bearded dragon care 4 you

Most people think that bearded dragons need to be kept in a 50 to 60 gallon tank from the minute they hatch...that's not true.

Baby bearded dragons only need to be kept in a 25 gallon tank, as juveniles that has to change to a 30 or the full 50, it doesn't make a difference, only that you will have to move your dragon up from a 30 to a 50 as it grows, so I would recommend to move it straight from the 25 to the 50.

If you are planning to get three to four dragons than a 60 should do.

Lighting can vary depending on the size of the cage.

Lets start with a 25 gallon.

Lighting should consist of a 75 watt uva bulb, ( available at your local pet shop ) and a full spectrum uv lamp ( also available at your local pet shop).

For a 50 gallon tank use the same type of full spectrum lamp and bulb but a different uva bulb....a 100 watt should do.

Most people also think that you need an under cage heater but thats not nessery, as long as you have the proper watt bulb.

Wattage of bulb also depends on temp of house....as long as you keep the cage temp between 90 to 95 f in the basking area and 65 to 70 in cooler end of the cage, you'll be fine.

Whatever you do, do not use an electric heating rock, that will burn your dragons belly!

Subsrates can vary from desert sand, and wood shavings ( be careful in what shavings you choose some are toxic to any reptile!

As babys, most people recommend paper towls, this is a very good idea because babys don't have the hunting skills as the adults and are a risk from  ingesting sand.

Use paper towls until your dragon is a sub-adult ( about 1 month of age.)

Cleaning you dragons cage is very easy.

Go to your local dollar store and purchase a water strainer.

Whenever your dragon makes a mess, use your strainer to scoop out it out and strain the sand back into the cage, no mess, and no sand goes to waste.