Caring for a baby bearded dragon
Housing, food, temperature – Where to start?
Caring for a Baby Bearded Dragon: Essential Guide
Bringing home a baby bearded dragon is an exciting experience, but proper care is crucial to ensure they grow into a healthy and happy adult. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about housing, food, temperature, and key health indicators for your young dragon.
Housing your baby bearded dragon
Creating the perfect habitat is essential for your baby bearded dragon's well-being. Here's what you need:
- Tank Size:
A 4ft x 2xft x 2ft tank - in the best interest you start with the correct size tank to allow your dragon to grow nicely and that the tank won't need to be upgraded. - Substrate:
Avoid loose substrates like sand that can cause impaction. Instead, use reptile carpet, paper towels, or ceramic tiles. - Hides & Decor:
Provide a basking platform, hides, and climbing structures to encourage natural behaviour. - UVB Lighting:
A high-quality UVB light is crucial for calcium absorption and overall health. Use a T5 or T8 UVB tube covering two-thirds of the enclosure. - Basking Spot:
Basking spot bulb 100W (based on a 4ft x 2ft x 2ft tank). Ensure a basking spot of 95-110°F and a cooler side around 75-85°F.
Feeding your baby bearded dragon
Proper nutrition is key to healthy growth. Baby dragons require a protein-rich diet along with fresh vegetables:
- Live Food:
Offer appropriately sized insects such as small crickets, locusts, and Dubia roaches 2-3 times daily. Dust insects with calcium powder 5 days a week and a multivitamin 2 days a week. (Arcadia) - Vegetables:
Introduce finely chopped greens like collard greens, mustard greens, and butternut squash. - Water:
Don't leave water in the tanks without supervision.
Temperature and lighting
A well-regulated environment mimics their natural habitat and is essential for digestion and activity:
- Basking Temperature:
Keep the basking spot at 95-110°F. - Cool Side:
Maintain a temperature of 75-85°F. - Nighttime Temperature:
Should not drop below 65°F; use a ceramic heat emitter if necessary. - Lighting Schedule:
Keep UVB and basking lights on for 12-14 hours daily and turn them off at night.
Shedding
Dragons can regularly shed and this is a sign that your dragon is growing in size so don't be alarmed. We recommend when the shedding skin becomes loose, you should support your dragon by removing any loose skin to prevent irritation. A key place to monitor is their nostrils (either side in front of their eyes), as these can become blocked with shedding so it's important to gently tweeze this away.
Health and what to look for
Monitoring your baby bearded dragon daily can help detect any health concerns early. Here are signs of a healthy dragon:
- Active and alert behaviour
- Bright, clear eyes
- Regular appetite and bowel movements
- Smooth, full belly
Signs of health issues
- Lethargy or lack of appetite may indicate improper temperatures, illness, or stress.
- Sunken eyes or wrinkled skin can signal dehydration.
- Runny stool or bloating may be due to parasites or improper diet.
- Impaction (difficulty passing stool) can result from incorrect substrate or overfeeding mealworms.
The most rewarding thing
Raising a baby bearded dragon requires commitment, but with the right care, they will thrive and become a wonderful companion. At Blood Red Dragons UK, we are always available for advice and guidance to ensure your baby dragon grows into a strong, vibrant adult. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact us.