Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Bearded Dragons > First Time Owner

First Time Owner

21 10:34:38

Question
I have never owned a Bearded Dragon before and I want to soak up as much information as I can so I can take good care of my bearded dragon.

Firstly, I have read in a couple places that mealworms aren't good for bearded dragon's because they're hard to digest. But would it be ok to give them as treats every once in a while? Also how many crickets a day would be good for a young bearded dragon to eat? I think how many they should eat is based off of how old they are, right?  I'm not entirely sure how old my bearded dragon is because I bought her from someone, but I do know that she is under a year.

Secondly, I know that we have to keep her hydrated. The previous owner said he had a spray bottle that he misted her with. Is that a good idea? Also should I keep a water dish in there too right? And what about baths? How often should she be bathed?

Thirdly, I have a heat lamp to keep her warm and a normal lamp to keep her cage lit up. But I should still get an UV light for her tank,right?

Lastly, I only have a basking rock in the tank at the moment. Is there anything else that I should be in there with her?

I'm sorry that I have a ton of questions. I just want to know all that I can know so I can take good care of my pet and make life enjoyable for her.

Answer
Hey there, Young bearded dragons can eat a lot and generally slow down as they reach around a year or so. Maybe 2 dozen at the most, usually they will stop eating when they have gotten enough. If your bearded dragon leaves crickets running around I would remove those uneaten ones, that way they don't stress your beardie out.

A spray bottle is a great way to keep your beardie hydrated. Just mist her a couple times a day. A water bowl should also be kept in her enclosure being changed out when needed. Baths should be maybe 2-3 times a week. 2-3 times a week is a pretty good amount of baths for hydration. When giving her a bath she can often just soak in warm water for a few. You can also to really keep her clean during baths is using a small smooth baby type brush to clean dirt and other things off of her.

Bearded dragons NEED the UV light throughout the day. absorbing the right amount of UV enables them to digest and absorb the needed calcium intake. If they don't get enough UV they can develop metabolic bone disease. She will definitely need it!

When it comes to basking, drift wood makes for a great basking item to have in the enclosure. You can find different sizes and shapes online! They do make hammocks but those need to be cleaned constantly. Be sure with whatever you have for basking that your beardie has a shaded spot to get out of the heat. Most basking rocks are hallow with a hole on one side.

I tried to answer each of your questions, I hope I was of some help! If you have any other kind of questions no matter how long feel free to ask!

Good luck!