6 Useful and Interesting Tips About Bearded Dragons

Most reptiles found throughout the world range from the weird and wonderful to the just down right bizarre, which makes the fascinating creatures to observe, study and yes even keep in your own home! One of the most unusual and unique lizards out there would have to be Australia's famous bearded dragon. Because they are native to this part of the world, they have some very specific requirements to keep and care for them, especially if you don't live in a dry, hot desert. As a result, there are many things you'll need to be aware of and consider if you're thinking of having one as a pet. If not, I'm sure you'll find the following tips to be quite interesting anyway.

So firstly you need to consider the bearded dragon's natural habitat. They live in a variety of places throughout Australia, but most commonly in central dry desert regions, scrubland and even coastal forests. However it's pretty much hot throughout the year (especially in the north) in Oz. Therefore you should replicate these conditions in the enclosure. You'll need to be aware of the humidity as well as this plays a large role in the health and well-being of captive bred beardies.

Also they need plenty of water. Now I know you may be thinking, "A desert reptile, needing water - really?" But the answer is yes, most definitely! A dehydrated bearded dragon can be prone to health problems in the future.

What makes these reptiles so interesting and unique is the variety of behaviors they display. In fact they were named after the 'inflating beard' demonstration they use when threatened or during mating. Some other behaviors include arm waving, head bobbing and tail curbing, many of which are quite entertaining to watch.

You'll also be glad to know that they have an incredibly placid, child-friendly temperament. This means they make the perfect family pet. They're very active at times as well. Combine this with their amusing behaviors and great personality and they can safely keep the kids (and you) entertained for hours.

These lizards have become incredibly popular in the pet trade. Ever since they were first smuggled out of Australia in the 1970's, they have spread throughout the world and been successfully bred, kept and cared for in captivity. This way you can be sure they'll make a great pet as so many others around the globe would agree.

Finally, you should probably know that bearded dragons are available in a diverse range of species, sizes and colors. This variation in color is also known as a morph and range from red to brown to yellows and everything in between. In rare cases you can even find pure white bearded dragons. They can grow to be up to 2 feet in length (depending on the species), so you'll need to make sure you have plenty of space to accommodate this.

There's heaps more to learn about bearded dragons and many other things which make them the most interesting reptiles to keep. So keep researching and I'm sure you'll be ready to keep your own in no time at all.

If you want to learn more about bearded dragons, try visiting Bearded Dragon Answers, a free resource on how to keep and care for healthy, happy bearded dragons for years to come.

How To Make A Bearded Dragon Eat More Veggies

Lizards from Pogona genus are commonly named as Bearded Dragon. They have broad triangular heads and flattened bodies. They reach a manageable average size of about 18-22 inches (46-56 cms). The average weight is about 10-18 ounces (283-510 gm)

The species of Bearded Dragons get their name from a distinctive series of lateral spines (specialized scales) radiating horizontally from the head and base of the tail. As juveniles, they are semi-arboreal. As adults, they are mostly terrestrial, but climb to bask and search for prey.

A common problem many bearded dragons have is when the dragon

refuse to eat veggies. This can get very serious and caused many times

the death of bearded dragons. Here are a few tips you can use to

convince the pet to eat:

- put the crickets in his/her greens. I would also try some

supersworms over their greens. If there is a petsupplyplus by you.

They sell worms in small qty, it usually work with most dragons.

You can also shred something your dragon likes and gradually mix

with a lot of greens and vegetables

- Make sure the dragon sees the greens by placing them in a shallow

dish-which it can easily see. Pay attention also that the greens

are bite-sized.

- Try to attach a big leaf, using a clip. Let the dragon have the

fun of tearing it into pieces.

- Start feeding greens from the very first week. Then, it will

begin to relish them.

- Set your light timers to turn on the lights an hour before you

get out of bed in the morning. When you get up, give your beardie salad.

After having basked for an hour, the dragons will be hungry enough to eat the

greens.

This should completely solve this problem. Please let me know how

it worked. Wishing you lots of fun with your dragon!

Florian Ross is a freelancer and small lizard expert. For more tips on raising Bearded Dragons Lizards and having them live 3 times longer, go to http://www.pets-lovers.com/bd/beardeddragons.htm

Secret Tips and Tricks in Breeding Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are not that difficult to breed and it is also fun and educational. Most bearded dragons breeders prepare the housing for the young arrivals before they are hatched. Differentiating between the males and females can be a bit tricky. Adults are easy to tell apart but it is very difficult to identify the sexes in juveniles and babies.

In adult males you can see the femoral pores located near the thighs. There is also a bulge at the base of their tail called hemi-penile. The dragons can breed all year round in captivity providing their artificial climate conditions are correct.

The two major contributing factors are temperature and photo-period. Food intake is also regulated but this is also affected by climate and amount of daylight. Temperature and daylight are gradually controlled to simulate the desired climate for breeding.

After mating you will notice a difference in the female's stomach size, she will start to produce eggs after a month. She will get larger as she gets closer to laying and you must put her on an excellent healthy diet.

You will have to prepare a place for her to lay the eggs. Make a nesting box and put some potting soil. You can also use other substances like sand, vermiculite or cactus soil. Whichever substance you prefer any of the above will work as good. Moisten the soil slightly with water for ease of digging by the reptile.

The dragon will cover the eggs with soil after laying them. Each clutch may contain 10 to 25 eggs. You will need to dig the eggs out and put them in an incubator. Have the incubator up and running with the correct temperature before you put the eggs in. Put some water in the incubator to bring the humidity up if required.

The preferred incubation temperature would be 85 degrees F, but anything close to this will do just fine as long as it does not rise beyond 88 degrees F. Check the eggs a couple of times per week and any damaged or leaking eggs should be removed from the incubator.

If these conditions are maintained then expect the eggs to hatch from 50 to 70 days in incubation. They will then come out of their shells on their own but be vigil during this period. Have separate small enclosures ready for the new arrivals. Keep a small group of similar sized baby lizards in each cage. Set up these cages same as you would do with adult dragons. Spray mists of water on the babies for the first couple of weeks.

The offspring bearded dragon colors will depend on the genetic of their parents. The most common color morphs that can be achieved are Red, Gold, Tiger, Snow, Fire, Translucent and many variations of each type.

If you are not into breeding the dragons yourself or just a beginner starting off a new hobby then you can select and buy baby bearded dragons from experienced breeders from all over the country. Get information about breeders from your local pet stores or any reptile directory from the web. They can provide you with instructions in obtaining your desired pet.

Hi this is Anik Prakash. If you want to learn more about how to breed bearded dragons then visit my website for in-depth information and a free mini course

Bearded Dragon Facts - Cool Facts About Your Bearded Dragon!

There are probably many bearded dragon facts you are not aware of If you have just bought your first bearded dragon.

That means that your beardie may display some weird behavior you were not expecting which can be cause for alarm and unnecessary worry.

Here are just a few bearded dragon facts to get you started and understanding your pet a little better...

1. Sometimes your dragon may start to eat less or even stop eating altogether. This can be very worrying but it is common for your lizard to do this when they are going through the shedding process. Shedding can take up a lot of energy so the natural reaction is to eat less so that more energy is available for shedding rather than using it on digestion. To help speed up the shedding process to allow your dragon to get back to normal eating patterns, you can give it more frequent mists and baths.

2. Eye bulging is another common action displayed by bearded dragons. If you are not expecting this then it can be freaky to see. The intial reaction is that is must be an eye problem or infection. Beardies usually do this to stretch the eye skin whilst shedding.

There are other reasons that your dragon could display this behavior so if it goes on for an extended period it's best to visit a vet to get it checked out. More often than not, in instance like this it is usually related to high blood pressure caused by diet.

3. Did you know that the main reason the dragon has a beard is to act as a defense mechanism and make it appear larger and more threatening to potential enemies.

4. This is one of the cool beardon dragon facts - in the wild the lizard will actually stand up on its hind legs to run away from any danger.

Most people would find this strange because surely that method of running is slower than running on all fours?

Turns out it is slower but it's a form of temperature control. The animals produce heat while running, and being cold blooded, have no good way to regulate their body temperature. Running on their hind legs puts their body farther away from the hot ground and improves airflow around them which allows them to run a longer period before having to stop.

5. Bearded dragon Breeders have managed to produce a variety of skin colors but lizard green hasn't yet to be achieved.

6. Bobbing the head rapidly and a slightly curved tail tip show aggression whilst circular movements of the arms like waving show submission.

Hopefully with these bearded dragon facts you understand your beardie a bit better.

If you'd like to learn as much as you can about your bearded dragon visit bearded dragon facts and understand how to keep your dragon healthy, happy and safe.

Feeding Bearded Dragons - The Do's And Don'ts

Bearded Dragons are omnivores and this means that they need to be fed a diet which includes several different food groups. Do not feed them food which is larger than the space between their eyes as this has shown to cause paralysis in their hind legs. Feeding insects such as crickets, should be done once a day but fresh greens, like leafy veggies should be on offer throughout the day. Do remove all uneaten crickets from the tank, as these uneaten bugs will annoy the your pet at night, by gnawing on him. Crickets are the most common insects fed to dragons, as these insects are excellent sources of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, minerals, vitamins and water. The crickets are able to satisfy just about all the bearded dragons nutritional needs. Being omnivores, these lizards will also require a diet rich in plant matter, like flowers and vegetables. Do not feed your dragon iceberg lettuce.

Do ensure that at all times, not only at feeding times that these desert living reptiles have access to fresh water. Although most pet owners may never see their dragons actually drinking the water, they rely on the water to cool down. They also use the water as a type of exfoliator to rid themselves of shedding skin. Do not feed a onions, or any types of cabbage leaves as these types of vegetables must be avoided. Bearded dragons should be offered different fruits during feeding time. The recommended fruits which are good for the lizard's diet include apples, figs, grapes, kiwi fruit, pears and raspberries.

When it comes to vegetables, flowers and herbs these reptiles are by no means fussy and they will happily consume cucumber, kale, patty pans, parsley, radish leaves, rocket, pansies and even rose petals. Do remember to change the diet, as a wide selection of foods will encourage a good and healthy appetite. It will also prevent boredom. To keep the bearded dragon in tip-top shape, pet owners must make certain that they receive the full quota of vitamins, minerals and proteins.

Do remember to wash all greens, fruits and herbs as parasites may lurk on the foods and this will lead to parasitic infections. Although safe to eat, beardies are not excessively keen on foods like super worms, wax worms and meal worms. As a treat, the lizards can be given nestling or baby mice.

Do not at any time attempt to feed your dragon fireflies. These insects can prove fatal to these lizards and for pet owners who are living in an area frequented by fireflies - extra care should to be taken to make certain that fireflies do not enter the enclosure or tank. Do not try to give the lizard any type of raw meat at feeding time and other foods that should be avoided, include, frogs, toads, lizards or birds. Raw meat contains high quantities of salmonella and bacteria and this combination can prove fatal to the dragon as well.

Do not stress when it comes to feeding. It is important to find out as much information as possible when it comes to bearded dragon feeding patterns and care. Since there is a wealth of information to be found, first time owners will soon learn and discover all that is needed to keep these fascinating and social lizards, in good physical shape.

If you want to learn the do's and don'ts when it comes to feeding bearded dragons, or you want to know which foods are the best to keep your dragon in perfect condition and in good health, browse the Bearded Dragons Care website. More information can be found here at www.BeardedDragonsCare.com.

Selecting Your Bearded Dragon - Things to Consider

Bearded dragons are local to Australia but are now seen all around the globe as pets. When you're deciding on a pet of this sort there are a couple of things you need to think about before selecting your bearded dragon.

They're from the reptile family, and make glorious family pets for every age. They're relatively tiny, don't need plenty of space or attention, but they do have their needs like any animal, reptile or creature. The bearded dragon is generally a docile creature, and they like to be handled. They also like to take a bath or a dip in some refreshing water.

When selecting a lizard as a pet, it is smart to consider which type primarily based on the features of the lizard and also what sort of time you're going to have available for the care and upkeep that it wishes. Picking a bearded dragon should be primarily based on these 2 things. When you have made this call, you are prepared to think about the things to watch out for to select a healthy pet.

Firstly when selecting your bearded dragon, glance at the eyes. Ensure that the eyes are wide and clear, and therefore the lizard is cautious to his surroundings. Pointy eye movement and clear eyes are both good indicators that there's no problem in this area.

The mouth is another critical place to test, as well as the tail and feet. All these regions should seem to be in good shape. No scars, scabs, piles or scratches would indicate this, though also make efforts to check the movement in the limbs and see whether the lizard shows any appearances of pain. As well as the limbs and tail, there shouldn't be any proof of scarring or blemishes on the lizard's skin.

When selecting your bearded dragon, check for the fat storage content at the base of the tail. Try and avoid a lizard which has obvious bones showing at or close to the base of the tail. A healthy lizard will have lots of fat storage in this region. Looking all over the lizard, there shouldn't be any apparent indications of and scales having been shed. Check for this carefully, and if you're unsure, ask your pet store attendant to show you what to search for.

Naturally one of the fundamental needs of selecting your bearded dragon, apart from making sure it's a healthy specimen, is to make sure that it's also legal. Being that the lizard is a local to Australia, there are extremely tight laws ruling the transport and relocation of animals out of the country, and I'd suggest there also are awfully tight laws in your country as to the importation of such wildlife. Ensure that the lizard is legal and there shouldn't be any issues.

The chance you run in owning a pet that's not a legal resident of your country is if or when the authorities find out, infrequently through a nameless tip-off from envious buddies, they'll make a trip to your home, unannounced, and they'll confiscate and most likely destroy your pet. This isn't good for you, as they don't seem to be inexpensive, and it actually isn't a good end result for the pet.

If when you're selecting your bearded dragon, you ensure all these things are checked off, you need to have a long and fantastic relationship with your pet.

Stephen Gordon is a bearded dragon expert. Discover The ULTIMATE Guide For Bearded Dragon Care, Learn The Secrets How To Grow A Happy & Healthy Bearded Dragon! Learn more information about Selecting Bearded Dragon, visit http://www.beardeddragoncaresecrets.com.

Tips For Handling a Bearded Dragon

One of bearded dragon's best qualities is that they usually don't have a problem being handled. There are a few things you need to know about handling your beardie though. This article will give you a few tips for handling a bearded dragon.

Age

It is very important that you're extremely careful when handling young dragons. Hatchlings and babies can easily be harmed if you're too rough with them. You should wait until hatchlings are at least a month old before you try to handle them at all. When you do handle young dragons, make sure you're gentle and that you don't move them around too fast.

Tail

You should know that beardie's tails can break off very easily. Therefore, never pick him up by the tail. However, if the tail does break off for some reason, it will grow back eventually. But it won't look the same as the original. Breaking his tail is also very, very painful, so you don't want to do that to your pet.

Skin

You also need to be aware that dragon's have very rough skin. It can easily scratch your skin if you're not too careful. If you want to prevent his, then you need to wear long sleeves when handling your bearded dragon. A light pair of gloves could also be useful.

Nails

These lizards can grow very sharp toenails. So, be extra careful about those. The gloves and long sleeves mentioned earlier will help with this problem. It will also help if you trim the toenails every couple of weeks.

Bacteria

Reptiles can carry Salmonella bacteria in their mouths. This can be transmitted to you from your dragon. Therefore, try not to handle your beardie if you have any open cuts or scrapes. Also, wash your hands thoroughly after handling your lizard.

There are many things you need to learn about bearded dragon care. Come to bearded-dragon-care.net right now to start reading about topics like common bearded dragon diseases.

Before You Buy Bearded Dragons: Finding A Healthy Dragon To Purchase

When you go to buy bearded dragons it is important that you choose a healthy animal so that they will live a full and happy life. Many animals sold throughout the pet trade are susceptible to many different parasites, malnutrition and even injuries. Training yourself on what to observe before you make your purchase will give you the best chances of choosing a beardie that is full of life.

Parasites

Parasites are a danger to all animals and humans alike. These can be in internal like bacteria and worms, or external such as mites. It won't be possible to see internal parasites so you will have to make your decision based off of a few other factors. Take a good look at the habitat in which you lizard is being kept. Here are a few questions you will want to ask yourself and /or the seller.

What are the temperatures?
Is there uneaten food or feces laying in the cage?
Is the habitat generally clean?
Does the lizard look lethargic?
Is the animal eating properly?
Are bowel movements regular?

Again, these are not set rules that determine whether a lizard has internal parasites, as a dragon in a completely sterile environment can still have parasite problems, and a dragon in a filthy enclosure could have none. However, if the conditions are suspect, the chances of these parasites are greatly increased so be cautious.

External parasites like mites are fairly hard to see, but can be spotted with a keen eye. They will look like miniscule black specs that appear to be burrowed into your lizards scales. These are quite the pain in the rear to deal with, so if you notice them on any dragons within the same enclosure as the one you want to purchase, it is better to look elsewhere.

Nutrition

The second thing you will want to ask of the seller is what they feed the lizard on a daily basis. Ask them what types of foods, how often they are fed, and how much they eat. You will also want to ask if the beardies are given any nutritional supplements. A healthy diet and proper supplements are essential to bearded dragons, especially adolescents. Another good idea is to visit the store or breeder during feeding times, or on several different days. This way you can see first hand how well the dragon is eating. One of the first signs of a health issue is a lack of appetite, something younger dragons definitely don't normally have a problem with.

Physical Health

The last thing you should take note of is the overall appearance of the animal. Take a close look at the mouth, eyes, vent and appendages of the dragon. All areas should appear clean, clear, and free of any type of fecal matter, puss, mucus, or wounds. Mucus in the mouth or nose could be a sign of bacterial and respiratory infections and open wound can quickly become infected. The colors of the beardie should also be vibrant, unless they are in the process of shedding.

When looking to buy bearded dragons these tips will save you a ton of money, hassle and heartache that comes with buying an unhealthy animal. It really boils down to having a well-trained eye for these sort of things. The tips included in this article will give you a great start, but by taking your time and exploring several different breeders or sellers, you will quickly become an expert at spotting potential problems. Now go out and find yourself a happy, healthy beardie that you can love for years and years to come!

For more tips on Buying a Bearded Dragon visit Joselyn's website Caring For Bearded Dragons. Here you will find vital in-depth information regarding all aspects of beardie care including buying, feeding, illness prevention, lighting and heating requirements, as well as breeding information.

All the Best,
Joselyn Rhodes

Bearded Dragon Diets - Three Important Things To Remember

One of the most vital parts of giving proper care to a bearded dragon is ensuring that it is getting enough nourishment through proper diet. Here are some of the tips that you can consider to make sure that your beardie is eating the right foods that will make them healthy:

1. Insects and animals - pet reptiles love to eat insects and animals. Some of the great selections of insects for your pet bearded dragon are the following:

Crickets - it is advisable to give hatchlings some "pinhead" crickets because these are smaller and easier to chew for them. However, for adult bearded dragon, full sized crickets are best to offer. Feeder crickets contain 69% moisture, 1% ash, 21% protein, 3% carbohydrate and 6% fat. To ensure more nutritional value, it would be great if you will throw away some fruits or vegetables for these crickets to eat before actually serving them to your pet. With this your pet beardie can receive more nutrients and vitamins that their body needs. Crickets to be fed to your lizard can be bred but it is not actually a great move. You can bulk order 500 crickets online for around $21 which is a wiser choice since you do not have to go through the hard work of breeding crickets. These 500 crickets can be kept in a ventilated plastic storage bin until they are all fed to your lizard.

Roaches - another great food items for your bearded dragon are roaches particularly dubia. This food item for your pet contains 61% moisture, 28% protein, 2% ash, 3% carbohydrate and 6% fat. It is more expensive to feed your reptile with roaches compared with crickets because only reptile specialty stores offer these feeders roaches.

Mealworms and superworms - prolific mealworm is second most popular food for lizards. Mealworms contain 63% moisture, 1% ash, 19% protein, 14% fat and 3% carbohydrate. Superworms are more recommendable for larger lizards.

2. Limit the fruits intake - bearded dragon is omnivore. Sometimes, it is good to mimic diet in the wild so it would be great to give vegetables and some fruits to your bearded dragon. Some of the best fruits and vegetables for them are carrots, turnip greens, strawberries, dandelion greens, blueberries and tomatoes.

However, it is advisable to limit the percentage of these foods intake. Fruits and vegetables must only be 25% of the overall mix of foods and it must not go beyond 10 percent of the whole diet of your bearded dragon.

3. Commercial diets - giving commercial diets mixture like Rep-Cal Maintenance Formula Bearded Dragon Food (6 oz) and Zoo Med Natural Adult Bearded Dragon Food (20 oz) are also advisable. These commercial diets are good for the lizard since it contains lots of the fruits and vegetables mentioned above plus great deal of nutritional supplements and vitamins.

However, there are instances wherein the beardie doesn't eat the commercial diet foods immediately so what you can do is moist it a bit or mix it with green vegetables and fruits until they get used to it.

These are some details that you should remember when it comes to the diet of your reptile It is also advisable to consult veterinarian first so you can have proper background and knowledge about your dearest pet. Giving them the right kinds of foods will help them grow healthier and active.

If you are really an enthusiastic individual and pet loving owner, you must read more details about Bearded Dragon diets. It will give you all information that you need to know about your pet.

Christine is a professional Vet and she writes about animal keeping in her spare time. please get your basic care guide absolutely Free for limited time at http://www.beardeddragoncareguide.com/

Bearded Dragon Sale - Important Tips on How to Buy a Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are native to Australia and mostly leave in the sandy parts and woodland areas. The most common beardie is from the desert type area. They do not grow very big and are very easy to handle by the youngest child of 10 years or older.

When you find a bearded dragon for sale, you should look out for some very important things before you buy him/her.

Make sure he/she is active and aware of their surroundings.


Their eyes, nose, and mouth should be free of any type of pus or oozing.


They should not have any type of sores or bite marks and all their toes and legs are there and they can walk and run around freely.

Once you have found your beardie, do not buy him/her just yet. You should always first set up their home and make sure you have everything he/she will need to be comfortable.

This includes, 2 lighting sources, one for heat and one for UVB exposure, reptile carpet for the flooring. Do not ever use sand or other material not intended for a bearded dragon, most materials are deadly to your beardie.

Have a small water and food dish and some kind of perch for him/her to climb on, they love to bask under their heating lamp.

Their home should be adequately made for them. You should not house a beardie that is more than 6 inches in length, from their nose to the base of their tail, in a 10 gallon tank. If you plan on having more than one beardie do not house together, especially males, they will fight. You can house 2 females per 1 male beardie together, but keep in mind you will need a very large tank for this.

The tank should have a screen top that can be easily removed, as this is how you will be feeding and getting access to him/her on a daily basis. Beardies love to interact with their owners so do plan on spending time with him/her regularly. It is not recommended that you let your beardie roam your house as they are very curious and will try to eat anything they can.

The best places to buy bearded dragons are reptile shows and local pet shops. I would go more towards the reptile shows as these are avid breeders and most know a great deal about them. Do be careful as to how many beardies are being housed together and do not be afraid to ask questions. The breeder should be able to answer all your questions without any problems, if not, then move on to the next one.

You should be able to also meet the parents of your beardie and learn it's background, this will help you know what type of beardie you are getting, and how it was raised.

Being knowledgeable about bearded dragons will help you make the right decision on buying a bearded dragon and providing a proper home for him/her. This will keep you and your beardie happy and healthy for years to come.

Learn more important tips about a bearded dragon sale by visiting our site at http://www.beardeddragoncaretips.com

Bearded Dragon Shedding - Tips and Facts on the Bearded Dragon Shedding Process

Shedding of the skin is common in lizards so it's only natural you want to learn as much bearded dragon shedding facts as possible.

It will allow you to aid your dragon as much as possible, understand the behavior to expect and avoid doing anything that could harm your beardie in the shedding process.

1. Bearded dragon shedding occurs due to growth so it's only natural that it would occur more often when it's a baby. In it's first year, your beardie can shed several times. The frequency depends on it's growth rate and growth spurts. It's not the same for every dragon just like we humans grow at different rates.

2. A common sign and symptom of beginning the shedding process is that the skin of your bearded dragon will be very muted and dull.

3. During the shedding process it is beneficial to keep your dragon well hydrated. Increasing the frequency of misting and baths will ensure that the shedding process will be as quick as possible.

4. Bearded dragons usually lose interest in eating or stop eating altogether whilst skin shedding. This is nothing to worry about because the dragon is naturally programmed to use energy for shedding rather than use up energy in digestion.

Obviously you want your dragon to start eating properly as soon as possible so the best thing you can do is misting and bathing to aid the shedding of the skin.

5. Eye bulging is a common behavior during this time and can look really freaky and worrying. They do this to stretch the skin round the eyes to loosen it. If the eye bulging continues for days though it could be a sign of high blood pressure so make sure you watch for this and make a vet appointment if necessary.

6. To aid the process your dragon will rub against rocks, the vivarium floor, other dragons, scratching with it's hind legs.

7. Unlike snakes, bearded dragons shed their skin in patches rather than one neat whole piece.

8. The most important point to note is that you must resist the urge to help your dragon by peeling and picking their skin for them.

It's only natural that when you see your dragon frustrated and upset during the shedding stage that you think you are being kind picking it for them. Please don't do this. This can be very damaging. The skin will naturally fall off when the skin underneath is ready for exposure. If it is exposed to early it may not be formed properly so please leave nature to do it's own work.

If you'd like to learn more on bearded dragon shedding and other crucial bearded dragon facts visit http://beardeddragonfacts.net/

Tips In Selecting Food For Your Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons are omnivore that is they require an optimized diet of meat and vegetables. Baby bearded dragons diet plan will mostly be protein dependent. The juvenile dragons eat mainly insects and as they get older other food like vegetables can be integrated in their diet plan. The tips mentioned below will help you decide what to feed bearded dragons.

Processed food is available in pet stores but natural live food is more favorable. The beardie's diet should be a mixture of proteins and vegetables. Make a vegetable salad sliced up to portions no bigger than their head, which will be easier for them to eat.

Also have high calcium to phosphorous proportion in their diet. Shredded carrots and sweet potatoes blended with the green vegetables do usually attract them. A good idea is to move the vegetables with your finger somewhat as they prefer food that moves or seem alive. Young dragons should be nourished 2 to 3 times each day.

Bearded dragons will usually consume a lot of bugs and insects and when they are bigger in size they will also eat small mice. Crickets, king worms, meals worms, wax worms, earth worms, cockroaches as well as other bugs that are available fit well into their diet. Feed them protein several times each week.

Food item size is important as you will have to feed your young dragon with a small meal worm and adult dragon with a super worm. Again select cricket sizes for your different sized dragons. If in doubt, get the pet shop owner's advice.

Before giving the insects to the dragons feed the insects first, 'gut load' them with ground vegetables etc. The insects, most commonly crickets and worms, can be acquired from pet shops or you can breed your own. Fireflies are poisonous and are not recommended to be given to the dragons.

Alternate the bearded dragon's diet with protein and vegetables each and every other day for a healthy food balance. Also add calcium powder, mix it with their veggies and crickets when feeding. Supplement their food plan with multivitamins once a week.

Bearded dragons are attracted to live target than to motionless food product as described earlier so adding small worms in their salad is going to make them gulp the greens with it.

Bearded dragons do not drink much water on their own, so you can teach them how to drink by tricking them. One secret is to splatter the water within the bowl lightly so they will see the water stirring. Another trick is to spray water from a spray bottle to the wall of the container glass and as the water runs down they just might make an effort to drink it. Also spray a mist on their head & body.

You will notice that adult dragons will eat more veggies, which is more desirable, giving them the essential calcium and moisture. So reduce the protein in your diet as the beardies age.

A good well balanced diet will keep your dragons healthy and minimize infections and diseases.

Hi this is Anik Prakash. If you want to learn more about what to feed bearded dragons then visit my website http://www.beardeddragonssecrets.com for in-depth information and a free mini course.

7 Tips For Feeding a Bearded Dragon

Before going out and buying a bearded dragon, you should do your research for what they like to eat and how their home should be set up.

Here are 7 basics tips on what a bearded dragon should eat -

1. Bearded Lizards love crickets, but do not feed them only crickets. This is not good for the older dragons, but juvenile dragons is fine to feed only crickets.

2. When feeding them crickets it is vital that you gut-load the crickets. This helps your dragon to maintain a healthy diet. Also make sure that the crickets are about the same size as the width of little dragon's head. The width of their head is the space between the eyes.

3. You should also consider getting some vitamin supplements to powder the crickets and the other foods you feed your dragon

4. Beardies will eat everything, just about, you give them. Learn the proper lettuce you feed them. DO NOT FEED them Iceberg lettuce! Stick to the Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, etc.

5. They also love meal worms and king worms but do not give these to them very often, it's better to keep these on a weekly basis not a daily basis. Also one note to those of you who want to breed you dragons feeding both your males & females LIVE PINKIE MICE.

6. Beardies will almost always look and act hungry, Please Do Not over feed them! Set up a regular schedule to feed them once in the morning or evening. Stick to this schedule no matter what, it is better for you and your dragon

7. Besides just crickets and greens, they need fruits, such as strawberries, mangoes, zucchini, squash, and carrots. Give your dragon a well balanced diet and both you and your dragon will live long and happy lives. " till death do us part"

Keep in mind that knowing how to feed your bearded dragon is a good start in preparing to purchase one but you must also learn how important their home setup is too. There is a lot to know about bearded dragons so please do your research.

Bearded Dragons are great first time pets for most kids over the age of about 10. They are docile and easy going pets, and they love human contact.

Follow these 7 tips on feeding your bearded dragon and you will have a happy and healthy beardie!

Want to learn more about Feeding bearded dragons?

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Top Tips for Your Bearded Dragon Enclosure

There is a lot of advice and information out there today about bearded dragon enclosures and the dos and don'ts of how to set one up.

The enclosure is very important for the healthy and happiness of your beardie, since this is will he/she will be spending a great of their time. So it is important that it be set as close to their natural habitat as possible.

Here are some basic tips you can consider when setting up your bearded dragon enclosure.

You want to use a glass aquarium for best results. Other material such as plastic will decrease the UV rays that they need.
You want to have at least 2 thermometers inside the enclosure. These lizards need both a hot side and a cool side so they can regulate their own temperature
There should be a screen top that slides forward. This is the best way, it makes feeding them and taking them out easier. The screen also helps with regulating the temperature and keeping unwanted pests out
For the flooring area, this is a big issue with owners some say sand, some say newspapers, etc, the best thing for your beardie is to use reptile carpet. Bearded dragons use the tongues to eat, which are sticky, so they will be eating the sand and/or newspapers or whatever you put in there. With carpet they can not digest this so it is best.
There should be a water dish at the cool end of the enclosure at all times
You should provide a branch or something that the beardie can climb on, these guys like to perch, but they are not climbers
You will also need 2 different types of lighting, one that provides proper heating and one that produces the right UV rays
They also need adequate heating, the best way to do this is by using an under the tank heating pad. DO NOT use any type of heating rock or device inside the enclosure. Beardies are not always the smartest and can harm themselves with heating devices.

When it comes to the proper care of your bearded dragon knowing and understanding what they need and their natural habitat is important. Follow the tips above and you will have a healthy and happy beardie for a long time.

Find more information facts about bearded dragon enclosure.

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Facts on Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons can be found mostly in Australia. Their scientific name is Pogona vitticeps, also known as the Inland or Central Bearded Dragon. They have become more popular as people learn more about them. They are friendly and attach to their owners quickly.

These lizards can range in size between 7 inches to 12 inches. Measurements are taken from the tip of their nose to the beginning of their tail.

These guys can look mean and furious when scared or intimated by puffing out their beard and turning dark colors under their chin and belly. But on the contrary these guys are very tame and easy to handle that even a child as young as 7 years old can handle them, without the fear of being bitten.

Another aspect that has made them more popular is their interaction with humans. They are interesting and fun to watch. They will actually interact with you and play with you, now not like a dog or cat, but each beardie has it's own unique personality.

The common bearded dragon that are available in the pet shops today mostly are inland or sometimes referred to as central bearded dragon. They're named as such because of their natural habitat within the wild where they can be found; in central or mainland of Australia.

There is another type where they natural environment is near the coastal area. They're better known as coastal bearded dragon. They used to be very popular in the pet community but getting lesser now.

Besides 2 of these common dragons, less common types of bearded dragons tend to be Rankins and Vittikins. These are the reptiles which can be really hard to find in the pet shops.

Many of these reptiles are very similar, but may be somewhat different in size or their colors. They may be categorized as mid-size pet dragon. Male could grow up to about 24 inches long, and female is approximately 20 inches. Their tail is about half of the body length.

These lizards have rough skin on the back and side of the body but soft along the belly part. Their lifespan is approximately 7 years or more.

Because of the strict rules of international pet buying and selling, most of the bearded dragons found in United States and United Kingdom tend to be captive bred locally. Most of the time, the beardeies which are for sale in pet stores these days are mainly inland or central dragons where the majority of the hobbyist may find.

I now invite you to visit my blog to learn more about Bearded Dragon Care

Tips For Choosing Habitats For Bearded Dragons

It's important that you provide your dragon with a proper enclosure.  There are a few things you need to consider when buying one.  This article will give you a few tips for choosing bearded dragon habitats.

Size

The most important consideration by is size.  Your beardie will be unhappy and unhealthy if you keep him in an enclosure that's too small.  Dragons up to seven inches long can be kept in a 10 gallon aquarium.  20 gallon tanks are suitable enough for those measuring up to 12 inches.  Adults over 12 inches long should be kept in 20 gallon aquariums.

Space

Whatever size enclosure you choose, it's more important to have more ground space than vertical space.  Unlike many other types of lizards, bearded dragons don't spend a lot of time off the ground.  They only climb trees and other objects occasionally, so you need to make sure they have plenty of ground space.

Material

Another important consideration when choosing habitats for bearded dragons is material.  You should get one made from wood or glass.  These two materials will help retain heat inside the enclosure. 

Avoid wire cages because they don't retain heat.  Also, your dragon may injure his nose or feet if he's kept in this type of cage.  If you must get one of these cages, look for one that has plastic-coated wire.

Lid

You may be wondering why you'll need a lid if bearded dragons don't like to climb much.  Well, your lizard will certainly climb towards the opening if he sees it's a way to freedom.  Therefore, make sure you get a lid that fits tightly so that it can't be pushed open easily.

There is a lot you need to learn about caring for bearded dragons. So, stop by bearded-dragon-care.net today to learn about things such as common bearded dragon illnesses.

Finding the Right Bearded Dragon Breeders

When it comes to finding the right bearded dragon breeders there are some important things you should look for. Not all breeders are alike and you should know your facts before going out and dealing with just any breeder.

Here are some basic guidelines on bearded dragon breeders -

The area where the beardies are being bred should be clean
You should be able to see both parents of the beardie you are interested in.
The breeder should be able to answer all questions and concerns you have.
You should be allowed to hold and examine the beardie.

The beardie you are interested in should not be housed with a lot of other beardies. He/she should be in a good and clean tank. If he/she is in with other beardies, be sure it has proper lighting and heating and no more than around 10 other beardies if he/she is under 3 months old.

There are a lot of ways you can find local breeders in your area, the first place to start is to do a Google search for bearded dragon breeders in and then the name of your city or state. Also check local newspaper listings and your local pet stores. Find out when and where reptile shows will be in your area, these are great ways to see beardies and how they interact with others.

As with any new pet, make sure the beardie you are looking at is healthy and happy and alert. He/she should be aware of their surroundings and not show any signs of sickness. One important thing you should always find out, is if the breeder has any type of guarantee on the lizard. This is vital and you should be allowed at least 7 days guarantee to be able to take the lizard to your vet and have him/her checking thoroughly.

These are just a few tips for seeking out a dragon breeder. Do your research and know the ins and outs about bearded dragons. Understand how they should look and act in captivity.

These lizards are becoming more and more popular and there are more and more bearded dragon breeders popping up everywhere. Not all of them are legit and if you know about the lizard you will know what to be on the look out for. Do not just get any beardie because he/she is cute. We hope these tips will help you find just the right bearded dragon breeder so you can have a healthy and happy beardie for years to come.

Discover more information about bearded dragon breeders visitor our site http://www.beardeddragoncaretips.com/

6 Tips To Keeping Your Bearded Dragon Illness Free

The first question you must ask yourself before buying a bearded dragon is:

Do I have access to a good reptile veterinarian?

This is so very important because unfortunately bearded dragons do fall ill and you'll want to have quality care available when and if this occurs. Normally vets don't have the specialized knowledge of reptile vets and wouldn't be able to deliver the same quality of care.

It's usually easy to identify a sick bearded dragon as they will give you a number of telltale warning signs. Just like people, they will develop a 'sick' looking appearance, become lethargic and lose interest in food. However these signals may change depending on the cause of the problem. Below is a list of illnesses you may encounter as a bearded dragon owner.

- Nutritional disorder

- Beta-carotene deficiency

- Overeating

- Parasites

- Ectoparasites

- Ectoparasites

- Endoparasites

- Respiratory diseases/infections

- Viral illnesses

- Fungal diseases

- Gastrointestinal infections

- Traumatic injuries

- Hereditary diseases

- Reproductive disorders

- Neurological disorders

- Environmental disorders

- Metabolic bone disease

- Yellow fungus

As you can see there's quite a list and whilst beardies usually live for between 4-10 years. Some of these illnesses have the potential to shorten this life expectancy dramatically. Though most of the time beardie health problems are completely preventable. With a properly established enclosure, good lighting, plenty of space and a healthy diet you should enjoy many, many happy years with your beardie.

Some tips to keeping your beardie safe and healthy are below:

- Always wash your hands - you may be the carrier of harmful bacteria so always practice good hygiene before and after handling your beardie.

- Clean the enclosure on a regular basis to keep it sparkling clean and too avoid the nasty smells. This includes replacing the substrate as often as necessary.

- Clean food and water dishes often, as this can harbor bacteria also and cause your beardie to become ill.

- Always monitor the temperatures inside the enclosure with a thermometer and check it regularly.

- Familiarize yourself with his natural behaviors, so you can identify when he starts to act a little strange

- Have a reptile vet in an area near you.

You can learn more about bearded dragon illnesses at Bearded Dragon Answers, a free resource where you'll learn everything you need to know about caring and keeping bearded dragons.

Expert Tips on Caring For Baby Bearded Dragons

So, you've got yourself a small dragon.  Well, baby bearded dragons require slightly different care than their older counterparts.  Keep reading to pick up a few tips on caring for baby beardies.

Habitat

Obviously, adults need a larger enclosure than juveniles.  It's important that you don't house a baby in a vivarium that's way too large.  It will likely make him very uncomfortable.  Babies should be kept in a maximum 20 gallon tank until at least four months old.  Don't forget to put some rocks, wood, and sticks in the habitat so he can climb around.

Substrate

The type of substrate that you use with baby bearded dragons is very important.  Since they're pretty sloppy eaters, they commonly ingest pieces of substrate.  Therefore, it's best to use carpet or some type of paper product as a substrate.  As your beardie ages, you can change the substrate to sand.

Crickets

You need to feed babies crickets on a regular basis.  Provide all he can eat within 15 minutes.  However, it's important that you don't feed him crickets that are too large for him.  Not only may he choke on the oversized cricket, it may also lead to impaction or pressure on the spinal cord which can cause paralysis.

Water

Baby dragons don't usually drink their water from a bowl.  Instead, they usually choose to get water from misting or soaking.  It's best to mist them about three times each day to ensure that they stay hydrated.  Older dragons tend to eat more salads, so they get water from them.

Mates

Are you thinking about moving your baby dragon in with others sometime in the future.  Well, you need to make sure that they're approximately the same size.  If not, the larger dragon will probably be aggressive and attack the smaller one.

There are probably many more things you need to learn about caring for bearded dragons. Fortunately, bearded-dragon-care.net provides everything you need to get started. So, stop by today to start reading about topics such as how to setup proper bearded dragon housing.

5 Tips to Preparing Safe, Healthy Food For Your Bearded Dragon

There is a wide variety of food that is suitable for your bearded dragon. It is both easy and inexpensive to create a great beardie meal. However there are some things you might like to know. Below are a number of tips to help you to prepare the ideal bearded dragon lunch.

Tip #1
A good place to start looking for good quality food is right in your own home. A leftover salad is perfect as it requires no effort to make and will actually help to dispose of those unwanted scraps. However be careful of lettuce as this has no nutritional content. Also it's not a very good idea to apply salad dressing or seasoning to your beardies food. A great idea is to set aside a portion for your beardie before you apply these flavorings. You can apply the same principle to vegetables and fruit also.

Tip #2
Cut the food into a size no larger than the distance between your beardies eyes. If it is cut too large your beardie is likely to experience problems with digestion. Adults can generally be fed human portion sizes, but judge for yourself as it will depend on the size and maturity of your dragon. It's very important that you never feed juveniles or babies food that is too big for them to eat. This tip is of most importance when they're feeding on insects, however it applies to all other foods as well.

Tip #3
Be very selective about the insects you give to your beardie. Under no circumstances should it ever be fed fireflies. They are extremely toxic! Limit the use of mealworms as they can have very tough skin and cause impaction in your beloved pet. Also be careful of collecting your own insects in the backyard as these may have been exposed to chemicals which are harmful to bearded dragons such as herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers.

Tip #4
Vegetables should make up 85% of your bearded dragons diet. However also supply a portion of insects such as grasshoppers, moths and flies as they are a great source of protein. To round it all out, provide fruit and flowers. They are a natural addition to their diet and promote good health.

Tip #5
Lastly, always provide plenty of water. Although they are desert dwelling animals and very good at conserving water, it is also essential that they have some available. Some suggestions are to keep a water dish in the enclosure or to spray their food with water before feeding.

Want to learn more about bearded dragon food? Visit Lauren's website at www.beardeddragonanswers.com where you'll find a full list of healthy food and the harmful things to be aware of and avoid.

Buy A Bearded Dragon - Important Tips on How to Get a Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are reptiles that are native to Australian and they can be found in the wetland areas as well as the desert areas. The most popular types of beardie come from the deserts. These reptiles are easy to handle and will be loved by all.

When looking to buy a bearded dragon there are a number of things that you need to lookout for before making the actual purchase.


Always ensure that the prospective bearded dragon is active and aware of its surroundings
Check to see that the nose, eyes and mouth are free from any forms of oozing and pus
They should be free of bite marks and sores and should be able to walk and run freelyOnce you have decided on which beardie to purchase you should wait until you have all the necessary amenities at your home before you buy him or her.

You will need two sources of light, one to provide heat and the other for UVB exposure. You will need a reptile carpet for the flooring. Sand should be avoided as well as other materials that are not intended for your beardie. The local pet shop should be able to explain everything to you.

You need to have a food dish and a water dish and something for your beardie to perch on. They love to bask underneath their heating lamp.

The home that you provide for your bearded dragon should be of an adequate size. Never house a beardie that is more than 6 inches in length from the base of the tail to the nose in a terrarium that less than ten gallons, if you plan on keeping more than one beardie they should never be housed together especially males as they will fight each other. Two females can be kept with one male but the more beardies you have in one terrarium larger the tank will have to be.

The terrarium that you provide for your bearded dragon should come with a screen top that can be easily removed. This is how you will gain easy access to your beardie for feeding and interaction. It is never recommended that you let your beardie roam freely around your house as these creatures are extremely curious and may try to eat something that can be harmful to them.

To buy a bearded dragon check with your local pet shop or news paper classified ads. You can also visit a reptile show as there are many breeders that will know a lot about beardies and be able to sell you some.

It is always best to know the background before you buy a bearded dragon. It is even a good idea for you spend some time with the dragon that you want to buy if that is possible.

This part is important, so pay attention

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