If you waterproof a vivarium yourself, be sure to allow the vivarium to dry for a week before putting your dragon in his home. [2] X Research source Make sure your dragon has enough space to run around, climb, and sit on branches. Clean your pet’s habitat thoroughly regularly with a 10:1 mixture of water to bleach. [3] X Research source Remove any vegetables that he does not eat within four hours. Remove uneaten insects at the day’s end. [4] X Research source
You can purchase a vivarium or make your own using DIY kits, such as Vivexotic.
Do not use wood chips or shavings, gravel, cat litter, sand, or soil with pesticides, vermiculite, fertilizers, or surfactants for your substrate[7] X Research source
Be sure to strip all bark from natural wood branches so that your dragon does not eat the wood. Clean all branches prior to use. [9] X Research source
When holding your dragon, strive to have a quiet setting. Babies, young children, women who are or might be pregnant, the elderly, or people with weakened immune systems should be careful about touching the dragon or being near its home. [10] X Research source Salmonella infections can occur. Consult a doctor if you or your child belongs to one of these populations before allowing contact with the reptile. See Hold a Bearded Dragon for thorough tips.
Bearded dragons eat vegetables, living insects like crickets, waxworms, or mealworms, or bearded dragon foods available for purchase at pet shops. [12] X Research source Safe vegetables include squash, endive, turnip greens, or collard greens. Dragons also can eat apples, strawberries, and melons. [13] X Research source Do not feed your pet spinach, avocado, lettuce, or wild insects. [14] X Research source Implement a regular feeding plan. Whether feeding by hand or putting the food in your dragon’s home, your dragon will anticipate feeding time. He then will associate a positive experience with you! You should feed your young dragon once daily and your adults once per day or every second day. [15] X Research source Juvenile dragons require a mainly live food diet. Beardies are able to transition onto a vegetarian diet as they mature. It is possible your dragon might think your fingers are food. Be careful when feeding him!
Be sure to clean the bathing container thoroughly after use. Mist your pet with water every second day. This will help your lizard also to stay hydrated. [16] X Research source Try to bathe your pet every four to eight days although you can bathe him every day. [17] X Research source
It’s okay to let your dragon roam a bit outside his habitat. Just be sure to keep him from the kitchen or other rooms where you eat or prepare food.
