| The bearded dragon lizard, a native of Australia, is | | | | bearded dragons are messy creatures, their homes |
| one of the most popular choices when choosing a | | | | must be cleaned twice a day. It is a danger for a |
| reptile as a house pet. Mainly due to its docile and | | | | baby dragon's health if their surroundings are not |
| friendly disposition, this sociable reptile has been | | | | kept clean because their young age makes them |
| gracing pet stores and houses at an increasing rate. | | | | more susceptible to fleas and diseases. The highest |
| Adopting the bearded dragon lizard as part of the | | | | mortality rate of bearded dragons take place during |
| family requires planning and care. Below are some | | | | their first month. |
| guidelines that can be used in caring for the baby | | | | 5. Provide temperature control in your baby dragon's |
| bearded dragon that will become the newest | | | | tank. This can be done by using a temperature |
| member of your family. | | | | gradient. There should a spot warm enough for the |
| 1. Baby bearded dragons require a lot o food to | | | | baby dragon to bask and lie in and there should be a |
| support their rapid growth rate. Between the first 3-6 | | | | spot humid enough to answer to the dragon's need |
| weeks, feed your baby dragon about 2-3 times a | | | | for water. Baby bearded dragons need water both |
| day. Cricket, veggies, and greens can be used while | | | | as a drink and in the air to aid their growth in the |
| watering can be done once or twice daily. It is rule of | | | | first months of their life. Lack of humidity in the air |
| thumb that the food you will feed them must be | | | | can actually cause your baby dragon to shed. |
| about half the size as the distance between his eyes. | | | | 6. Provide UV light. The light should imitate the one |
| This is to ensure that your dragon will not suffer | | | | given off by the sun as this helps in your baby |
| from terminal indigestion. | | | | dragon's digestion. Working in a way much like |
| 2. Check for parasites regularly. Although they are | | | | photosynthesis, UV light encourages healthy digestion |
| parasite-free upon purchase, being bred in captivity, | | | | in your dragon. This is especially important for baby |
| there is always the danger of parasite infestation | | | | dragons as they are always in danger of indigestion |
| once your baby dragon has been exposed to the | | | | due to your young age and reduced capacity to |
| elements, especially to the bugs, worms, and crickets | | | | absorb food in large sizes. |
| he will be fed with. | | | | 7. It is recommended to use paper towels as your |
| 3. Provide ample space for your dragon to grow in. | | | | baby dragon's substrate. Its is clean, easy to replace |
| The recommended size is a 10 gallon aquarium for a | | | | when dirty, and inedible. |
| newly hatched dragon, while a 20 gallon tank is | | | | 8. Handle your dragon daily. This will develop their |
| needed in the next six months due to your baby | | | | trust towards humans and build their bond with you. |
| dragon's speedy growth. When your bearded dragon | | | | Just make sure that you are gentle in handling them |
| reaches adulthood, the size should be changed to a | | | | and that you never pick them up them up with their |
| 50 gallon tank to provide enough space for basking, | | | | tail. They dislike this and will make them thrash about, |
| exercise and growth. | | | | which is harmful for your baby dragon. You may |
| 4. Clean the baby dragon's house regularly. Since | | | | choose to scoop them up with your cupped hands. |