Lizard

Bearded Dragon

SBRSC Bearded Dragon Information Guide for Adoption

 

Bearded Dragon Tip 1: These are SOLITARY animals, they do not get lonely.  Only ONE animal per enclosure.  Bearded Dragons CAN brumate so don’t be worried if they start to slow down on eating through October.

Enclosure Assembly

When the enclosure changes, the heating, lighting, and UVB/A requirements change.

 

Enclosure Type PVC: 

Housing:

 

Approved pvc style enclosures:

·         Zen Habitat Median Wood Reptile Enclosure, 4’ x 2’ x 2’ - https://amzn.to/3BnOk5S  (Amazon) ·         Reptile Habitats 120 gallon 4’x2’x2’ Reptile Enclosure - https://amzn.to/3wwY7Uu (Amazon) ·         ToxiRium 76 Gallon PVC Reptile Tank, 40" x 20" x 20" - https://amzn.to/3P2r3dv  (Amazon)

 

 

UVB Fixture/Bulb: 

 

(Lighting Option 1)

 

Approved 36” T5 Fixtures that include the bulb:

·         Arcadia Reptile ProT5 UVB Kit - 14% D3+ UVB Dragon, 35 Inch (Bulb & Fixture) - https://amzn.to/49xDCXd (Amazon)

 

 

OR fixture/lights purchased separately:

 

Approved 36” T5 Fixtures that require an additional bulb

·         Zoo Med ReptiSun T5-HO Terrarium Hood, 36", hood only - https://amzn.to/3Zy7cHm (Amazon)   ·         Vivarium Electronics 36" T5 HO Light Fixture - https://amzn.to/3OXMvAc (Amazon)

 

Approved 34” T5 bulbs for 36” Fixtures

·         Arcadia 14% UVB T5 Bulb - 34" https://amzn.to/3uPpFnE (Amazon)   ·         ZooMed Reptisun 34" 10.0 T5HO UV-B Bulb https://amzn.to/48yAo3I (Amazon)

 

 

 

(Lighting Option 2)

 

Approved 48” T5 Fixtures that require an additional bulb

·         Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO Terrarium Hood 48" https://amzn.to/49134mX (Amazon)

 

Approved 46” T5 bulbs for 48” Fixtures

·         Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 T5-HO UVB Fluorescent Lamp, 54 W, 46"  https://amzn.to/49wZf9k (Amazon)

 

 

Heat Fixture:

Zoo Med Combo Large Deep Dome Dual Lamp Fixture https://amzn.to/49MR5Kd (Amazon – click ‘See all buying options’)

With a Dimmer Switch - https://amzn.to/3SHX4K6 (Amazon)

 

Heat Daytime:

            Arcadia Halogen Heat Lamp 100 Watt - https://rb.gy/237hki  (PetSmart)

 

Heat Nighttime:

Fluker's Deep Thermal Heat Lamp for Reptiles - 100 watt https://amzn.to/49shFYG  (Amazon)                  

           

 

Heating, Lighting, & UVB Set-up & Management

 

Ideal temperatures Bearded Dragons range from 70-75°F on the cool side, 80-90°F on the warm side. Provide a 90-107°F basking area on the warm side.  Night temps should be between 60-70°F.  The UVB Ferguson Zone is 4.

 

The UVB and top daytime heat fixtures are plugged into the timer and set to be on for 12 hours and off for 12 hours.

 

Timer: 24-Hour Mechanical Timer Outlet with multiple Grounded Outlets. Daytime units will plug into the timer side, night time units will plug into the continuous side - https://amzn.to/3w0aBnk (Amazon)

 

Thermostat: ReptiZoo dimmable thermostatic controller - https://amzn.to/3UcgWGq (Amazon) - the nighttime heat source will be plugged into this unit.

 

If you chose top heat the sensor for the controller will be secured at ground level in the projected heat path of the deep heat projector with screws,  zip ties or some manner that cannot be knocked free  - https://amzn.to/47JZ2Of (Amazon)

 

It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED to get a Solarmeter Model 6.5 UV Index Meter - https://amzn.to/3S7qvUd (Amazon).  This is to not only measure the Ferguson Zone for the UVB but it tells you when the UVB has been burned off from the bulb.

 

While the bulbs that we recommend generally need to be replaced every 10 - 11 months, some can be defective and burn out sooner.  UVB lights can stop emitting UVB but still illuminate.  Always save the bulb box and receipt in the event that you need to exchange it due to this.  The meter can help to prove your case.

 

Alternatively, many of these bulbs live longer than expected.  If you check the health of your UVB bulb once a month, you may find that it is viable for many months longer than expected, thus saving you money in the long run.

 

Remember, the Ferguson Zone you want for your Bearded Dragon to be in is Zone 4.  The meter will help you to learn where that is in your enclosure.   It needs to reach the highest point that your beardie can climb to.  This will remain an unknown without the meter.  Be Aware!  Cheaper means unreliable or measures the wrong thing.

 

TIP!!! - Never throw away your UVB light box or receipt in case you need to return it for burning out too soon.

In order to manage your gradient temperatures, you need the Etekcity Infrared Thermometer Laser Temperature Gun - https://amzn.to/42pQawp (Amazon).  Knowing the temps is helpful if your animal is not acting or behaving in a normal way. You can even use it to test your animals temp as well as the water for your animal’s bath!

 

Décor, Hints & Tips:

 

We do not recommend using anything that has suction cups because they become weak over time and can cause a hazard for your dragon. 

 

Everything needs to be reptile safe so when looking for things like wood or rocks it is recommended you purchase these items new from a reptile retailer. 

 

If possible, it’s preferred to use items that are not porous or made of wood for a healthy and easy to clean environment.

 

If you want to use items from outside you MUST scrub them with Dawn Wildlife Safe Dish Soap - https://amzn.to/428GOoo (Amazon) followed by a wipe down or spray of 99% Isopropyl Alcohol - https://amzn.to/3Hv2txG (Amazon). 

 

If it is wood that is from either outside or is second hand you MUST do the above THEN bake it in an oven at 250 degrees for 2 hours – set your timer to check on it every 15 minutes to make sure it does not catch on fire.

 

Substrate – There are a two very SPECIFIC flooring options you can use – any other brand will not be approved.  If you have a female, you will need to use enough in your enclosure to allow her to dig when she is gravid (developing eggs) so she feels safe enough to pass the eggs.  These will not be fertile and she will not care about them so toss them when you find them.

Imported authentic Australian sand

·         Jurassic Natural Desert Dragon Habitat 10 lb. – the ONLY sand permitted for dragons: https://amzn.to/3ImznRi (Amazon)

 

Or…

 

Soft wood chips

·         PJ Murphy SaniChips – specifically made for reptiles: https://amzn.to/3SYgXeJ (Amazon)

 

 

Hides and Climbs – Bearded Dragons like to climb so that they can regulate their temperature and UVB absorption.  It also gives them enrichment to feel like they are exploring.  While you will be providing at least 2 places to hide they generally don’t use them to sleep in.  They sleep where they are when the lights go out typically.

 

Remember these are desert animals so decorating with a lot of greenery should be avoided.

 

Here are the Climbs/Hides we use and highly recommend:

 

·         Large corner simulated rock hide: https://amzn.to/3wxrDcF (Amazon)

 

·         Large imitation wood climb (5 stars): https://rb.gy/d4ydxk (PetSmart)

 

 

Dishes and Suppliants:

Water Bowl: this will be placed on the cool side and should be big enough for your dragon to get in partially.  We use this one for all of our dragons: https://amzn.to/3IjDs8U (Amazon)

 

Chlorine remover: Tap water is healthy for your animals because of the minerals in it but you will need to remove the chlorine from it with Zoomed ReptiSafe Water Conditioner for Reptiles - https://amzn.to/480MCBM  (Amazon).  This is to be used in drinking water, soaking water, and the water to spray the substrate for humidity.

 

*Please Note - bottled water is not recommended and distilled is dangerous for reptiles

 

Food Dish: There are 2 needed for omnivores:

·         Cornerdish for salads with or without bugs: https://amzn.to/42UgSgP (Amazon)

 

·         Large Ceramic Reptile worm Dish - https://amzn.to/3utFkZo  (Amazon)

 

Calcium w/vitamin D3 & Multivitamin: 

           

Rep-Cal Calcium with Vitamin D3 - https://amzn.to/3OdOtMx (Amazon)
Rep-Cal Herptivite Multivitamin with Beta Carotene - https://amzn.to/3S9vZhs (Amazon)

 

 

Tip: Make a 50/50 mix in a new jar to sprinkle on food and dust bugs with.

 

Spray Bottle: Avenoir Mister Spray Bottle - https://amzn.to/3HwjzLu (Amazon) This will be used to keep the substrate damp for humidity.

 

Feeding Tongs:  Zoo Med Soft Tip Angled Stainless Steel Feeding Tongs, 10" - https://amzn.to/4b67OJk (Amazon) These will be needed if you want to feed your dragon green horned worms, black Mexican crickets, or dubia roaches.

 

Bug Food – You will need to get food based on the bugs you decide to feed your bearded dragon.  All must be gut loaded first or they are no healthier than potato chips.  We feed ours super worms, giant mealworms, dubia roaches, black Mexican crickets, night crawlers (earthworms), and occasionally green hornworms.

TIP! Juvenile bearded dragon diets will consist of 80% insects, 15% greens & veg, and 5% fruit.  Adult bearded dragon diets will consist of 80% greens & veg, 15% insects, and 5% fruit.  You can find more information on other foods in our resources.

·      Calci-mMm helps keep your bugs hydrated – we can teach you how but it is essential if you have crickets or roaches that you are keeping longer than just for one feed: https://amzn.to/3SEP8Jr (Amazon)

·      Roach Rations Premium can be used for all roach feeders: https://amzn.to/49o4rff (Amazon)

·       Cricket Cuisine Premium: https://amzn.to/48Yy9aR (Amazon)

·       High Calcium Mealworm (& super worm) diet: https://amzn.to/3w1MvZk (Amazon)

·       Bug Burger is great for all mentioned bugs as an alternative (except horn worms): https://amzn.to/4bqqSlU (Amazon)

·       Repashy Superhorn is great for horn worms: https://amzn.to/3v0MVyV (Amazon)

Travel Carrier:

         Bearded Dragon Carrier with harness & leash - https://amzn.to/3IhXvEP (Amazon)

         Bearded Dragon Carrier / Backpack - https://amzn.to/3P3Cm5c (Amazon)

         Bearded Dragon Carrier - https://amzn.to/3uQwVQ5 (Amazon)