Archive for Pogona genus
Bearded Dragon Care – Lighting
Posted by: | CommentsFor the best care of your Bearded Dragon it’s important to remember where they come from.
In its natural environment, your new bearded dragon would spend its time crawling about and lounging on fence posts, tree branches or any other out of the way spots where it could easily bask in the full glory of the Aussie sun.
Hot days are ideal, and the weather patterns that we might find uncomfortable are the perfect conditions for these cold-blooded creatures. Your setup at home must accurately replicate the full-spectrum of lighting available in the great outdoors if you want to properly have the best Bearded Dragon care.
Many owners allow their dragons to bask in outdoor cages on sunny days when the temperature is over 70ºF to supplement their artificial light regimen.
While technology can’t imitate the sun perfectly, we can ensure that our bearded dragon friends have the next best thing. UVB lighting provides bearded dragons with the full range of light they need to stay warm and comfy all year long, even indoors.
Reptile lights often include percentage information, numeric ratings that indicate how powerful the UVB light they produce is. Ratings of at least 5.0 are typically the most appropriate for bearded dragons, as these light levels correspond to the same type of desert climates they originally call home.
The coating on the insides of UVB bulbs wears out after about 6 months, so they ought to be replaced regularly. Leaving them on to achieve the 12-14 hours of light bearded dragons require can create quite a fire hazard as heat builds up so take care to use safe ceramic bulb housings and always place lights overhead so that they extend the full tank length. Directing light through the glass reduces the amount of UV rays available for your bearded dragon.
Your visible light sources may not double as heat sources. In cases where one uses both UVB bulbs and normal light bulbs, it’s important to ensure that the each illuminates separate areas. This way, a lizard can bask without overheating.
The effects of not providing your bearded dragon with the right care are devastating to its health. Insufficient lighting can result in issues like metabolic bone diseases and other major problems, so make sure your dragon has the best chances of staying well with the right lighting.
Understanding Bearded Dragon care will lead to a greater enjoyment of your pet.
Bearded Dragon Care
Posted by: | CommentsA bearded dragon makes an amazing exotic pet for any owner, regardless of how much previous lizard experience one has, and owning one is a real treat however bearded dragon care and looking after your bearded dragon is very important.
These lizards come in a variety of colours and sizes, and actually comprise a number of species in the Pogona genus.
In their natural habitat, the arid spacious woodlands of Australia, dragons spend their days climbing trees, fences and rocks, basking in the sun during mornings or afternoons.
Although they do like the wild rough-and-tumble atmosphere of the Southern Hemisphere, they have been widely domesticated the world over.
Bearded dragon care requires a bit more preparation than a warm-blooded dog or feline might, but once you set up a proper habitat, they are extremely low-maintenance creatures.
The basics of general lizard care apply, dragons require ample overhead heat sources as well as large habitats that let them freely regulate their distance from the heat.
Many owners recommend simply partitioning full size 55-gallon vivariums so they can expand the habitat size in accordance with lifelong growth trends, a great way to save money on tank upgrades.
Of course, any young bearded dragon not used to its new habitat must be gradually acclimated to a small space in order to prevent stress, and white dividers also serve this function while reflecting bright light back into the cage.
Heat sources typically take the form of full-spectrum UV lighting. These bulbs ought to be left on for at least 12 hours daily, and should allow the dragon to come relatively close to the light, within about 6-8 inches. While adults require temperatures of around 95ºF, juveniles can handle slightly higher temperatures of up to approximately 115ºF.
Maintain a cool side of the cage at around 85ºF and your dragon ought to be quite comfortable.
Bearded dragon care doesn’t end at habitat set-up. One must properly feed, water and maintain their dragon as well as the environment they inhabit at all times. For more tips, check out some of our other articles.
