Everything You Need to Know About 6 Month Old Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures that are popular pets among reptile enthusiasts. They are gentle, easy to handle and with proper care, they can live up to 15 years. Bearded dragons come in different sizes, colors, and patterns, and they make excellent pets for beginners. If you have a 6 month old bearded dragon, this guide will teach you all you need to know about the care and feeding of your pet.

Housing and Habitat

The housing and habitat of a 6 month old bearded dragon is important to make sure that your pet is healthy and happy. A good-sized tank is necessary for a bearded dragon to get the exercise they need. Your tank should be at least 50-gallon capacity, and should have a secure lid to prevent escape. The tank should have enough space for your bearded dragon to move around freely, and should have various hiding spots, climbing structures, and basking areas.

Lighting and Heating

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded, which means they need a source of external heat to regulate their body temperature. A heating lamp, under tank heater or ceramic heat emitter should be installed in your tank to provide your bearded dragon with a temperature gradient. This means that one area of the tank should be around 90-100 degrees Fahrenheit for basking while the cool part of the tank is around 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, bearded dragons need ultraviolet (UV) light to produce vitamin D3, which is important for their overall health. A UVB light with 10-14% UVB output placed on top of the tank is required for your pet’s health.

Feeding and Nutrition

Feeding a 6 month old bearded dragon is essential to their health and well-being. Bearded dragons are omnivores that eat both insects and vegetables. They require a balanced diet consisting of appropriate insects such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches, as well as leafy greens such as kale, collard greens, and dandelion greens. Feed your pet bearded dragon every day using food items that are no larger than the width between their eyes. Include a mix of insects and vegetables in every meal.

Behavior and Socialization

Bearded dragons are social animals and enjoy human interaction and playtime. If you want your pet to be friendly and sociable, it is important to spend time with them every day. Handle your bearded dragon gently and make sure to support their entire body when holding them. You can also set up playtime outside of their tank either on a leash or in a secure playpen. This is a great time for bonding with your bearded dragon while providing them with exercise.

Health and Wellness

Bearded dragons are prone to certain health issues such as impaction, obesity, and parasites. As a pet owner, you need to be aware of the signs of illness and take preventative measures such as providing regular veterinary care and maintaining proper hygiene. Bathe your bearded dragon every few weeks to prevent the buildup of harmful bacteria on their skin, claws and mouth. If you notice any signs of illness or abnormal behavior in your bearded dragon, it is important to consult a veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

Having a 6 month old bearded dragon as a pet is a wonderful experience that can be very rewarding. Proper care and feeding are essential to ensure that your pet is healthy and happy. Make sure to provide your bearded dragon with adequate housing and habitat, lighting and heating, feeding and nutrition, socialization and exercise, as well as regular veterinary care. With proper care, your pet bearded dragon can live a long and happy life as a cherished member of your family.