New To Bearded Dragons

[SpikeTheGecko]

Hi all,

I am yet to purchase a bearded dragon and I am currently in the process of making sure I have the perfect set up before introducing one to the viv.

So far I have got a 4ft viv, basking light, repti-glo 10.0 strip light, repti-glo 2.0 strip light, 2 temp probes, food dish, wood and 2 fake plants.

I am going to get some rocks to make a hide and also get lino or tiles for the substrate - what do you use?

I have enclosed a picture of the set up so far, any input good or negative would be a huge help.

Many thanks.

 

[Hdrydr31]

Welcome!! I love the set up! I use tile as my substrate it's easy for clean up and it also helps trim nails..

 

[JUNGLE JIM]

Nice set up. Looks like you're going to have a happy dragon.

 

[PatsyB]

Don't use linoleum, use an actual tile that won't be toxic and they can grip on.

 

[SpikeTheGecko]

Hi,

Thank you for your comments.

I brought a lino - I made sure it wasn't toxic before I brought it and doesn't have any glue and is easy to clean or even remove if needed (Do you think this will be ok?) It has a texture to it so hopefully will be ok for grip also.

I have just picked up my new addition today, my son has named him Draco.

 

[laswabbie]

You're habitat looks fantastic! Your new family member seems to be very lucky.

 

[BrookeE]

I strongly recommend removing the fake plants, although they look really nice. Right now your beardie is young and probably eating mostly crickets, but your dragon can get confused and try to eat them. This could be toxic, the body will not be able to break it down and it may impact your dragons bowels, which could easily kill him. These are very very curious creatures.

 

[Hdrydr31]

I agree you do need to make sure that nothing on the plants can come off as yes they are curious and they taste their environment to know where they are..

 

[SpikeTheGecko]

Hi,

Thanks for the messages - The fake plants are made from plastic and are secured to the viv, they were checked to make sure nothing can come off and he hasn't looked to be "eating" any of them. (I am doing a full viv clean later, and will also continue to check them - he loves to climb and hide in them)

Draco has been eating crickets (lots) and has also chased down a couple of locusts and for a treat took a wax worm (if my geckos found out they wouldn't be pleased ). He's also taking his greens very well, which I wasn't expecting with him being so young... he does get a very BIG green "salad" daily so maybe hard to miss

 

[Hdrydr31]

Glad to hear that he's doing well!!!

 

[SpikeTheGecko]

He is doing fab, had his free health check at vets to make sure everything is ok and no issues at all

 

[mxw0rld]

Hi and welcome! Your viv looks amazing!! Draco is one lucky beardie!!! I too have fake plants in my temporary viv and Norbert climbs on them. He has never eaten them or even licked them. He does however lick on his wood perch and bedding. I think you are fine keeping your fake green plants. You know what you are doing and if he would one day decide to "taste" them you would take them out, I'm sure of it.

Look at his viv that you put together and had all ready for him before you even brought him home. Most people bring home the dragon first then come here and ask how to do everything. So that tells me you know what you are doing.

I'm glad he's went to the vet and is doing great! Thank you for the amazing photos!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[SpikeTheGecko]

Hey all,

Been a while since I've been on the forum so thought I'd give you all an update.
Draco has done ALOT of growing since we got him back in June, really can't get over the size he is now.!
Recently had Draco at the vets as he seemed to of hurt a back leg - he had an X-ray (luckily nothing broken) had an anti-inflammatory injection and a couple days rest and he's back to his usual self .
Have uploaded a couple of pics.

 

[JUNGLE JIM]

Welcome back, really like the pictures.

 

[mxw0rld]

Draco has grown up to be a GORGEOUS little man!

Thank you for the updated pictures!

 

[Eavlynn]

You aren't kidding about the growth! He really did take off. What a handsome little dude he is

 

[Hdrydr31]

He's looking good! Glad to hear that his leg is ok and he's doing better.. He has the same markings as my guy Simon!