February 26, 2010
Creating Perfect Bearded Dragon Habitats
When properly cared for, lizards make great companions. One popular type of pet lizard is the bearded dragon. This guide will provide information the lifestyle and general care of the bearded dragon and also tell you how to set up a perfect bearded dragon habitat.
Native to Australia, the bearded dragon is a medium sized lizard with a long life span. Including the tail, these lizards can reach up to two feet in length, and they prefer a mixed diet of insects, baby mice, worms, and leafy vegetables. Fresh water should be provided daily, and it is also important to occasionally mist your lizard. Since these animals are very social, they can be kept together in large aquariums.
Since bearded dragons are from central Australia, they like hot, dry, wooded environments. In the wild, they are often found in bushes and trees, but also like to bask on warm rocks. To keep your lizard happy it is important to try to mimic this environment as closely as possible when constructing its habitat.
The first step to setting up a new habitat for your lizard is to choose the appropriate tank. Hatchlings are small and can be kept in standard aquariums measuring 10-15 gallons, but adults need much more space, approximately 55 gallons, such make sure you plan ahead. Bearded dragons are renowned escape artists, so make sure your tank has a tight fitting lid.
With your lizard’s enclosure in place, you next need to decide what type of bedding (also known as substrate) that you want to line the bottom of the tank with. A good substrate is easy to keep clean, absorbs liquids well, and easy to digest, just in case your lizard eats some. Most specialty stores sell substrate specifically designed for bearded lizards, but shredded newspaper works as well. Whatever you choose, be sure to avoid, kitty litter, cedar shavings, crushed corn cobs, or gravel as this can be bad for your pet if ingested.
Once you’ve chosen a tank and bedding, it is time to decorate. Bearded lizards like to climb and to have places to had, so the more things to climb on and hidey-holes you provide, the happier your new pet will be. You can use oak sticks for climbing branches and smooth stones are good places for your lizard to bask. For a decorative touch, add live, non-toxic plants. Most of all, have fun and be creative!
Now that you have the tank decorated, it is time to start thinking about heat and light sources. Though it comes last, this is the most important part of habitat design. The tank must be kept between 78-88 degrees F during the day and no less than 70 degrees F at night. Incandescent light bulbs affixed to the lid of the tank are the best way to provide heat and light source. You should also purchase a special basking light to position over the area the lizard will bask.
Filed under Reptiles by Sam Patrolio