Questions from a New Owner

[ker.gil]

1) is it bad or is there a reason that my bearded dragon hides under his hide? not often, only usually at night. i'm still unsure of whether or not a hide is necessary because i hear mixed answers

2) what is an effective form of substrate? i currently have a fine sand but am unsure of what to change it to.

3) is it common for bearded dragons to drink little water? i have never seen my beardie drink water. i already tried to problem solve by switching his greens to some romaine so he can get what is in the lettuce.

4) is it worth it to switch to a tank with a front opening? i've had this tank for a few years before my beardie and it s a top opening tank. i'm curious as to whether or not he would be more open to human contact if i approach him from his level rather than above him.

 

[ker.gil]

also, i wanted to know if it was okay to have him outside on my concrete porch occasionally. i'm used to allowing my skink to go outside but to be quite frank i have no idea if that's a good idea for my beardie. i wanted to try to help him with his nails (even though he'd only be able to go outside in the summer). my bearded dragon has nails that grow crooked and never fully grow back, so i wanted to see if this could wear them down and make it easier for him to maneuver

 

[Hdrydr31]

1) is it bad or is there a reason that my bearded dragon hides under his hide? not often, only usually at night. i'm still unsure of whether or not a hide is necessary because i hear mixed answers

2) what is an effective form of substrate? i currently have a fine sand but am unsure of what to change it to.

3) is it common for bearded dragons to drink little water? i have never seen my beardie drink water. i already tried to problem solve by switching his greens to some romaine so he can get what is in the lettuce.

4) is it worth it to switch to a tank with a front opening? i've had this tank for a few years before my beardie and it s a top opening tank. i'm curious as to whether or not he would be more open to human contact if i approach him from his level rather than above him.

***under several of our comments we have put together information on all aspects of dragon care so just click on the links and they will take you to the posts..***
1. It is completely normal for them to go into their hide at night that's what they would be doing in the wild as they sleep soo hard they need to go somewhere safe.. They need their sleep or you get a cranky dragon lol Hides are in my opinion a need...
2. Substrate: We typically don't suggest anything that is loose because dragon's lick their environment that's how they know where they are so as they do this they end up swallowing the substrate and in your case the sand and over time a build up can occur causing an impaction that can keep them from being able to poop. So what we recommend is ceramic tiles, non adhesive shelf liners, paper towels, newspaper, reptile carpet..
3. Dragons get most of their moisture from the bugs that they eat and the greens/veggies.. They really don't recognize standing water as something to drink.. Most people when they bathe them in the sink/tub that's where alot drink from running water. Both of mine get baths 2 times a week and they drink there. Please don't switch your greens romaine has zero nutritional value and can actually cause the runs.
4. Front opening tanks are nice and many have them and like them.. both of mine are 40 gal breeders and I get them from the top. As long as you don't come directly over their head or behind them you will be fine. Come from infront of them and if they are asleep talk to them until they open their eyes so not to startle them..

Hope that helps!

 

[Hdrydr31]

also, i wanted to know if it was okay to have him outside on my concrete porch occasionally. i'm used to allowing my skink to go outside but to be quite frank i have no idea if that's a good idea for my beardie. i wanted to try to help him with his nails (even though he'd only be able to go outside in the summer). my bearded dragon has nails that grow crooked and never fully grow back, so i wanted to see if this could wear them down and make it easier for him to maneuver

As long as the weather is over 75F sure thing take them out! I would highly highly get a harness as they are super fast and can startle easily from any birds come overhead.. Be aware of things that they can eat that wouldn't be good or can be poisonous..in the links below as I mentioned there is a food guide link that also has safe plants and poisonous plants...
Getting some time on concrete would be great on the nails and when you do need to trim the nails I do this when they are asleep I just put them on the counter and cover them up and just expose 1 foot at a time and use nail clippers and just nip the hook part of the nail avoiding the quick.