No, bearded dragons do not need 247 of any type of care. They are relatively low maintenance reptiles, though they do require basic care in order to stay healthy and happy. A bearded dragon’s enclosure should be kept between 80 and 85 degrees during the day, and should not drop below 70 degrees at night.
They should also be provided with full spectrum lighting, including a basking spot that is around 100 degrees, and must have access to UVB light. In addition to that, they need a variety of different foods including insects, dark leafy greens, and high quality commercial bearded dragon diets.
Finally, they must have access to fresh water and a humidity level between 20 and 30 percent. By following these basic guidelines, you can provide a happy and healthy environment for your bearded dragon.
Table of Contents
What time should I turn my bearded dragons light off at night?
It is generally recommended that you turn your bearded dragon’s lights off at night. Unlike many other pets, bearded dragons are naturally active during the day and inactive during the night, so they require 10-12 hours of darkness in order to sleep.
Depending on the time of year, this should be done between 7-9 PM. If you have an artificial light schedule, it is best to keep the schedule consistent between the seasons. Additionally, it is important to provide the right intensity of light, as too much light can damage their eyesight.
Be aware that the tank’s temperature should not drop below 70 degrees Fahrenheit at night. As such, it is recommended to use an appropriate heating system at night and to check that temperatures do not drop too low using a thermometer.
Is it OK to leave a heat lamp on overnight?
The answer depends on the type of heat lamp you have. In general, it is not advisable to leave a heat lamp on overnight or unattended for long periods of time. This is because many heat lamps are unsafe if left on for too long due to the risk of overheating and potential fire hazard.
Moreover, prolonged exposure to heat lamps can also cause medical issues such as dehydration, overheating, and stress.
If you have a safer type of heat lamp, such as an infrared heat lamp, then it should be ok to leave the light on overnight, as long as it is carefully monitored and the temperature is kept within safe limits.
To keep yourself, your home, and your animals safe, it is recommended to turn off the heat lamp at night and monitor it during the day. If you have any concerns, it is best to check with your local veterinary office or a licensed electrician.
Can bearded dragons be in complete darkness?
Yes, bearded dragons can be in complete darkness. However, it is important to remember that bearded dragons, like most animals, need light exposure to stay healthy. Without natural daylight, or without the use of UVB lights and other forms of artificial lighting, bearded dragons can suffer from a number of health problems, such as metabolic bone disease, eye problems, and skin problems.
Every day exposure to UVB lighting and basking temperatures allows the bearded dragon to naturally produce vitamin D3, which is important for the overall health of your pet. Additionally, without exposure to light, the bearded dragon’s regular cycle of feeding and sleeping can become disrupted, and their normal behavior can become altered.
Therefore, complete darkness should be avoided, and adequate light should be present for optimal health.
How do you take care of a bearded dragon at night?
Taking care of a bearded dragon at night is a crucial part of ensuring its health and wellbeing. First and foremost, it’s important to provide a suitable environment to sleep in. Like many reptiles, bearded dragons are sensitive to temperature and humidity levels, so you’ll need to make sure the tank is kept at a temperature of around 65 to 78 degrees Fahrenheit with a 40 to 50 percent humidity level.
It’s also important to provide the bearded dragon with a few hiding spots where it can feel safe and secure. This can include rocks, caves, artificial plants, etc.
Providing the right lighting is essential in taking care of a bearded dragon at night. It is recommended to use a ceramic heat emitter, which gives off heat without light. They don’t require uvb light at night, although if you do use one make sure to turn it off 2-3 hours before bedtime so the dragon has a chance to cool down before going to sleep.
It’s also important to make sure there are no crickets or feeders in the enclosure at night. Crickets and other small insects tend to be more active at night, which can stress out the bearded dragon and disturb its sleep.
Finally, make sure to monitor your bearded dragon to ensure it is healthy and happy. If it is showing signs of stressed out or inactive, have it looked at by a veterinarian to ensure there is nothing wrong.
How long do you leave heat lamp on for bearded dragon?
Typically, a bearded dragon’s enclosure should have an area of gradiated temperatures ranging from 80-95 degrees Fahrenheit (27-35 degrees Celsuis). This can be accomplished by providing a basking spot under a heat lamp on one side of the enclosure with a gradient of cooler temperatures on the other side of the enclosure.
The basking spot should be around 90-95 degrees Fahrenheit (32-35 degrees Celsuis). The nighttime temperatures should drop to between 70-75 degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 degrees Celsius). An appropriate UVA/UVB lamp should be used for basking and should be replaced every 12 months.
This lamp should be on during the day and turned off at night to provide the desired gradient of temperatures. Additionally, a consistent day/night light cycle should be maintained to promote regular activity.
In summary, a basking lamp under the heat lamp should be on for 8-12 hours a day and off during the night to help promote the proper temperature gradient in the enclosure.
Do Bearded dragons hibernate if they get too cold?
No, bearded dragons do not hibernate if they get too cold. Bearded dragons are adapted to warm climates and require temperatures in the range of 75-85 degrees Fahrenheit. Contrary to popular belief, hibernation is not an appropriate way to protect them from cold temperatures.
If the temperatures get too cold, the bearded dragon may become lethargic or stop eating, but it is important for them to be kept in a warm environment. If temperatures are consistently below 75 degrees, it is important to provide supplemental heat to keep them warm, such as basking lights, heated rocks, and heat mats.
What is the coldest temp for Bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons are native to the deserts of central Australia, so they are naturally adapted to hot temperatures. Their ideal temperatures range between 80-100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and no lower than 65 degrees at night.
To keep them healthy, they should never be exposed to temperatures lower than 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Below this temperature, a bearded dragon can suffer from hypothermia and possibly frostbite, both of which can be deadly.
It’s also important to keep temperatures consistent in their enclosure, as sudden, drastic changes can cause health issues and even death.
What is a safe alternative to a heat lamp for reptiles?
Using a ceramic heat emitter (CHE) is a great alternative to a traditional heat lamp for reptiles. A CHE is an electric heating device that works by emitting infrared radiation that is within the ideal range for reptiles.
It is much safer than a typical heat lamp, as it does not produce light, meaning it won’t disrupt a reptile’s sleep/wake cycle. Additionally, the CHE’s surface won’t heat up nearly as hot as a traditional heat lamp, to help prevent potential burns.
Furthermore, CHEs are built to operate for numerous hours, meaning you won’t need to worry about them suddenly shutting off or the bulb burning out. Lastly, the CHEs do not require a bulb, so there is no risk of a reptile eating glass or other particles that could occur if the lamp were to break.
All in all, a CHE is a simple, safe, and reliable heating alternative to a traditional heat lamp that provides the same benefits a reptile needs to stay warm.
Do blankets keep bearded dragons warm?
Yes, blankets can help keep bearded dragons warm. Bearded dragons, especially those kept as pets, require an environment in which their bodies can maintain the correct temperature. Therefore, providing a warm, insulated place with adequate warmth is important.
Blankets can play a role in helping your bearded dragon stay warm by trapping their body heat and adding an extra layer of insulation when necessary. Choose a blanket that is made of an insulating material such as fleece or wool, but be sure to avoid synthetic fabrics as they can be abrasive and may cause skin irritation.
A lightweight blanket can also be used as a cover over their habitat in the mornings and evenings, especially if they live in a colder climate. Additionally, be sure to use a thermometer to regularly monitor the temperature of your bearded dragon’s environment, adding more layers of bedding or coverings as needed to keep them warm in colder months.
How many times a day should you handle your bearded dragon?
Ideally, you should handle your bearded dragon 2-3 times a week. Depending on your bearded dragon’s personality, each handling session should last anywhere from 5-15 minutes. Be sure to approach them slowly and gently, as to not startle or frighten them.
Also, be aware of your bearded dragon’s body language and cues to determine when they are ready to be put back in their enclosure. When handling, it’s important to be safe and ensure your bearded dragon can’t escape while they’re out of their enclosure.
Additionally, it’s beneficial to provide them with a consistent schedule, which will help them learn to recognize and welcome you when visiting.
Can you handle your bearded dragon too much?
The short answer is yes, but you need to handle your bearded dragon in moderation. Handling a bearded dragon too much can stress the animal out, which can negatively affect its health. Some signs that you’re handling your bearded dragon too much include them acting skittish, refusing to eat, changing color, panting, and regurgitating their food.
If you want to handle your bearded dragon, make sure to do it in a way that does not cause it stress. Give your bearded dragon a few days of rest after being handled, and limit the interactions to a few times a week.
If you move your bearded dragon from one spot to another, only do it once a week. Keep the handling sessions short, and make sure the environment is calm and peaceful.
When handling your bearded dragon, make sure to approach it slowly and carefully. Avoid sudden movements or loud noises that can startle the animal. Support its abdomen when picking it up so it doesn’t feel threatened.
Talk or sing in a low, soothing voice when handling your bearded dragon as it will help it relax.
Your bearded dragon also needs time to be left alone. Make sure it has a comfortable, safe place to rest and hide. Never try to force a bearded dragon to interact with you. Overeating is also not recommended, as bearded dragons do not do well with too much handling and can easily become stressed from it.
What do bearded dragons love the most?
Bearded dragons love to bask in the sun and get warm, so a combination of a basking lamp and a heat bulb is the best choice to keep your pet’s enclosure warm. Additionally, they also love to hide in dark, moist places and take regular dust baths as part of their natural shedding process.
Bearded dragons also love to eat a wide variety of insects, vegetables, and fruits. Variety is key when it comes to feeding your bearded dragon the best nutrition, so it is advised to feed them kibble, vegetables, grasses, and small amounts of fruit.
Lastly, bearded dragons need to be handled and to interact with their owners; make sure to provide them with a safe space for handling as well as some regular physical and mental stimulation.
How long does it take for a bearded dragon to get comfortable with you?
It can take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks for a bearded dragon to become comfortable with you. The length of time is largely dependent on the individual dragon and the environment that it is in.
Some bearded dragons may take longer if they are in a new home or if they are more skittish than other dragons. It is important to introduce yourself to the dragon slowly, speaking quietly and gently and giving it plenty of time to explore its environment and trust you.
A good way to start is by offering the dragon treats from your hand and patting gently on the head or body. Once the dragon begins to show a positive response to your interactions and allows itself to be petted, it is likely that it has begun to accept you.
Creating a safe and warm environment, as well as regular feeding habits, will also help the dragon to associate you with something positive and build a level of trust. Be patient and you will soon be on your way to developing a lifelong bond between you and your bearded dragon!.
