Lizards, when taken care of well, make great pets. Bearded dragons are one of the most popular lizards available today. This article explains a little about bearded dragon life styles and provides the necessary information to set up your own 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.
Native to central Australia, bearded dragons prefer forested, dry, warm climates. During the day, they hang out in trees and bushes, but also can be found basking on warm stones. To keep your lizard healthy and happy, try to recreate this natural environment as closely as possible in its new tank.
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 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.
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.
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