and deserts, they need two types of heat sources
to help them properly digest their food. They
need a primary heat source to control the overall
temperature of their enclosure and a secondary heat
source to add a heat gradient so the beardie can
move from hot to cooler areas of their habitat and
vice versa. UV light also helps them get vitamin D,
which helps them absorb phosphorus and calcium
from their food. Without calcium, their bones
soften and fracture.
A Bearded Dragon’s diet consists of plant and
animal matter. When it is young, the dragon’s diet
will consist of roughly 75% insects, such as crickets
and roaches, and 25% plants, fruit, and vegetables.
When older, it is just the opposite with 75% plants,
fruit, and veggies and only 25% insects. As a side
note...fireflies are toxic to dragons.
Hydration is critical to help Bearded Dragons shed
their skin properly during the ecdysis process, or in
layman’s terms, the shedding process. When they
have difficulty shedding, it is called dysecdysis.
Ecdysis happens throughout a beardie’s entire
lifetime. With each shed, their skin can and
will change colors. Some changes are subtle and
some are quite remarkable. They will often eat
the skin that they shed; this does not have any
negative effects on them. Skin that is not shed
properly restricts a Bearded Dragon’s ability to see
long distances. Shedding usually occurs during
hibernation. Speaking of hibernation...brumation
is the term used for hibernation during the winter
and aestivation is the term used for hibernation
during the summer.
As you can see, Bearded Dragons are quite the
creatures. They are extremely social and if handled
early on in life, enjoy being held. If you are interested
in adding a beardie to your family, make sure you
speak with a professional on how to get your new
friend off to a great start in life.
For additonal information visit: www.alleycatspetservice.com
AUGUST 2018
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WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |
35