Lightning

Question
Hi
I'm a new bearded dragon owner and I would like to know if it is a must to have a rock direct under the basking light for the dragon to bask under.I would also like to know would it burn the dragons skin if he lies on the rock directly below the basking light.


Answer
Hello Martin,

Well, he does need something to bask on such as a platform made of wood, tiles, brick, or rocks, etc.  A natural rock that gets hot from the lights should not burn him.  Though some rocks may absorb more heat than others so I always recommend lighter colored rocks for them to bask on so they don't get quite as hot & then darker rocks for other areas of the tank.
So no, it will not burn him, just do not use a "heat" rock which is an electric device as those can & often do malfunction which DO burn them.
They love to bask up on things, so providing them with something of that magnitude is greatly appreciated by them.  :-))
It should be pretty directly placed right underneath the basking spot with several surrounding areas for him to sit around the basking spot for varying temperatures that he can choose from at any given time.


Tracie