| The bearded dragon lizard, a native of | | | | Since bearded dragons are messy creatures, |
| Australia, is one of the most popular choices | | | | their homes must be cleaned twice a day. It |
| when choosing a reptile as a house pet. | | | | is a danger for a baby dragon's health if |
| Mainly due to its docile and friendly | | | | their surroundings are not kept clean because |
| disposition, this sociable reptile has been | | | | their young age makes them more susceptible |
| gracing pet stores and houses at an | | | | to fleas and diseases. The highest mortality |
| increasing rate. | | | | rate of bearded dragons take place during |
| | | | their first month. |
| Adopting the bearded dragon lizard as part of | | | | |
| the family requires planning and care. Below | | | | 5. Provide temperature control in your baby |
| are some guidelines that can be used in | | | | dragon's tank. This can be done by using a |
| caring for the baby bearded dragon that will | | | | temperature gradient. There should a spot |
| become the newest member of your family. | | | | warm enough for the baby dragon to bask and |
| | | | lie in and there should be a spot humid |
| 1. Baby bearded dragons require a lot o food | | | | enough to answer to the dragon's need for |
| to support their rapid growth rate. Between | | | | water. Baby bearded dragons need water both |
| the first 3-6 weeks, feed your baby dragon | | | | as a drink and in the air to aid their growth |
| about 2-3 times a day. Cricket, veggies, and | | | | in the first months of their life. Lack of |
| greens can be used while watering can be done | | | | humidity in the air can actually cause your |
| once or twice daily. It is rule of thumb that | | | | baby dragon to shed. |
| the food you will feed them must be about | | | | |
| half the size as the distance between his | | | | 6. Provide UV light. The light should imitate |
| eyes. This is to ensure that your dragon will | | | | the one given off by the sun as this helps in |
| not suffer from terminal indigestion. | | | | your baby dragon's digestion. Working in a |
| | | | way much like photosynthesis, UV light |
| 2. Check for parasites regularly. Although | | | | encourages healthy digestion in your dragon. |
| they are parasite-free upon purchase, being | | | | This is especially important for baby dragons |
| bred in captivity, there is always the danger | | | | as they are always in danger of indigestion |
| of parasite infestation once your baby dragon | | | | due to your young age and reduced capacity to |
| has been exposed to the elements, especially | | | | absorb food in large sizes. |
| to the bugs, worms, and crickets he will be | | | | |
| fed with. | | | | 7. It is recommended to use paper towels as |
| | | | your baby dragon's substrate. Its is clean, |
| 3. Provide ample space for your dragon to | | | | easy to replace when dirty, and inedible. |
| grow in. The recommended size is a 10 gallon | | | | |
| aquarium for a newly hatched dragon, while a | | | | 8. Handle your dragon daily. This will |
| 20 gallon tank is needed in the next six | | | | develop their trust towards humans and build |
| months due to your baby dragon's speedy | | | | their bond with you. Just make sure that you |
| growth. When your bearded dragon reaches | | | | are gentle in handling them and that you |
| adulthood, the size should be changed to a 50 | | | | never pick them up them up with their tail. |
| gallon tank to provide enough space for | | | | They dislike this and will make them thrash |
| basking, exercise and growth. | | | | about, which is harmful for your baby dragon. |
| | | | You may choose to scoop them up with your |
| 4. Clean the baby dragon's house regularly. | | | | cupped hands. |