What Do I Feed A Bearded Dragon?
Whilst they are young, they require 90% of their diet to be live such as crickets and locusts. It is advisable to ‘gut load’ the insects; this means letting the insects feed on a nutritional supplement before feeding to allow the bearded dragon to get all of the vitamins and minerals they require.
The insects may also be dusted in nutrients, however the insects often shake the powder off before the bearded dragon has time to consume these.
It is really important to watch your lizard eating the insects.
If there are insects left in the vivarium for a long length of time, the insect may bite the bearded dragon causing an infection.
As the bearded dragon enters adulthood, they will only require insects to make up 25% of the diet, dark leafy green vegetables should make up 50% of the diet and vegetables the rest.
One to two times a week the food should be dusted with a calcium supplement to ensure their calcium requirements are met.
What Do Bearded Dragons Drink?
Water should be provided in a large shallow dish in which they can lay in. Bearded dragons should be bathed at least once a week as they will absorb fluid through their cloaca (bottom).
Did you know?
In the wild if it is lightly raining, bearded dragons will stand on their hind legs and lick the rain from the air.
Where Should They Live?
Bearded Dragons should live in a vivarium which must be kept at a hot temperature to replicate Australia. The low end should be between 27-31°C and the higher end 33-38°C. At night it should be kept at 21-24°C.
The minimum size the vivarium should be is three times the animal’s full length (though the larger the better as in the wild they will roam around 4.5 miles in their lifetime).
Humidity should be kept between 35-40% (this can be measured with a hydrometer). It is also essential that bearded dragons receive UV light to allow them to produce vitamin D which is important in absorbing calcium. UVB is supplied by a specialised bulb. The bulb should be at least 12% and have use by dates on the packets (it is important the date is adhered to otherwise the quantity of UVB may reduce).
How Often Should I Take My Bearded Dragon To The Vets?
It is important that once a year they have a health check and to check their faeces for parasites.
If you suspect your bearded dragon or other exotic pet is unwell then do not hesitate to contact us.
We have a number of vets with interests in exotic pet species, based at Pride Veterinary Centre and our Oakwood and Langley Mill practices, as well as a specialist led referral exotic service at Pride Veterinary Centre.
