Noob questions

[Solucki]

Okay, after weeks of vigorous research, I have a few questions. I've read several care sheets including the one here and bought "the bearded dragon manual" by the herpetoculture library. Found some conflicting info like the recommendation of hot rocks in the book(big no no, I've heard already).
Let me start with what I'm planning so far. I have a 40 gallon(3'x1') heat lamp, basking tree, more to get.
What are important things to know, what not to do, etc.
On to the questions:
I'd like to get a baby, but I'm worried about the brumation period and early stage care.
I'd like to get playsand but will start off on paper towels.
Male or female?
Once s/he comfortable, how often can I take him out to play.
I know it's a lot so ill stop for now. I'm just concerned about raising a healthy and happy dragon.

 

[Germ]

Okay, after weeks of vigorous research, I have a few questions. I've read several care sheets including the one here and bought "the bearded dragon manual" by the herpetoculture library. Found some conflicting info like the recommendation of hot rocks in the book(big no no, I've heard already).
Let me start with what I'm planning so far. I have a 40 gallon(3'x1') heat lamp, basking tree, more to get. A 40 Gal Long is 48"Lx12"Dx17"H, a 40 Gal Breeder is 36"Lx18D"x17"H , so I am unsure what size you have but it is not a 40 Gal & would not be large enough for when your new BD becomes an adult for it's permanent home.
What are important things to know, what not to do, etc.

A few good links to help get you started ...

Basic BD Care Sheet - A Place To Start

Bearded Dragon --- Exclusive Care Info Library

Beautiful Dragons Nutrition Chart

Is Bearded Dragon Co-habitation a good plan?

How To Sex A Bearded Dragon

On to the questions:

I'd like to get a baby, but I'm worried about the brumation period and early stage care. If you intend on keeping a BD, while not all BDs will Brumate regularly, there is a very good chance that this will occur throughout it's adult life, so if it is an issue for you, BDs may not be the pet for you, because Brumation is a normal occurrence in their life cycle.

I'd like to get playsand but will start off on paper towels. Strained, Washed Children's Play Sand is fine for once the BD grows to 10+" long, nose to tip of tail, prior to this, you have the right idea, using paper towels or newspaper.

Male or female? There is not much difference in their care, other than with a female, you may have to go through the egg laying process throughout it's life once it is older, even if it has never been with a Male. Female BDs will at times periodically lay infertile eggs.

Once s/he comfortable, how often can I take him out to play. BD's are not animals that you can 'Play' with, they generally do tolerate handling quite well though. Daily handling for short periods of time is often the norm. We go to great lengths to provide the proper environment & setup for them, but does them absolutely no good if they are not in their enclosure for extended periods of time.

 

[Solucki]

Thanks for the info. I'm reading through the links. I didn't know what size tank was, a friend gave it to me. I'll plan on getting something bigger. I know a BD is nothing like a cat or dog, which is why I want one. When I get one, I don't want to neglect anything. I'm sure ill learn as I go but there seems to be so much to learn.

 

[Germ]

Also don't forget about getting & properly setting up UVB.