the number of Bearded Dragons, and the amount of time they spend in it. Ideally, you should spot-clean your dragon’s habitat daily, and deep-clean it every few weeks.
Step-by-step Guide to Cleaning Your Bearded Dragon
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Supplies
Before you begin cleaning your Bearded Dragon’s habitat, you will need to gather some supplies. Here’s a list of items that you will need:
- A bucket or sink for the dirty water
- A reptile-safe disinfectant
- A clean sponge or cloth
- A brush for scrubbing
- A water spray bottle
- Paper towels or newspaper for drying
Step 2: Remove the Bearded Dragon from the Habitat
Before you start cleaning, it’s crucial to move the Bearded Dragon out of its habitat. You can put it in a secure, temporary enclosure, or place it in a safe, clean area in your house.
Step 3: Remove the Decorations and Substrate
Once the Bearded Dragon is safe, it’s time to remove all the decorations, including hides, rocks, and plants, from the habitat. Also, remove the substrate, which is what lines the bottom of the enclosure. Put them all in a separate container for cleaning.
Step 4: Cleaning and Disinfecting the Habitat
It’s essential to clean and disinfect the habitat regularly to prevent bacterial and fungal growth. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by rinsing the substrate and decorations to remove debris or waste.
- Use the brush to scrub off any stubborn rocks or decorations.
- Spray the habitat with the reptile-safe disinfectant and leave it for a few minutes.
- Rinse the habitat thoroughly with clean water.
- Use the sponge or cloth to wipe off the excess water.
- Dry everything with paper towels or newspaper.
- Put the substrate and decorations back into the habitat.
Step 5: Cleaning Your Bearded Dragon
Now that the habitat is clean, it’s time to clean the Bearded Dragon itself. Here are the steps to follow:
- Fill the sink or bucket with lukewarm water, making sure it’s not too hot or cold. The water should be about an inch deep.
- Gently place the Bearded Dragon into the water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or soft sponge to gently scrub the skin, especially around the nose, eyes, and ears.
- Rinse the Bearded Dragon with clean water and give it a light spray with the water bottle.
- Dry your Bearded Dragon with a paper towel or a towel, making sure it’s completely dry before putting it back in the enclosure.
Step 6: Putting Your Bearded Dragon Back in the Habitat
Once the Bearded Dragon is clean and dry, it’s time to put it back in its habitat. Make sure the habitat is dry and all the decorations and substrate are back in place before returning your Bearded Dragon.
Conclusion
Cleaning your Bearded Dragon and its habitat is an important part of keeping your pet healthy and happy. Regular cleaning and maintenance will prevent the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi that could cause infections. We hope our guide will help you keep your Bearded Dragon and its habitat clean and healthy.