Bearded dragons, also called “beardies,” are standard pet lizards identified for his or her pleasant demeanor and distinctive look. As mild and docile creatures, they usually get pleasure from being dealt with with care. Nonetheless, it is very important method the duty of choosing up a bearded dragon with warning to keep away from inflicting them stress or damage. By understanding their pure habits and following a mild method, you may safely and successfully deal with your bearded dragon for numerous functions, akin to feeding, cleansing their enclosure, or offering veterinary care.
Earlier than trying to choose up your bearded dragon, take a while to look at their physique language. If they’re relaxed and comfy, they’ll possible be extra receptive to being dealt with. Indicators of leisure embody a peaceful and alert demeanor, open eyes, and a relaxed tail. Conversely, if they’re displaying indicators of stress or aggression, akin to 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 end up prepared to choose up your bearded dragon, method 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. Maintain your maintain agency however mild, 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 exhibits any indicators of discomfort or stress, akin to struggling or trying to chunk, gently launch them and check out 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 total well being. Listed below are some key indicators to search for:
Bodily Look
A wholesome bearded dragon ought to have:
- Clear, brilliant eyes with absolutely 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
- Nicely-developed, evenly coloured scales
- Clear, dry vent with no indicators of feces or discharge
li>A powerful jawbone and a symmetrical head with none lumps or bumps
Conduct
A wholesome bearded dragon will usually:
- Be energetic and alert, responding to stimuli
- Have an excellent urge for food and eat usually
- Have the ability to stroll and climb with out problem
- Have a standard respiratory charge, respiration simply and with none wheezing or labored respiration
- Preserve a wholesome temperature gradient by basking below a warmth lamp and cooling off in a cooler space
- Present no indicators of lethargy, weak spot, or irregular habits
Desk: Bodily Look vs. Unhealthy Look
| Bodily Look | Unhealthy Look |
|---|---|
| Clear, brilliant eyes | Boring, cloudy eyes |
| Clear, easy nostril | Discharge or crusting on the nostril |
| Agency, closed mouth | Drooling or swelling within the mouth |
| Nicely-hydrated pores and skin | Wrinkled or flaky pores and skin |
| Evenly coloured scales | Discolored or lacking scales |
Selecting the Proper Measurement and Age
Deciding on the suitable dimension and age in your bearded dragon is essential for the well-being of your new companion. Take into account the next elements:
Measurement
Bearded dragons are available 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 homeowners. A mid-sized bearded dragon between 12 and 18 inches in size is right for dealing with and day by 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 previous is an effective compromise, providing a manageable dimension and a comparatively established persona.
Deciding on the Correct Habitat
When choosing a habitat in your bearded dragon, there are a number of elements to contemplate to make sure their well-being and luxury.
Enclosure Measurement
The best enclosure dimension 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 steadily improve as they develop.
Supplies
The enclosure ought to be manufactured from a sturdy materials akin to glass, plastic, or melamine. Glass enclosures present glorious visibility however could be heavier and dearer. Plastic enclosures are light-weight and reasonably priced, however they’ll scratch simply. Melamine enclosures are sturdy and simple to wash, however they could not present as clear visibility as glass or plastic.
Air flow
Enough 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’ll entice moisture and fumes.
Substrate
The substrate, or bedding, within the enclosure ought to be secure and comfy in your dragon. Appropriate substrates embody:
| Substrate | Advantages | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|
| Reptile carpet | Straightforward to wash, odorless, hypoallergenic | Can catch claws, could overheat |
| Unfastened substrate (e.g., sand, soil, mulch) | Naturalistic, gives burrowing alternatives | Might be messy, tough to wash, could impression humidity |
| Paper towels | Disposable, cheap, simple to exchange | 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 dimension. Understanding these wants is essential for sustaining their well being and well-being.
Dwell Bugs
Dwell bugs are an important a part of a bearded dragon’s weight loss program, offering them with important vitamins and stimulation. Appropriate bugs embody:
Crickets
A staple meals for bearded dragons, crickets are excessive in protein and calcium.
Dubia Roaches
Recognized 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
A great supply of fats and protein, mealworms ought to be fed sparingly attributable to their excessive chitin content material.
Leafy Greens
Leafy greens are an essential supply of fiber, nutritional vitamins, and minerals. Embrace quite a lot of greens in your bearded dragon’s weight loss program, akin to:
Collard Greens
Wealthy in calcium and antioxidants, collard greens are a nutritious and versatile leafy inexperienced.
Romaine Lettuce
A low-calorie possibility containing nutritional vitamins A and C, romaine lettuce ought to be washed completely earlier than feeding.
Dandelion Greens
Full of nutritional vitamins and minerals, dandelion greens are a bitter inexperienced that bearded dragons usually 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 akin to apples, bananas, and blueberries as occasional treats.
Greens
Some greens that may be supplied to bearded dragons embody 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. This is a complete desk outlining these indicators:
| Signal | Description |
|---|---|
| Puffed-up Throat | Enlargement of the throat, accompanied by fast respiration, indicating a defensive or aggressive response. |
| Flaring Nostrils | Widening of the nostrils, usually accompanied by elevated alertness and defensive habits. |
| Gaping Mouth | Opening the mouth extensive, normally accompanied by heavy respiration, indicating overheating or respiratory points. |
| Beard Blackening | Darkening of the throat beard, usually related to stress, aggression, or show of dominance. |
| Tail Twitching | Fast and erratic motion of the tail, usually indicating discomfort, ache, or irritation. |
| Claw Wiggling | Jerking or waving of the claws, normally related to anxiousness 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, that means they eat each vegetation and animals. Within the wild, they eat quite a lot of bugs, small reptiles, and vegetation. In captivity, they are often fed a weight loss program of crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches, and greens akin to collard greens, mustard greens, and dandelion greens. You will need to present your bearded dragon with quite a lot of meals to make sure that they’re getting all of the vitamins they want.
Frequent Well being Issues and Prevention
Metabolic Bone Illness
Metabolic bone illness (MBD) is a typical well being downside in bearded dragons. MBD is attributable to a deficiency of calcium and vitamin D3. Signs of MBD embody tender 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. It’s also possible to present your bearded dragon with a UVB mild, which helps them to soak up calcium.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections are one other frequent well being downside in bearded dragons. Respiratory infections could be attributable to quite a lot of elements, together with micro organism, viruses, and fungi. Signs of a respiratory an infection embody sneezing, coughing, and problem respiration. Respiratory infections could be handled with antibiotics or different drugs.
Parasites
Parasites are one other frequent well being downside 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. Method Slowly and Calmly
Keep away from sudden actions and respect their private area. Transfer in the direction of them gently and permit them time to look at you.
3. Provide a Hand
Slide your hand below their stomach, offering mild help. Keep away from greedy them from above, as this may set off defensive habits.
4. Safe Them with Two Fingers
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
Maintain them near your physique for a way of safety. Keep away from swinging or dropping them, as this may injury their fragile bones.
6. Help Their Again
Bearded dragons have weak backs, so present ample help below their backbone. Maintain them upright, permitting their tail to hold naturally.
7. Keep away from Dealing with After Meals
Wait at the very 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 |
Improve 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
Day by day Care
Present contemporary water, greens, and bugs day by day. Clear the habitat usually, eradicating dirty bedding and wiping down surfaces. Monitor your beardie’s habits and look for any indicators of sickness.
Weekly Care
Verify the temperature and humidity ranges within the enclosure. Bathe your beardie as soon as every week to keep up 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 regulate their weight loss program as obligatory.
Annual Care
Conduct an intensive well being checkup along with your reptile veterinarian, together with x-rays and a dental examination. Decide if any vaccinations are obligatory based mostly in your beardie’s age and well being standing.
Weight loss plan
Provide a diverse weight loss program of bugs, greens, and fruits. Dwell bugs ought to be gut-loaded with nutritious meals earlier than feeding. Complement your beardie’s weight loss program with nutritional vitamins and minerals as really helpful by your veterinarian.
Enclosure
The enclosure ought to present enough area, air flow, and a basking space. Guarantee the suitable temperature gradient inside the enclosure, with a heat basking spot and a cooler retreat space.
Substrate
Select a tender, non-abrasive substrate that’s secure in your beardie to ingest. Keep away from utilizing sand or different free supplies, as they’ll trigger impactions.
Lighting
Present a mixture of ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) lighting. UVB lighting is crucial for vitamin D3 synthesis, whereas UVA lighting helps total well-being.
Temperature and Humidity
Preserve a temperature gradient inside 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 ought to be round 30-40%.
How To Choose Up A Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are probably the most standard pet reptiles, and for good motive. They’re comparatively simple to look after, they’re fascinating to look at, and they are often very affectionate. Nonetheless, it is very important know methods to deal with a bearded dragon correctly to keep away from injuring them or your self.
Step one is to method the bearded dragon slowly and calmly. Keep away from making any sudden actions, as this might startle the dragon. As soon as you might be near the dragon, attain down and gently scoop it up from beneath. Help the dragon’s physique along with your different hand, and be sure that its head is effectively supported.
If the dragon is resisting being picked up, don’t pressure 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 decide it up once more.
By no means decide up a bearded dragon by its tail. This could injure the dragon’s tail, and it may possibly additionally trigger the dragon to drop its tail.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How usually ought to I decide up my bearded dragon?
It’s best to solely decide up your bearded dragon when obligatory, akin to for feeding, cleansing, or bathing. Bearded dragons should not social animals, and they don’t get pleasure from being dealt with regularly.
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, it’s possible 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 that will point out that your bearded dragon is sick, together with:
- Lack of urge for food
- Lethargy
- Weight reduction
- Diarrhea
- Respiratory issues
Should you discover any of those indicators, it is very important take your bearded dragon to the vet as quickly as potential.
