Reptiles that cannot readily escape the heat and are at risk of hyperthermia and organ shut down which has life-threatening consequences Make certain the dragon has access to shade and cannot overheat. ![]() The sunlight should not pass through any glass or plastic as these will filter out UVB rays. When doing this, ensure the dragon is in an escape-proof/predator-proof cage. UVB light can be provided by artificial ‘UV-lights’ however, there is no substitute for natural unfiltered sunlight, and it is recommended that dragons should receive sunlight for 20-30-minute periods at least 2-3 times a week. Vitamin D3 is essential for proper calcium metabolism in dragons and to help prevent secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism, also known as metabolic bone disease. This day-night cycle is also essential for normal mental health.īearded dragons have strict requirements concerning UVB light supplementation as they rely on UVB light rays to be able to produce vitamin D3 in their skin adequately. It is recommended that you supply a day-night cycle for your bearded dragon of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness but adjusting this cycle to match natural cycles is also possible and may contribute to more natural behaviour. It is suggested to avoid calci-sand, gravel, corncob, pea gravel, crushed walnut and shavings made of pine or cedar in the enclosure. Still, it can be used as a general substrate that is low risk, has good odour control, is easy to clean and relatively cost-effective. Vermiculite without chemicals or fertilisers is often used as a substrate for breeding/incubation purposes. Astroturf or artificial grasses can fray with the ends being ingested causing obstructions or can get wrapped around digits causing damage, so it to be needs to be used with caution. Specially designed reptile carpet is a good option, although it can be challenging to clean. Washed playground sand is acceptable, and although many recommend against it because of fear of impaction, this usually only occurs a result of underlying diseases or improper husbandry predisposing to this problem and not a substrate issue in itself. Newspaper, butchers’ paper, or paper towels are easy to clean, and pose no risk for obstruction, however they do not allow for digging or enrichment and look unnatural. There are many suitable substrates (floor covering), and they all have their good and bad properties. Although many say multiple females can be kept together, this is a situation that is not a safe practice and is best to avoid. ![]() It is important to house bearded dragons individually, as they can inflict severe damage to each other, resulting in loss of limbs and even death. In some climates, they can be kept in outdoor pit environments with access to natural lighting and temperature fluctuations. ![]() Good ventilation is essential to help with air circulation, temperature and managing humidity. Any items in the cage should be cleaned with a safe product such as diluted F10 (we commonly recommend a 1:250 ratio with water).Īdult bearded dragons can be housed indoors in their enclosure which should be measuring no less than 1.2-1.8 metres long and 0.6-0.9 metres high, but larger is ideal. The cage and substrate should be cleaned regularly with ‘spot’ cleaning as required. All of these options have pros and cons, so the decision often comes down to the individual. Substrate (enclosure floor covering) options include newspaper, recycled paper cat litter, artificial turf, sand and some commercially produced reptile bedding. The enclosure set-up depends on the size and age of the dragon.
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