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.
Found in central Australia, bearded dragons like woody, warm, arid climates. In nature, they can be located in shrubs and trees, as well as basking on hot stones. The health and happiness of your lizard is dependent on mimicking this environment as closely as possible.
First, you must pick the appropriate enclosure. While baby bearded dragons can be kept in 10-15 gallon aquariums, adults need the space provided by an aquarium of at least 55 gallons, so plan accordingly. Also, make sure the aquarium has a tight fitting lid, so that your new pet cannot escape.
Once you have chosen a tank, you should pick the kind of bedding or substrate you will use. This substrate needs to be absorbent, digestible, and easy to clean. Most major pet stores cell bedding specifically designed for bearded dragons, but you can something simple, like newspaper, as well. However, for the safety of your lizard, you should avoid gravel, cedar shavings, kitty litter, and crushed gravel.
Once your substrate is in place, you can decorate the tank. Be creative! The more hiding places and things to climb on your lizard has, the happier he will be. Oak sticks make good climbing posts, and flat rocks are perfect for basking. Live plants can also be added, as long as they are non toxic.
The final, and most important step, in creating your lizard's habitat, is to install sources of heat and light. Remember, lizards are cold-blooded and rely on external sources of heat. In order to keep your lizard healthy, the tank should be kept at 78-88 degrees F at day, and no lower than 70 degrees F at night. Affixing Incandescent light bulbs to the tank lid is a great way to provide warmth. Lizards also need a place to bask, so make sure that you purchase a special basking lamp.
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