New beardie owner

[Renee richardson]

I just bought an adult beardie. I have a heat lamp and UVB bulb in his tank however he does not like to bask. The people who had him before me did not provide a heat lamp for him they just put the tank by the window. I live in Phoenix so right now it's easily 100 degrees. I like to take him outside so he gets heat and UVB light. My question is, is 30 minutes enough to ensure he gets what he needs. I let him run around inside too until he gets tired he's fun to watch

 

[Renee richardson]

Also, he doesn't like crickets. I keep greens for him to eat at all times. Is it too much to feed him super worms every day he'll eat like 10 of them

 

[Bill]

He will need a UVB and my adults dont like crickets you can start a dubia colony BY THE WAY WELLCOME TO THE FORUM

 

[richard]

ive talked to a few people who hace set ups that allow them to have their beardies outside 6 or 7 hours a day thus eliminating the need for uvb lamps, however, they do not live in extreme temps like in phoenix. i would recommend taking him outside in the a.m. and direct sunlight is not necessarily needed meaning that its ok to take him outside on cloudy days also. their normal cool spot is around 80 to 85 so 100 degree weather can be tricky unless he has a place to retreat to. my adults like their basking spots between 100 and 110 max. keep the heat lamp on and hopefully as fall approaches he'll start using it.

 

[richard]

as an adult, beardies need more veggies and less live prey so veggies every day and supers every 2 to three days and in my opinion no more than ten (or less) at a time depending on his size.

 

[Renee richardson]

What is a dubia colony

 

[Renee richardson]

And thank you

 

[Bill]

HA your going to love it ROACHES

 

[richard]

ROACHES.....you'll have to get Bill to splain that one.

 

[Bill]

Did I spell it wrong

 

[Renee richardson]

He will need a UVB and my adults dont like crickets you can start a dubia colony BY THE WAY WELLCOME TO THE FORUM[/quote


What us a dubia colony?

 

[Renee richardson]

Oh ok roaches, how often should you feed them roaches?

 

[Bill]

This is a good place to look for different foods to feed him
http://www.beardeddragonforum.com/i...ded-dragon-diet-nutritional-information.3959/

 

[Bill]

Oh ok roaches, how often should you feed them roaches?

You can every day but we mix it up roachs,supers,hornworms,silkworms.and crickets

 

[Renee richardson]

Thanks all

 

[kathann]

I just bought a baby beardie yesterday, so there are a lot of things that I need to know.
I keep hearing and reading different opinions...do I need to get a UV Lamp ??
How do you know when to stop feeding them ? The lady at the pet store, said he would eat 12 baby crickets a day, BUT the way he eats, I know he would eat more.

 

[Jp]

Congratulations on your new beardie!
Yes, your dragon is going to need a light source that provides both UVA & UVB. The enclosure you are housing your dragon in needs 2 have a HOT SIDE 95-105 & COLD SIDE 80-85 to help them regulate their temperature. As far as feeding goes, they should eat more than you were told. Babies favor live food over greens & should be fed proteins 2-3 times a day. Feed your dragon until he stops eating and remove uneaten crix, they will bite & try to feed off of your dragon.

 

[kathann]

Thanks for the helpful info...I really appreciate it. My friend has an 11 year old, but this is a whole new experience for me.
Can't wait to get pics tomorrow....he sat in my hand for the longest time, and then he slowly started to climb towards my shoulder

 

[Jp]

They are very interactive/social animals when they get used to their owners & surroundings...... Looking 4ward to seeing some pics.

 

[kathann]

I know, that's one of the reasons I wanted one. I have ONLY been around my friends 11 year old since November of last year, and I know how he is when I am around him