Bearded Dragon Research Paper
Bearded Dragon Information (Homepage)
Body:
The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is probably the most popular choice for many beginner reptile keepers, because of the ease with which these reptiles lend themselves to different environments and habitat conditions.
And, unlike other domesticated reptiles, the inland bearded dragon can be tamed quite easily, and can be handled even by children, because they do not grow to be gigantic lizards even when they are fully grown.
Before you buy one, it is important to understand how these creatures function in the wild, so you will understand why they have specific behaviors and needs in captivity.
The first thing that people ask me when they get a reptile like bearded dragon is “why do they need separate heating …show more content…
If this is not possible, then you definitely need to install UVB lighting.
Do not depend on just the UVB light to provide warmth; it will not be enough. If possible, install ceramic heating elements to ensure that the whole enclosure, and not just the basking spot, will have sufficient heat.
The second concern of many new reptile keepers is the food. Should bearded dragons be fed purely insects or purely plant matter? The answer is both: bearded dragons are omnivorous, so they require nutrients from both animal sources and plant sources.
Worms, insects (e.g. crickets and locusts) and a variety of vegetables and fruits should be included in the reptile’s daily meals. This might sound like a tall order but trust me, in the wild, bearded dragons can forage for hours to collect edible plant matter from dozens of plant species. A balanced diet is necessary if you want your bearded dragon to have a long and healthy life in captivity. Supplementation is also necessary if you want to avoid the common ailments that manifest in bearded dragons who are kept in
Body:
The inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is probably the most popular choice for many beginner reptile keepers, because of the ease with which these reptiles lend themselves to different environments and habitat conditions.
And, unlike other domesticated reptiles, the inland bearded dragon can be tamed quite easily, and can be handled even by children, because they do not grow to be gigantic lizards even when they are fully grown.
Before you buy one, it is important to understand how these creatures function in the wild, so you will understand why they have specific behaviors and needs in captivity.
The first thing that people ask me when they get a reptile like bearded dragon is “why do they need separate heating …show more content…
If this is not possible, then you definitely need to install UVB lighting.
Do not depend on just the UVB light to provide warmth; it will not be enough. If possible, install ceramic heating elements to ensure that the whole enclosure, and not just the basking spot, will have sufficient heat.
The second concern of many new reptile keepers is the food. Should bearded dragons be fed purely insects or purely plant matter? The answer is both: bearded dragons are omnivorous, so they require nutrients from both animal sources and plant sources.
Worms, insects (e.g. crickets and locusts) and a variety of vegetables and fruits should be included in the reptile’s daily meals. This might sound like a tall order but trust me, in the wild, bearded dragons can forage for hours to collect edible plant matter from dozens of plant species. A balanced diet is necessary if you want your bearded dragon to have a long and healthy life in captivity. Supplementation is also necessary if you want to avoid the common ailments that manifest in bearded dragons who are kept in