How to Take Care of a Bearded Dragon Baby

Bearded dragons make wonderful pets for reptile enthusiasts. These small lizards are known for their friendly nature, low maintenance requirements, and unique appearance. If you’re thinking of getting a bearded dragon baby as a pet, it’s important to understand how to properly care for them to ensure they grow up healthy and happy. Here are some essential tips to help you take care of a bearded dragon baby:

1. Housing: Provide a spacious terrarium or enclosure with appropriate heating and lighting. A 20-gallon tank is suitable for a baby bearded dragon.

2. Temperature: Maintain a temperature gradient within the enclosure, with a warm side (90-100°F) and a cooler side (80-85°F). Use heat lamps or ceramic heat emitters to achieve this.

3. Lighting: Use a UVB light to provide essential vitamin D3 for calcium absorption, which is crucial for bone development.

4. Substrate: Line the enclosure with a substrate that is safe and easy to clean, such as reptile carpet or paper towels.

5. Feeding: Offer a varied diet consisting of small insects (crickets, dubia roaches) and leafy greens. Dust insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements.

6. Water: Provide a shallow dish of fresh water at all times. Mist the enclosure occasionally to increase humidity.

7. Handling: Handle your bearded dragon baby gently and frequently to build trust and socialize them. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration.

8. Shedding: Bearded dragons shed their skin as they grow. Ensure proper humidity levels and provide a moist hide to aid in shedding.

9. Health check-ups: Regularly inspect your bearded dragon for any signs of illness or injury. Consult a reptile veterinarian for annual check-ups.

10. Enclosure cleanliness: Clean the enclosure regularly to maintain a hygienic environment. Remove any feces, uneaten food, and clean the substrate.

11. Exercise and enrichment: Provide climbing branches, rocks, and other items for your bearded dragon to explore and exercise. Rotate and add new items regularly to stimulate their curiosity.

12. Socialization: Introduce your bearded dragon baby to different environments, sounds, and people to help prevent stress and promote socialization.

FAQs about Bearded Dragon Babies:

1. How often should I feed my bearded dragon baby?
Feed them 2-3 times a day, offering a mix of insects and leafy greens.

2. Can I feed my bearded dragon baby fruits?
While fruits can be offered occasionally as a treat, they should not form a significant part of their diet due to high sugar content.

3. How long does it take for a bearded dragon baby to reach adulthood?
Bearded dragons generally reach adulthood between 12-18 months.

4. Should I bathe my bearded dragon baby?
Yes, regular baths help with hydration and shedding. Use lukewarm water and ensure proper supervision.

5. How often do bearded dragons shed?
Bearded dragons shed their skin every 4-6 weeks, more frequently during their growth phase.

6. How do I know if my bearded dragon baby is sick?
Look out for signs like loss of appetite, lethargy, abnormal stool, or visible health issues. Consult a reptile veterinarian if you suspect illness.

7. Can bearded dragons live together?
Bearded dragons are solitary animals and should be housed individually to prevent territorial disputes and stress.

8. How often should I clean the enclosure?
Spot clean daily and perform a thorough clean at least once a month to maintain cleanliness.