Yes, you can put live plants in with your bearded dragon as long as you take extra precautions to ensure their safety. Bearded dragons are very inquisitive creatures, so you need to make sure that any plants you include in their enclosure cannot be ingested or easily destroyed.
Choose plants that are nontoxic to reptiles and aren’t too fibrous or fragile to ensure that your dragon does not end up eating something that would harm it. Additionally, use potted plants for easier removal if necessary.
Research the plants you’re considering beforehand and possibly trim or prune plants regularly to keep them safe and out of your pet’s reach. If possible, offer branches or leaves from outdoor plants in order to give your bearded dragon a safe place to explore and rest its head.
Lastly, make sure the lighting you provide is appropriate for both your plants and your bearded dragon. Radiant heat lamps will be helpful for plants, but if you’re using live plants, placing a dome lamp over them may be detrimental as too much heat can cause them to wither.
Be sure to consult a veterinarian before making any live plants a permanent part of your bearded dragon’s enclosure.
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What plants can go in a bearded dragon cage?
If you’re planning on making a home for your bearded dragon, there are many types of plants to choose from. Live plants help the overall environment by creating a more naturalistic enclosement. Live plants also add hiding spots for your pet, aiding in their stress-relief.
Additionally, they may be used to house feeders, such as crickets and even small worms.
When selecting plants for your bearded dragon’s enclosure, there are a few options to consider. For instance, pothos are hearty plants that are great as ground-level décor or as a climbing vine. Aloe is another great option, as it is non-toxic to reptiles and provides several vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are beneficial to their health.
Additionally, spring sow-thistle, echeveria, dracaena plants and ivy are all wonderful planting options.
In addition to live plants, you can also use fake plants, as long as they are non-toxic and safe for your pet. Substrate plants, such as plastic and silk plants are great for adding visual interest but do not provide the same health benefits as live plants.
Ultimately, the plants you choose will depend on personal preference and the set-up of your bearded dragon’s enclosure. Be sure to check with a veterinarian before adding any plants to their home, as many foliage and flowers can be toxic for reptiles.
What should you not put in a bearded dragon tank?
These include sharp objects such as rocks, sticks, or branches that can cause injury. Additionally, a bearded dragon should never be housed with another reptile or animal, as this can lead to health and safety issues for both creatures.
Furthermore, strong air fresheners, perfumes, and cleaning agents should not be used inside the tank as they can cause respiratory distress. Lastly, live plants and cedar shavings should be avoided as they can create mold and fungi, potentially leading to health complications.
What do bearded dragons like to have in their cage?
Bearded dragons need a few things in their cage to keep them safe, comfortable, and healthy. First and foremost, they need a secure enclosure with adequate ventilation. Bearded dragons come from hot, arid climates, so they need a warm environment.
You’ll need a heat basking spot and a UVB bulb to improve the health of your pet and allow them to synthesize vitamin D. Additionally, you’ll need to keep the cage on the warmer side (around 85-95°F) but also provide them with a cooler spot like a shady corner or a clump of vegetation.
Bearded dragons also need a variety of substrates, like sand, gravel, crushed nut pieces, and bark. You should also provide them with something for hiding, such as hollow logs, fabric tunnels, and reptile tanks.
They also need an area for digging, like a digging box filled with potting soil.
It’s important that you provide your bearded dragon with different kinds of plants and foliage. They should have plenty of leaves, vegetables, and other plant-based foods. Finally, you should provide them with a wide, shallow water bowl and plenty of climbing branches, rocks, and logs for them to explore.
With these items in their cage, your pet bearded dragon will be happy, healthy, and stress-free.
What greenery can bearded dragons eat?
Bearded dragons can eat a variety of greens, including collard greens, turnip greens, carrot tops, dandelion greens, mustard greens, beet greens, escarole, endive, alfalfa sprouts, kale, broccoli, radish leaves, bok choy, cabbage, zucchini, and squash.
All greens should be thoroughly washed before feeding. Fruits that can occasionally be feed to bearded dragons include apples, blueberries, mangoes, and melons. Fruits should be fed in moderation, and only occasionally, because they are not a main source of nutrition for bearded dragons.
It is important to ensure any and all food items you offer have been washed to remove any unwanted and potentially harmful chemicals, residue, and parasites.
Are succulents safe for reptiles?
In general, succulents can be a safe part of a reptile’s habitat and diet. However, some animals may be more sensitive to the toxic compounds found in succulents, so it’s best to ensure that the succulent that you provide your reptile has not been exposed to any pesticides or other potentially toxic substances.
Furthermore, it’s important to do your research and make sure that the type of succulent that you are offering is not toxic to your reptile. As with any plant, there can be variations in the types of toxins present, so test a leaf or two before allowing your reptile access to the whole plant.
In terms of reptile diet, succulents are a great option for leaf-eating reptiles, as the thick leaves provide them with the necessary nutrition. As long as the reptile is far away from the source of the toxin, it can eat the succulent safely.
However, a succulent should not make up the entirety of a reptile’s diet, and it should be offered in moderation.
In conclusion, succulents can be safe for reptiles, but it is important to use caution and make sure that you are getting your succulents from a reputable source that has not exposed them to any potential toxins.
Additionally, succulents should only be offered in moderation and should not make up the entirety of a reptile’s diet.
Are air plants toxic to reptiles?
No, air plants are not toxic to reptiles. Many reptiles, such as lizards, are quite fond of these types of plants. Air plants make a great display addition to a vivarium as they don’t require as much upkeep as other plants.
They can also provide a great hide spot for reptiles. However, they can’t provide the same benefits of a real living plant, so it’s important to supplement the enclosure with additional foliage and areas of shade.
Additionally, air plants don’t produce food for reptiles to consume, so other sources of nutrition need to be provided. It’s also important to note that because the leaves are so small, they can accidentally be eaten by smaller reptiles who may mistake them for a treat.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to only use air plants in larger enclosures, or with larger reptiles.
Can air plants survive in a terrarium?
Yes, air plants can absolutely survive in a terrarium, but careful consideration and attention should be taken to make sure the environment inside the terrarium is conducive to their growth and health.
To begin with, an air plant needs light—ideally from a mix of natural sunlight and fluorescent light. Be aware that direct sun can be too strong and damage the plant, so if placing in a window, the sunlight should be filtered using a translucent material.
The amount of light and water needed can vary with which specific air plant you have, but all need a humid environment. To help maintain this, you can mist your air plant daily, or set up a humidity dome to help keep the environment more humid.
Additionally, it’s essential to make sure to use a well-draining soil mixture and that the terrarium is open enough to provide proper air circulation. With the right setup, air plants should thrive in a terrarium.
