| As one of the more popular lizard breeds taken in as | | | | daily. You can provide them this need by installing a |
| pets, the bearded dragon lizard is actually quite easy | | | | UV light (long fluorescent lights will do also) inside their |
| to look after. They require minimum fuss and | | | | cage. The nearer the bearded dragon lizard is to the |
| maintenance except for the staple care and supplies | | | | light source, the better. UV light aids in dragons' |
| of the general reptile breed as a whole. | | | | digestion and keeps their disposition amicable. |
| There is no recommended age for the bearded | | | | 4. Temperature |
| dragon to be bought as a pet. Unlike other animals | | | | In keeping a bearded dragon lizard, it is imperative |
| that develop bonds with their caretakers during | | | | that you employ a temperature gradient inside their |
| childhood and become tamer as they spend more | | | | housing. Part of their cage should be warm enough |
| time with humans, bearded dragons are independent | | | | for them to enjoy their daily basking and stretching. |
| creatures. They fend for themselves and even those | | | | At night, it should be cold enough to mimic the |
| adopted during adulthood can develop strong | | | | outside environment. |
| relations with their owners. | | | | Temperature regulation is very important because |
| Below are the basic needs in taking care of a | | | | dragons are sensitive to uncomplimentary whether. |
| bearded dragon lizard. | | | | Too much warmth or coldness can adversely affect |
| 1. Housing | | | | their health. |
| The most preferred housing for a bearded dragon is | | | | 5. Substrate |
| a glass tank with a screen as a cover. The screen will | | | | Kitchen paper towels make good substrates for |
| ensure that enough air circulates in the tank while | | | | bearded dragon lizards. Not only are they cheap and |
| keeping the lizard securely inside. Glass is preferred | | | | easy to find, they are also clean and inedible. This |
| for two things also: maximum visual pleasure for the | | | | safety measure will surely keep your dragon on the |
| owner and added light absorption for the pet. | | | | safe side. Another beneficial feature of using paper |
| Other options are container made of wood and | | | | towels is that they are really easy to replace when |
| plastic. Wood cages are quite beautiful but heavy and | | | | soiled, no messy cleaning is required. |
| difficult to clean. Plastic, on the other hand, are rapidly | | | | Other materials that can be used are children's play |
| becoming a common choice because of their | | | | sand, soil and sand from pet stores, and crushed sea |
| convenience in cleaning and ease to move around. | | | | shells. The latter two items are all available in your |
| 2. Food | | | | local reptile store while children's play sand is pretty |
| Bearded dragon lizards are relatively easy to feed. | | | | much the same as the ones used in school and park |
| They require a daily diet consisting of little bugs, | | | | play grounds. The important thing to remember when |
| worm, and crickets mixed with a variety of veggies. | | | | using sand as substrate is to clean it daily to maintain |
| Cultivated bugs that are available in most pet and | | | | a fresh and hygienic environment for the bearded |
| reptile stores are the best choice for your lizards. | | | | dragon lizard. |
| This ensures that they were not contaminated by | | | | 6. Tank accessories |
| fertilizers and pesticides that infect most bugs found | | | | Optional tank accessories may be placed inside your |
| in open vegetation spaces. | | | | bearded dragon lizard's to imitate the natural |
| Dark green and leafy vegetables are also ideal for | | | | environment. As lizards are fond of lying around and |
| bearded dragon lizards. Tear or cut up the leaves into | | | | basking, a mini log may be installed. Plastic or natural |
| small bite sizes before feeding. A good rule of thumb | | | | plants may also be provided to give the tank a more |
| to follow is to keep the veggie size between half to | | | | forest atmosphere. Just keep in mind not too clutter |
| 2/3 the space between your dragon's eyes. | | | | the housing too much so as not to encroach in the |
| 3. Lighting | | | | living and moving space of your pet. Also, keep the |
| Lizards require exposure to the full UV spectrum | | | | housing and all accessories clean at all time. |