Bearded dragons, also referred to as “beardies,” are well-liked pet lizards identified for his or her pleasant demeanor and distinctive look. As light and docile creatures, they typically get pleasure from being dealt with with care. Nonetheless, you will need to strategy the duty of choosing up a bearded dragon with warning to keep away from inflicting them stress or harm. By understanding their pure conduct and following a mild strategy, you may safely and successfully deal with your bearded dragon for numerous functions, reminiscent of feeding, cleansing their enclosure, or offering veterinary care.
Earlier than making an attempt to choose up your bearded dragon, take a while to watch their physique language. If they’re relaxed and comfy, they’ll probably be extra receptive to being dealt with. Indicators of rest embrace a peaceful and alert demeanor, open eyes, and a relaxed tail. Conversely, if they’re displaying indicators of stress or aggression, reminiscent of puffed-up beards, closed eyes, or a stiff tail, it’s best to keep away from dealing with them and provides them area.
If you find yourself prepared to choose up your bearded dragon, strategy them slowly and calmly. Keep away from making sudden actions or noises that would startle them. Use your palms to softly scoop them up from beneath their physique, supporting their stomach and again. Hold your maintain agency however light, avoiding any tight or constricting grips that would trigger discomfort. After you have securely lifted them, cradle them near your physique for consolation and help. In case your bearded dragon reveals any indicators of discomfort or stress, reminiscent of struggling or making an attempt to chunk, gently launch them and take a look at once more later when they’re extra settled.
Indicators of a Wholesome Bearded Dragon
Observing the bodily traits and behaviors of a bearded dragon can present insights into its general well being. Listed below are some key indicators to search for:
Bodily Look
A wholesome bearded dragon ought to have:
- Clear, shiny eyes with totally opened pupils
- A clear, easy nostril with none discharge or crusting
- A agency, closed mouth with no indicators of drooling or swelling
- A wholesome physique weight, with a spherical, agency stomach and visual hip bones
- A easy, well-hydrated pores and skin that isn’t wrinkled or flaky
- Properly-developed, evenly coloured scales
- Clear, dry vent with no indicators of feces or discharge
li>A robust jawbone and a symmetrical head with none lumps or bumps
Conduct
A wholesome bearded dragon will sometimes:
- Be energetic and alert, responding to stimuli
- Have a superb urge for food and eat repeatedly
- Have the ability to stroll and climb with out problem
- Have a traditional respiratory fee, respiration simply and with none wheezing or labored respiration
- Preserve a wholesome temperature gradient by basking beneath a warmth lamp and cooling off in a cooler space
- Present no indicators of lethargy, weak point, or irregular conduct
Desk: Bodily Look vs. Unhealthy Look
| Bodily Look | Unhealthy Look |
|---|---|
| Clear, shiny eyes | Boring, cloudy eyes |
| Clear, easy nostril | Discharge or crusting on the nostril |
| Agency, closed mouth | Drooling or swelling within the mouth |
| Properly-hydrated pores and skin | Wrinkled or flaky pores and skin |
| Evenly coloured scales | Discolored or lacking scales |
Selecting the Proper Dimension and Age
Deciding on the suitable measurement and age in your bearded dragon is essential for the well-being of your new companion. Take into account the next components:
Dimension
Bearded dragons are available in numerous sizes, starting from 8 to 24 inches in size. Whereas child dragons are undeniably lovable, it is clever to decide on a bigger, extra mature dragon for first-time house owners. A mid-sized bearded dragon between 12 and 18 inches in size is good for dealing with and each day care.
Age
Bearded dragons can reside for as much as 8 to 10 years. Selecting a youthful dragon permits for an extended bond and the chance to form its temperament. Child dragons, nevertheless, are extra fragile and require extra frequent feedings and nearer monitoring. A juvenile bearded dragon between 6 and 12 months outdated is an effective compromise, providing a manageable measurement and a comparatively established character.
Deciding on the Correct Habitat
When deciding on a habitat in your bearded dragon, there are a number of components to contemplate to make sure their well-being and luxury.
Enclosure Dimension
The perfect enclosure measurement for an grownup bearded dragon is a minimal of 75 gallons (48″ x 24″ x 18″). Juveniles can begin in a smaller enclosure (e.g., 20-40 gallons) and regularly improve as they develop.
Supplies
The enclosure must be made from a sturdy materials reminiscent of glass, plastic, or melamine. Glass enclosures present wonderful visibility however could be heavier and costlier. Plastic enclosures are light-weight and reasonably priced, however they will scratch simply. Melamine enclosures are sturdy and straightforward to scrub, however they could not present as clear visibility as glass or plastic.
Air flow
Satisfactory air flow is essential for sustaining correct airflow and stopping respiratory points. Search for enclosures with mesh or screened sides or tops that present cross-ventilation. Keep away from enclosures with strong sides, as they will lure moisture and fumes.
Substrate
The substrate, or bedding, within the enclosure must be secure and comfy in your dragon. Appropriate substrates embrace:
| Substrate | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Reptile carpet | Simple to scrub, odorless, hypoallergenic | Can catch claws, might overheat |
| Free substrate (e.g., sand, soil, mulch) | Naturalistic, supplies burrowing alternatives | Will be messy, tough to scrub, might influence humidity |
| Paper towels | Disposable, cheap, straightforward to interchange | Not very absorbent, can shift simply |
Figuring out the Proper Meals Choices
Bearded dragons have distinctive dietary wants that adjust relying on their age and measurement. Understanding these wants is essential for sustaining their well being and well-being.
Reside Bugs
Reside bugs are an important a part of a bearded dragon’s weight loss program, offering them with important vitamins and stimulation. Appropriate bugs embrace:
Crickets
A staple meals for bearded dragons, crickets are excessive in protein and calcium.
Dubia Roaches
Identified for his or her excessive dietary worth and low fats content material, dubia roaches make a wholesome addition to a bearded dragon’s weight loss program.
Mealworms
An excellent supply of fats and protein, mealworms must be fed sparingly because of their excessive chitin content material.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are an vital supply of fiber, nutritional vitamins, and minerals. Embrace a wide range of greens in your bearded dragon’s weight loss program, reminiscent of:
Collard Greens
Wealthy in calcium and antioxidants, collard greens are a nutritious and versatile leafy inexperienced.
Romaine Lettuce
A low-calorie choice containing nutritional vitamins A and C, romaine lettuce must be washed completely earlier than feeding.
Dandelion Greens
Filled with nutritional vitamins and minerals, dandelion greens are a bitter inexperienced that bearded dragons typically get pleasure from.
Different Meals Choices
Along with bugs and leafy greens, bearded dragons can profit from different meals choices, together with:
Fruits
Bearded dragons can get pleasure from fruits reminiscent of apples, bananas, and blueberries as occasional treats.
Greens
Some greens that may be supplied to bearded dragons embrace squash, candy potatoes, and carrots.
Dietary supplements
Calcium and vitamin D3 dietary supplements are important for bearded dragons to help bone well being.
Understanding Bearded Dragon Conduct
7. Indicators of Discomfort or Stress
Recognizing the indicators of discomfort or stress in your bearded dragon is essential for its well-being. Here is a complete desk outlining these indicators:
| Signal | Description |
|---|---|
| Puffed-up Throat | Growth of the throat, accompanied by fast respiration, indicating a defensive or aggressive response. |
| Flaring Nostrils | Widening of the nostrils, typically accompanied by elevated alertness and defensive conduct. |
| Gaping Mouth | Opening the mouth extensive, often accompanied by heavy respiration, indicating overheating or respiratory points. |
| Beard Blackening | Darkening of the throat beard, sometimes related to stress, aggression, or show of dominance. |
| Tail Twitching | Fast and erratic motion of the tail, typically indicating discomfort, ache, or irritation. |
| Claw Wiggling | Jerking or waving of the claws, often related to nervousness or discomfort. |
| Tensing of the Physique | Stiffening or inflexible motion of the physique, indicating a defensive or fearful response. |
Feeding Your Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are omnivorous, which means they eat each vegetation and animals. Within the wild, they eat a wide range of bugs, small reptiles, and vegetation. In captivity, they are often fed a weight loss program of crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and greens reminiscent of collard greens, mustard greens, and dandelion greens. You will need to present your bearded dragon with a wide range of meals to make sure that they’re getting all of the vitamins they want.
Frequent Well being Considerations and Prevention
Metabolic Bone Illness
Metabolic bone illness (MBD) is a typical well being drawback in bearded dragons. MBD is attributable to a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D3. Signs of MBD embrace delicate bones, swollen joints, and lethargy. MBD could be prevented by offering your bearded dragon with a weight loss program wealthy in calcium and vitamin D3. You too can present your bearded dragon with a UVB mild, which helps them to soak up calcium.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are one other widespread well being drawback in bearded dragons. Respiratory infections could be attributable to a wide range of components, together with micro organism, viruses, and fungi. Signs of a respiratory an infection embrace sneezing, coughing, and problem respiration. Respiratory infections could be handled with antibiotics or different medicines.
Parasites
Parasites are one other widespread well being drawback in bearded dragons. Parasites can reside in a bearded dragon’s intestines, lungs, or pores and skin. Signs of a parasite an infection can differ relying on the kind of parasite. Parasites could be handled with remedy.
Ideas for Dealing with and Socializing a Bearded Dragon
1. Accustom Them to Your Presence
Spend time close to their enclosure, speaking or studying to them, to make them conversant in your voice.
2. Strategy Slowly and Calmly
Keep away from sudden actions and respect their private area. Transfer in direction of them gently and permit them time to watch you.
3. Supply a Hand
Slide your hand beneath their stomach, offering light help. Keep away from greedy them from above, as this could set off defensive conduct.
4. Safe Them with Two Arms
Use one hand to help their stomach and the opposite to cradle their physique and tail. Distribute their weight evenly to keep away from discomfort.
5. Maintain Them Securely
Hold them near your physique for a way of safety. Keep away from swinging or dropping them, as this could injury their fragile bones.
6. Assist Their Again
Bearded dragons have weak backs, so present ample help beneath their backbone. Maintain them upright, permitting their tail to hold naturally.
7. Keep away from Dealing with After Meals
Wait at the least half-hour after they’ve eaten to deal with them, as this stimulates their digestive system and may trigger regurgitation.
8. Respect Their Escape Makes an attempt
In the event that they attempt to wriggle out of your grasp, gently place them again down and provides them area. Forcing them to remain can injury their belief.
9. Gradual Socialization
| Week 1 |
Deal with for brief durations (5-10 minutes), 2-3 occasions a day. |
|---|---|
| Week 2 |
Enhance dealing with time to 10-Quarter-hour, 3-4 occasions a day. |
| Week 3+ |
Proceed dealing with for 15-20 minutes, 2-3 occasions a day. Permit them to roam exterior the enclosure with supervision. |
Lengthy-Time period Care and Upkeep
Each day Care
Present recent water, greens, and bugs each day. Clear the habitat repeatedly, eradicating dirty bedding and wiping down surfaces. Monitor your beardie’s conduct and look for any indicators of sickness.
Weekly Care
Test the temperature and humidity ranges within the enclosure. Bathe your beardie as soon as per week to take care of pores and skin well being. Trim their nails and clear their ears as wanted.
Month-to-month Care
Deep clear the enclosure, eradicating all bedding and substrate. Disinfect all surfaces with a reptile-safe disinfectant. Examine your beardie’s tail for indicators of tail rot or an infection.
Quarterly Care
Take your beardie to a reptile veterinarian for a checkup. This features a bodily examination, bloodwork, and fecal evaluation. Weigh your beardie and alter their weight loss program as crucial.
Annual Care
Conduct a radical well being checkup together with your reptile veterinarian, together with x-rays and a dental examination. Decide if any vaccinations are crucial primarily based in your beardie’s age and well being standing.
Weight loss plan
Supply a assorted weight loss program of bugs, greens, and fruits. Reside bugs must be gut-loaded with nutritious meals earlier than feeding. Complement your beardie’s weight loss program with nutritional vitamins and minerals as beneficial by your veterinarian.
Enclosure
The enclosure ought to present ample area, air flow, and a basking space. Guarantee the suitable temperature gradient throughout the enclosure, with a heat basking spot and a cooler retreat space.
Substrate
Select a delicate, non-abrasive substrate that’s secure in your beardie to ingest. Keep away from utilizing sand or different free supplies, as they will trigger impactions.
Lighting
Present a mix of ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) lighting. UVB lighting is crucial for vitamin D3 synthesis, whereas UVA lighting helps general well-being.
Temperature and Humidity
Preserve a temperature gradient throughout the enclosure, with a daytime basking temperature of 95-105°F (35-40°C) and a nighttime temperature of 75-85°F (24-29°C). The humidity stage must be round 30-40%.
How To Choose Up A Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are some of the well-liked pet reptiles, and for good purpose. They’re comparatively straightforward to take care of, they’re attention-grabbing to look at, and they are often very affectionate. Nonetheless, you will need to know how you can deal with a bearded dragon correctly to keep away from injuring them or your self.
Step one is to strategy the bearded dragon slowly and calmly. Keep away from making any sudden actions, as this might startle the dragon. As soon as you’re near the dragon, attain down and gently scoop it up from beneath. Assist the dragon’s physique together with your different hand, and guarantee that its head is properly supported.
If the dragon is resisting being picked up, don’t power it. As an alternative, attempt to calm it down by speaking to it softly and stroking its head. As soon as the dragon is calm, you may attempt to choose it up once more.
By no means choose up a bearded dragon by its tail. This may injure the dragon’s tail, and it could additionally trigger the dragon to drop its tail.
Folks Additionally Ask
How typically ought to I choose up my bearded dragon?
You must solely choose up your bearded dragon when crucial, reminiscent of for feeding, cleansing, or bathing. Bearded dragons usually are not social animals, and they don’t get pleasure from being dealt with incessantly.
What ought to I do if my bearded dragon bites me?
In case your bearded dragon bites you, don’t pull your hand away. As an alternative, keep calm and gently take away your hand from the dragon’s mouth. If the dragon continues to chunk you, chances are you’ll want to make use of a towel to cowl its head and gently push it away.
How do I do know if my bearded dragon is sick?
There are a couple of indicators which will point out that your bearded dragon is sick, together with:
- Lack of urge for food
- Lethargy
- Weight reduction
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory issues
If you happen to discover any of those indicators, you will need to take your bearded dragon to the vet as quickly as attainable.
