How to Care for Bearded Dragons | Beginner Guide

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Hi everyone! Here is an updated care guide that I definitely recommend checking out! kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4uoiWCrjaynlZY

[@c0ntra605]

I’ve been a beardie dad for like a week now and he is so adorable and tiny. He fights his own reflection a lot. Great video

[@DonQuijote-sp6de]

Yeah they dont like to see there own reflection it stresses them out😐

[@felixadriensfavoritecousin]

That reminds me of GoHerping's bearded dragon Stan lol

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Let me make one thing clear to everyone who comments that I’m misinformed because I say bearded dragons don’t live on sand. I meant they don’t exclusively live on sand. Sure, sand is involved in the soil composition, but so is dirt, clay, small rocks, etc. When I say I don’t advise keeping beardies on sand, it doesn’t mean I am suddenly saying they live on tiles in the wild either. I stand by what I said in this video because most people who are watching this are new to keeping bearded dragons, and I do not recommend substrate of any kind to new keepers. I’d also like to add that whenever people use sand in captivity, they simply dump multiple inches worth of sand in the enclosure- this is not a replication of their natural environment by any means. Again, beardies will experience hardened clay, rock, dirt, etc and not just sand. It gets very irritating to have to continue to address this topic, so I’m pinning this comment. Thanks for reading ❤️

[@zoologist1992]

@Kamille K Cleaning enclosures of sand/dirt substrates is another health problem

[@plant2188]

I agree! I have heard people actually recommending sand for bearded dragons, but they don’t live exclusively on it! They have a wide range with all different kinds of substrates!

[@KyleMcGue2000]

Hi I have a question. How much did it cost for the tile and everything needed for a bearded dragon? I want 1 in the future but I want to do things right with saving up every amount of money I can to give him the best life. I want to get everything and lots of extra things so I don't have to spend much on him in the future for a long while after I get him so that way I'm stocked up for when I raise him as a baby

[@plant2188]

Kyle Mcgue well, no one can really give you an exact number, but I have a tip! Whenever I want a pet, I make a shopping list with all the items and prices that I need, and do research of course!

[@KyleMcGue2000]

@@plant2188 I do that also but I also screenshot and save all the information I have under a file in Google photos and star all the stuff I search and like for the animal I want and how much I'd need to save up. I recently wanted a bearded dragon after months of doing research on leopard geckos and I decided a bearded dragon was better. I never looked up anything on them because they bite but I changed my mind a week or so ago

[@lillihernandez6258]

This helped me so much. I petted a bearded dragon today and immediately fell in love I have been doing research all day. If I do my chores without getting asked for the next few weeks and be good. I can get one!! Yay! I’m so excited!!

[@asafawks]

Lilli Hernandez Did you get one?

[@hollowratsnake]

Did you grt it?

[@isthisnametakenyet3683]

Lilli Hernandez did you get one?

[@Taylor-cs6dd]

u get one?

[@lillihernandez6258]

Taylor AHAH I FORGOT I COMMENTED THIS. but no i wish :(

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Pretty soon after uploading this video someone pointed out that I pronounced chitin wrong. It's "que-tin" or something along those lines. I am terrible at pronunciation so my apologies XD

[@nicholettenoneofyourbusine1890]

So I'm am going to get a bearded dragon but I'm kinda on a budget of space and money so I was wondering if I were to get a smaller tank for it what size would you prefer

[@MusicMovies1990]

@@nicholettenoneofyourbusine1890 Not the video maker, but I work at a pet store that sells these guys (and I recently bought one). If you're tight on budget, I would get a 40 gallon tank (some places have "starter kits" which come with a good amount of supplies, but also include items which you should not use, and sometimes leave out items you should. Do your research so you know, but this can be a cost-effective way of setting up for a bearded dragon). The 40 gal. is the bare minimum I would use for an adult, so if you buy a baby, you would be able use the 40 for a couple of years while you save up for a larger vivarium. The ABSOLUTE MINIMUM for a juvenile bearded dragon (3-12 months) is a 20 gallon tank. This can get you by for awhile if you're tight on money, although you'll probably have to buy a larger tank in less than a year, so it's not very cost-effective. Hope this helps.

[@HunterDx1y]

Jessica’s Animal Friends haha that's okay I knew what you meant, but admittedly I thought you literally meant chitlins, like soul food. Which got me thinking yes bearded dragons should probably not have human soul food cooking haha

[@annascholle9572]

When I'm out of college and have my own place, I can't wait to rescue a beardie or two :)

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Omg I loveee bearded dragons

[@Taurusthebull8]

Giving some advice, kale has a lot of nutrition and is good for adult dragons as long it's only a weekend treat, spinach on the other hand you never want to feed.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Hi everyone! It’s been years since I posted this video and my care, as well as the industry’s norms for care, have changed a lot! This is still a decent video for beginners but there’s a few things I’d like to address. 1. I will be making an updated video this year and will be linking it in the description so keep your eyes peeled. It will be longer & more detailed & will be better at addressing controversial topics in the community like substrate. 2. I use a different UVB set up, and you can learn about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/manYY4KZrdGFobM In short, I no longer use or recommend MVBs for “smaller” reptile set ups. Please be sure to also avoid coil UVBs. I’m using Arcadia’s T5HO 12% bulb. 3. I currently use substrate & tile in my enclosures. In this video, I say substrate is unsafe. There are times when substrate is an inherent risk, such as when heating is incorrect or when the wrong substrate is chosen (calci- sand, eco earth, moss, walnut shell, gravel) or when the dragon is a juvenile or a rescue, and I will discuss that in the new care video. I still don’t recommend substrate for beginners though. I still answer questions on this video so feel free to ask, and be sure to check out the new video when it’s posted!

[@TheFurryFriends]

Finally watching or trying to watch this while I’m being a robot dialing the phone all day. I am pausing to say I’m DEAD watching you simulate them licking the air to interact with their environment. Thank you for that.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

You’re welcome 🙈🙈

[@heckingeck3775]

There’s someone who’s wanting me to take in a bearded dragon and honestly your care videos are the only thing I trust.

[@way2haughtplayz730]

You look a little bit like Emma stone

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I get that a lot lolol

[@colleenm9144]

Great video! I've researched so much on bearded dragons and come to conclusion that your video is the best I've come across.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Wow thank you so much!!

[@SoapMonkeeyy]

This is coming at just the right time cuz I’m getting my dragon next week! :)

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Oh yay!! I’m glad :)

[@evertonfanjuan9212]

Aw lucky, how is it doing?

[@mgecko2959]

Franklin did good, had to chill for entire video and only once get grumpy :D Ah yeah you did good as well ;) as always

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Wait til the other videos you see him in, got so bored he was trying to eat my fingers!

[@mgecko2959]

LOL now I will be waiting :)

[@BrodieBr0]

Thinking of getting a bearded dragon... they are so chill, social with humans and totally cute. We humans keep taking away the habitats for beautiful creatures like Franklin's here so it should be our obligation to find habit for them even it that means our own homes. They deserve to live, as much as we do. Thanks for the tips in the video, and opening your home to so many wonderful creatures!

[@Fairytale30299]

I totally agree with all that you say except for substrate. Loose substrate does not by defenision cause impaction. They live on desert sand and dirt/forest floor in the wild. Yes they do actually live on loose and dry substrate to. I recommend dav Kaufmans video about beardies in the wild. However, I would not recommend loose substrate for a first time owner or juvenile beardie. My bearded dragon is on desert sand and it works perfectly for us. I handfeed so there's no danger in possibly eating sand. I have enough enrichment as in stones and branches that keep the nails trimmed. It just doesn't work for anyone but it's really annoying hearing people say that loose substrate is per definition wrong cause it's definitely not. If anything it's most natural imo. Anyway, all the other stuff you say is great! Very much agree! 75 gallon is def a minimum! 👍🏻

[@Fairytale30299]

Correction, I don't agree with the bathing. It's very stressful for a lot of beardies so don't do it weekly. Just only do it when he or she is in shed. Only neccecery. My beardie drinks from a bowl so I don't worry about it. They also get a lot of moist out of their veggies. Bathing so much is unnecessary.

[@Fairytale30299]

ONE MORE THING. HAMMOCKS ARE TRASH! they can get stuck in it with their nails.. It's very unnatural and it can be harmful. Just don't use it... It's unnecessary.

[@elizl2802]

Your video was so informative! I’m considering getting a bearded dragon and trying to get as much info as I can to make sure that I give the proper care. Thanks for posting and love Franklin, he’s very handsome!

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

So glad you found it helpful!! If you have any questions lmk :)

[@brittanysaid]

I went to a petsmart today just to look at the fish and ended up falling in love with a little bearded dragon. Now I’m searching all of the best beardie advice, tips, tricks, etc so I can go back and get him out from that place. Thank you for the great videos! I’m learning so much

[@kellyjackson8666]

the iron in the kale and spinach make it so they can’t absorb the calcium

[@Ratcrafts]

Your tongue came out and an ad began - and I can not stop laughing at the timing 😂

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

OMG I didn’t know that I just place the ads randomly 😂

[@tiffyah3982]

My beardie is very small for a six year old so he’s in a 40 breeder. Ofcourse I’d like to go bigger along with all my animals but I do the best I can to have him outside in the sun a lot. I really wish I could use Dubia roaches but I live in Florida... idk lol Also, I just realized I was feeding kale as a staple. I feel so horrible... oh darn... I only knew about spinach but kale. I’ve only had him for a week or two so I’m not too worried...

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

That’s okay! Everyone makes mistakes. And man oh man I almost hate talking about Dubia roaches because they’re illegal to so many people lol

[@Captinhowwdeee]

Facebook yard sales and marketplace for your area are a wonderful place to find tanks. My High quality Leather Back Zero has a 125 gallon and it only cost me 40 bucks. You never know you may even find one free for the taken. I check everyday. My area has some nice deals now but i'm full up on them at the moment.Heck I have 3 i'm not even using yet.

[@Deetuned24]

Just fix it bruh

[@emp4th783]

Also to add to your reason for not feeding crickets is that they tend to carry pin worm. I’m glad you shared that you don’t like crickets:)

[@kelseyheffernan4395]

I got my bearded dragon over 3 year ago and when I get him his former owner told me that he shared a tank with another bearded dragon that would attack him and now he is missing part of his tail and has some really odd behavior thing he does like bite his feet.he also will sleep for a couple of days and will stop eating for a few days I have taken him to the vet and the vet said that its most likely neurological problem. if you have any recommendations of what I can do to help him live life to the fullest that would be great and super helpful

[@emmaleigh5771]

Okay, so I am REALLY glad that I found your channel. I trailed through a lot of youtube videos before I got to yours where they gave completely innaccurate information and I was getting discouraged. We have a 75 gallon tank exactly that we used for one of our snakes before he sized up. I found your video soooo helpful, but I'm trying to make a checklist based off of your video and I'm struggling a little bit making sure I have everything. Can you help me out? -Tank 75 gal plus -UVB bulb (do i turn this off at night too?) -Hot spot light (NO LIGHTS FROM BELOW OR HEAT ROCK) -turn off at night -thermometer and hydrometer -substrate (tile preferably) -water bowl -food bowl -food (veggies and protein) -hammock -things for it to play on like logs and such [we have 5 snakes and have never owned a lizard. we are really excited for this step and want to make sure we have everything right for our future baby]

[@emmaleigh5771]

(I'll buy a water bowl that is automatic 😂😂😂)

[@emmaleigh5771]

ps whats that thermometer you used with the lazer??? link?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Hi Emma! You have a good list there :) might I recommend getting a timer for your lights? They plug into the wall and you can set them on/off for a 12 hour cycle so you don’t have to manually shut them off and turn them on. I used an infrared thermometer, also known as a temperature gun, to determine temps. It’s the most accurate tool to measure temp that we reptile keepers have. It’s also great because you can measure the temperature gradient in the enclosure. I’m so excited for your first beardie!! Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions here or on social media, and also check out my bearded dragon diet video!

[@tayloranne1315]

This has answered so many questions for me as a new lizard owner~ thank you so much. Franklin did a great job!

[@karebearsanimalhouse7195]

This chick is literally saying the exact opposite of everyone else. But it’s good to hear it!

[@braydenroe1391]

I thought the same thing

[@aliviaw4523]

I agree with you very much on the Calcium Sand!! I had a leopard gecko when I was younger and when she was around a year old I went to a pet store and the workers recommended I get her sand because it’s similar to her natural habitat. I made the mistake of listening and they told me the calcium sand was BETTER for them. As a result I sadly lost her a few months later because she was getting too much sand in her mouth and it built up in her stomach. So for anyone who reads this DO NOT GIVE THEM SAND. Please save your lizard and yourself the suffering.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

thank you so much for sharing this. it's important for people to hear it.

[@Revans2025]

RIP poor little gecko.

[@gustavocarvalho2055]

I will get my first bearded dragon next week and thank you, help me a lot...Love yours videos!

[@haydent6054]

Omgggg what breed is he I want that kind of dog

[@matthewcook8077]

This video was very helpful thank you. I’m getting a bearded dragon soon and this helped me figure out the basics thanks

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I’m glad it helped! Thanks for watching!

[@sparklinggarbage2715]

Thank you for talking about Night and Daylight. I have been searching and watching videos trying to figure out what is the best way to create a night cycle without a drastic temp drop. I live in WA and In the winter we struggle with extram temp drops at night. Sometimes it's super hard to regulate temp in my home even with heaters going in every room. So thanks for the ideas and guidance!

[@kferkett]

Thanks for the wealth of info in your video. We got a baby beardie a week ago and will now get some repashy calcium plus. It's also great to know that we shouldn't feed her so many mealworms and crickets, two of her favorite foods.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Be sure to get calcium carbonate too!

[@kferkett]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends We have that already, but I like your idea of alternating the calcium and calcium plus. We put some calcium in an empty mealworm container which makes it easy to sprinkle through the holes on top. Is there a guideline on how much calcium to use?

[@kendall4060]

5x calcium and 2x multivitamen for a baby

[@richardransier3002]

Where is best place to get these greens? Just hit or miss grocery stores? What about black soldier fly larvae?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Black solider fly larvae can be purchased from grub terra. Greens I purchase from my local grocery store or the farmer next door when available :)

[@emmad6087]

Once I get my bearded dragon, mainly planning too purchase him or her as a baby. Can I mix the greens and the super worms together, like having dandelion greens and mustard greens mixed with super worms and feeding them, let’s say a cup each day. Would that balance out there diet? And if they just eat the greens the next day could I feed him or her more super worms to balance it out. And what can I gut load the super worms with, veggies? Im just hoping and wanting to be prepared, please reply with any tips, and mainly the thermometer and where I can purchase that from. I’m very new to this :)

[@alexmanns7278]

I just recently got a bearded dragon. He was found in a box next to a dumpster in 100 degree heat. He has metabolic bone disease. He has a hard time moving quickly to catch his food. He loves crickets but will not eat his fruit and vegetables. His aquarium is about 90 to 100 degrees on the warm side and 80 on the cool side. Any suggestions/recommendations would be great.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

you can dust the fruits and veggies with bee pollen powder or allow insects to crawl around on the veggies

[@alexmanns7278]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends how often should they eat?

[@mybuttholeitches3041]

I know this is really late for this vid, but what do you think about top soil (untreated) as substrate? I've seen a couple people use it, but I just don't want to endanger my future beardie

[@patriciacrane190]

What is your opinion on a waterfall in their terrarium? Is it safe for them to drink from

[@xCyberbulletx]

Random tidbit. Bee pollen is the best single source for minerals. Both for our pets and for us. Super good for you

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

that's what I've heard!

[@frangomintable]

Hi this video was really useful and had some great info. I just wanted to let you know something that you might not know. Though you are correct partially in saying you shouldn't house bearded dragons together which is true in cases where they are both adults being introduced to eachother. There are cases that it is ok. I have 2 bearded dragons they are brother and sister who have been together since birth and other than having them go targaryn every now and then earlier in life. They are perfectly happy and safe together, they never fight they actually spend most of their time cuddled up together.

[@jennynorlin6972]

How old are they? 💕

[@thoj6891]

Hey my 3 months breaded dragon keep closing one eye. Is that normal?.

[@donnaroberts34]

No, this is not normal. It could be a sign that he has some irritation with his eye. Hopefully you don't keep him on sand. You could check his eye while looking through a magnifying glass and having someone else hold him to see if you see anything in it or bothering it. If you can't find the problem and fix it, I would definitely schedule a vet appointment if he keeps it up because it means there's something bothering his eye and he could be on his way to getting an infection. Don't ignore it.

[@mamashanshan2772]

How old is your dragon? We just adopted another one, he’s so huge, so sweet, eats his veggies, he’s the sweetest ever, I’m so blessed. My one granddaughters is younger, he’s also healthy!! He won’t eat many veggies, so thank you for all your advice. I don’t feel ANY ONE should own own if they think to put any sweet critter in danger, so if one can’t afford two tanks to keep them safe, their natural instincts, that’s cruelty, why do this to anyone or anything?? Thank you so much for all your advice, just love these sweeties.

[@stephanieviruet5832]

I do have a baby beardie right now his diet is crickets( alot and i breed them myself with healthy calicum rich food) and collard greens. He is also in a 40 gallon tank ( i got this kit) i thought but right now he is the size of my hand and i was saving up and going to size up as he grows . So far is that alright ? And i have more questions about lighting

[@zephyr3693]

Is the reptile turf/reptile carpet ok? I like the idea of tile because it’s easiest to clean but it doesn’t seem very grippy for their feet.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

No, it has fibers they can get their nails and teeth stuck in, plus it’s very difficult to clean

[@victoriabrown4727]

Hey! Not sure if you’re still checking this video but what kind of tile are you using?

[@cutenena213]

Hi what kind of Fixture do you use for the Mercury Vapor bulb

[@Depresso_Espresso_420]

I work at my local pet shop, and I had this lady come in with her little girl. I was helping her get the correct bulb for her bearded Dragon and then after I was done she came back to me saying, "this will be okay for the leopard Gecko that I have in the tank as well right?". I seriously thought she was joking so I chuckled and she was like "what?". Then I realized. I was so upset and trying not to fume at this lady so I said you can't keep those in the same tank. She was like their both hatchlings they love it. I refuse selling her the bulb and told her that she needs to seperate her reptiles before she comes back in to this store. That was probably wrong of me but I was done.

[@fogogo]

You’re job is to provide services. Not to be judgmental. It’s not your business to judge. You voiced the correct advice. Beyond that you were wrong.

[@brittanyusher6103]

How can I get my dragon to calm down and like to be held. He is probably about 4 months old and everytime I try to pick him up he bites at me. I don’t think he had the best life before I got him. Idk what to do???

[@monkeking4357]

Where would you buy a 75 gallon tank

[@kameronterrell771]

While Kale and spinach are both high in Calcium they aren't the greatest to feed as a staple because they are also high in phosphates and oxalate levels which does inhibit the absorption of the calcium that is in those types of greens. thought kale and spinach can be a good addition to a varied diet if balanced with another type of green like Jessica Mentioned (collards, turnips, or dandelion greens) that is very low in oxalates and phosphates!

[@brookelynn5574]

Been waiting for this!!! I got my beardie a month ago and he is living his best life but wanted to hear how to care for him from the best!

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

So glad to deliver! Hope you enjoyed :)

[@megankehl6119]

Our omnivore reptiles, 2 Argentine black and white tegu, and 3 bearded dragons all seem to eat the veggies we give. We do a mix and match of mostly different greens and various vegetables that are good for their respective species. I completely get the checking of the list, I am always pulling up both the tegu list and beardie list at the grocery store, I mostly know it but don't want to make a mistake. Also, I'm sure you have tried it but have you tried blueberries? Seems to be a crowd favorite between all 5 of our omnivores. Love your videos.

[@gabbymusgrave5501]

We purchased a starter kit (exo Terra) and it came with a dual UAV/UAB bulb which I've never really heard about. Have you heard about these? Are they good?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Is it a coil UVB or is it linear

[@sophielynne3729]

I want to get a baby or juvenile beardie and be with him as he grows, but at the time I couldn't afford a big tank such as a 75 gallon. I bought a 50 gallon reptile tank because I couldn't pay more than 150, would that be okay? like I could maybe go bigger when its fully grown but would 50 gallon be okay when they're adults until I get a bigger one or is it just strictly too small?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

50 is a great starting point :)

[@sophielynne3729]

Jessica’s Animal Friends awesome , as for the lighting, i have the dual dome deep dome fixture from zoo med, is it alright if i use one for basking and one for uvb or does the uvb strictly have to be a strip uvb

[@abjon5656]

Do you have a video on your bookcase housing?

[@mariahsvideos2111]

um so i might get a bearded dragon and a gecko for christmas and i am going to make a screened porch outside for them. but its gonna be winter here in florida... what do i do ? also do i keep the heating lamp on at night? during winter? and what about in the night in general should i buy a night light?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I have care videos that address your questions. Please watch them.

[@mariahsvideos2111]

Jessica’s Animal Friends ok thank you 🥰‼️

[@brittanyusher6103]

I have a Uvb bulb already. In your opinion which is better, a basking light or heat emitter? I'm worried when I turn the lights off at night he might get to cold. So I was wondering is a heat emitter just as good as a basking light. Just wondering which to pair with my uvb bulb.

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Nice video Jessica. I've been researching beardies. IDK if I want one or not, yet, but I'm thinking about it.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

They’re awesome lizards! Let me know if you get one

[@bratatouille]

Where I live we literally get three hours of light in winter, and even then it's usually cloudy and dim. I'd imagine bearded dragons need longer days to be healthy, so I'm guessing keeping their day-night cycle according to what's outside wouldn't be a good idea in my case? I'm only researching bearded dragons for now, and won't be getting one in the near future, since I don't have the money, space and knowledge yet, so don't worry, there's no beardie suffering from improper care :)

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Hi! I would definitely offer more than the 3 hours of daylight that you get naturally. You could try mimicking the amount of sunlight they get in the wild in Australia. I offer around 10 hours in the winter.

[@danielcurrie1549]

Quick question: my beardie is about 4 months old and 10 inches long. Is that too small?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

No that sounds fine!

[@camcasiano701]

I know I’m late but I’ve been thinking of getting a bearded dragon but I have school. I heard that they have to be fed around 3 times a day so would it be okay to feed it once in the morning, after I get off of school, and then at night? Or should I just not get one?

[@KatlynnWhiteley]

Praying you’ll see this comment! I have a uvb bulb that runs the length of my terrarium & I also have a mercury vapor bulb. Can I dust my baby’s insects calcium with D3? Or should I do without D3? I’ve heard about D3 overdoses & I don’t want that to happen to my girl. 😭

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I would swap it on and off every time, so one time supplement with calcium + D3, and then one supplement with just calcium.

[@KatlynnWhiteley]

Thanks hun! You’re a life saver. ❤️☺️

[@ratussymilk273]

So my beardie rarely drinks water but sometimes it’s not moving BuT he will drink it so could I take the dish out?? I know you probably won’t get it but it will get to u

[@Craftsbysamantha229]

And how about taming them? I've had Tiger for about 5 days now and it's about 2 months maybe 3 months old. Got Tiger from pet smart.

[@Craftsbysamantha229]

How long do it take? Someone said two months and don't handle them till after 2 weeks so they can get use to you and the tank and all

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Hi! So I find that hand feeding really helps. So does sitting around the enclosure and talking and moving. It’s also good to introduce soft pets on the back gently brushing down toward the tail. This helps them get used to your touch before you begin handling them

[@Craftsbysamantha229]

Jessicas Animal Friends Thanks hun. He is getting better at me holding him and petting him. Can't wait for him to be big like yours. 😍😊 mine is a hypo not sure what kind tho. He is like a orange yellow with green teal patterns.

[@fatmanvidz]

AWESOME VIDEO!!!! Just got my little guy yesterday. hes not even a month old

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Each mercury vapor bulb has a different distance for where the basking spot should be placed for optimal UVB, it’s listed on the box! But i assure you, mercury vapor bulbs work. I’ve had Franklin for five years. And if you’re using a tube UVB and a MVB then you’re definitely safe.

[@2kewlforU11]

Where do you buy the aluminium cover for the mercury vapour bulb?

[@hunteraquatics1257]

Is repti carpet good

[@livingridleonsen8393]

should i turn of the heat lamp at night? some people say your supposed to turn it of sometimes

[@Whoareyoupeople900]

Is it only the light you put on the tank that affects them or the lights in the room as well?

[@NamihaTaiga]

love your videos girl

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Happy birthday!!

[@cristaldiaz8925]

Oooffff I'ma have to watch this later, I need to write everything down. I'm completely serious. I always like to make sure I'm getting my stuff right🤷🏾‍♀️

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

That’s awesome!! Make sure you take notes on other people’s videos too :) I can only provide so much!

[@cristaldiaz8925]

Jessicas Animal Friends oh I've have from GoHerping but I always like watching other people views so I can see what I want best for my beardie!!

[@courtneymurphy703]

What kind of thermometer did you use? Very informative video for me as a new bearded owner.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

An infrared thermometer also called a temperature gun :)

[@alexisturner781]

yayyyy I have been waiting for this. This vid is so goo

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

thank you :) glad you enjoyed!

[@localbuzzkill1760]

I'm in the process of trying to convince my mom to let me take her beardie into my care. She tries very hard to care for him, but she is just uninformed and really busy. She keeps him on sand in a tank much too small for him (he is about a year and a half old), so I'm reading up and learning as much as I can so I can take him in. Great vid, thanks!

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Absolutely! If you have any questions please let me know :)

[@alexisallenegui3257]

whats your thought on pinkies?

[@emilywaddington469]

Thanks so much for this video! I really want a bearded dragon, but I’m in grad school right now so I probably won’t get one until I graduate. I wanted to start doing research though so that when I do decide to get one, I can make sure that I’m treating him or her right!

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

awww that's good to hear that you are waiting for it to be right. and grad school! congrats! that's hard work right there.

[@emilywaddington469]

Jessicas Animal Friends I’ve watched a lot of videos, and yours definitely contains the most useful and correct information. I wanna make sure I don’t hurt my beardie! And thank you so much! Definitely more work 😊

[@rafaelvasile4848]

So what vegetables are the best for them? I guess they need a lot of vitamins as adults .Cand i feed them with species of salad?

[@beccablogs8043]

Rafael Vasile www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html

[@daria2472]

Great video! What wattage do you recommend for the heat emitter?

[@your_local._.chunkymilk8325]

About substrate, does Repticarpet work good too? I'm thinking of getting a bearded dragon and it would be useful to know

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

The issue with repticarpet is that it’s hard to keep clean, especially with poops as massive and smelly as a bearded dragon’s. Plus, their teeth and nails can get caught in the fibers.

[@your_local._.chunkymilk8325]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends Thank you, because I see other people use it, and that's what they have in the tanks at PetSmart.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

it's better than sand, so kudos to petsmart for not using it, but it's not really ideal. I prefer tile.

[@Marte1618]

How large is Franklin's enclosure? I have a three year old beardie, she's in a 50 gallon. I inherited Reptar from my daughter when she lost interest. Sarah said her enclosure is fine. Reptar is 23" long, I feel she needs a larger space. Reptar was on a veggie diet only, Sarah didn't want the hassle of live feeding. She used to dust the food, but said she stopped doing it last year. Report's substrate is sand, I now understand that sand can be dangerous, but Reptar loves to dig, shimmy down so she looks just like she's camoflage. She used sand for over two years, and has had no problems. I want to take care of her the best way I can. PLEAS3 HELP!

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

franklin's enclosure is five feet long, a little more than a foot and a half deep, and two feet high. at three years old, your beardie will still need insects twice a week, and the insects will need to be dusted. the salads, too. I really don't recommend sand, but if you're keen on keeping it you can offer a dig box. just make sure it's not calcium sand, which is even worse than regular sand.

[@biancahubbard5331]

i have a quick question that i wanted to get clarified: if i purchase a mercury vapor bulb, do i need any other lights in the enclosure? or does this double as a basking light and a source of uvb? thank you so much!! 💓

[@abbeystapleton4195]

I have a heat mat the one that works at the pet store at pet value told me I should get it

[@arivaldez2258]

Can I use plain glass as the floor?

[@SkeletonQueen3268]

A roommate once kept a bearded dragon and abandoned him at my house. I wasn’t into reptiles at the time and in retrospect I feel SO BAD because I had no idea how poorly that little guy was being taken care of. I rehomed him as quickly as I could

[@justindevonald6654]

Hey, I liked your video and it is very informational. I have a question about your bearded dragons enclosure and care, what is his humidity level in his enclosure? My situation is I recently adopted a male 2 year old bearded dragon and I have had him for a week now, I live in Florida so it is humid here and it is also humid in my room but in his enclosure it reaches up to 50% humidity and gets to as low as 40%. I have a dehumidifier in his terrarium and I have sand carpet I also took out the water bowl that keeps it as low as 40%.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Humidity ideally wouldn’t be higher than 30. Try increased ventilation in the enclosure

[@bookworm8182]

A breeder told me a superworm is the same as a meal worm its just the meal worm was fed hormones so super worms are not good cause of the hormones what are your thoughts

[@trishvernon]

Do you still feel the same way about kale? It’s the only green my female will eat.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Kale is fine in moderation but a variety of greens are best

[@karabrady7795]

How much Greens should I feed at a time and how many times a day do you you feed them?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I offer as many as they’ll eat once a day

[@kishamarie97]

if i use a mercury vapor bulb for a heat source during the day do need to get a non lighted heat bulb for night?

[@richardmann8448]

Not necessarily, unless u live in Alaska where night time temperatures are extremely low. Bearded dragons are capable of handling minor temperature drops between night and day just as they would in the wild where temperature drops occur naturally. As long as the night time temperature ranges around the 70s then ur fine.

[@bookworm8182]

Do they need a shade spot cause I have a dome light one is a spot light and other one is uvb and on the other side I have a day 75 watt light bulb to make it brighter

[@365daysofveronica]

At night can’t you use a heat lamp that is the color red so that way it doesn’t effect their sleep?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

No, red is bad for their vision.

[@bryanrmcf]

So I use heat lamps for my beardie, and as you mentioned in your video, is it bad for the night?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Yes, if you need to offer heat at night because you can’t reach the appropriate temperature, use a ceramic heat emitter

[@andrealocks124]

wow! this is very informational, and I appreciate it! I have been looking in to and wanting a bearded dragon for a long time! now I know a lot more, and I hope I can get one soon!

[@whoyoulookenat1089]

How often would you need to dust your dragons food and what would your recommend for dusting?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I use repashy calcium plus and plain calcium carbonate to dust their food. You can also use bee pollen powder, which I’m going to start doing because I’ve heard it’s great for them. Franklin eats insects 2-3 times a week, and I dust it with repashy on one feeding, plain calcium on another in a rotation.

[@porkyroper6939]

Does your beardie get scared of your dog

[@heather_hi9351]

Can I put the tank on the ground?

[@TheMTChelle]

I found another video saying you can gut load crickets with tetra min fish food. What's you're view?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I've heard that fish food has too much protein in it and that it can be harmful to leopard gecko kidneys. I imagine it's similar with beardies, but I'm not certain. I just gutload with fresh vegetables and fruits.

[@bonilla8409]

can hornworms be fed on a daily basis?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

No but they’re a great treat

[@kaity3680]

hey can anyone help me my beardies tank is around two metres long on half of he's tank i have small soft mat because he really enjoys warm fuzzy things, and the other side i have pet store sand made for them, i have only just discovered the controversy around sand but idk since its from a pet store it cant be too dangerous, please no hate I'm new to this just looking for some answers, xxxx

[@wolfteef]

ik it might be late but it doesn’t matter if it’s from a pet store. pet stores will sell things as long as they make money off of it

[@View-sc8wf]

I accidentally got too large of a bag or reptile bark for my water dragon and I’m about to get a bearded dragon. Would the wood chips be good for them. The bag says that it is edible, but I don’t know how true that is.

[@Captinhowwdeee]

Please never use any loose substrate for a beardie. It can and will cause impaction which can kill them. Tiles,linoleum flooring,even newspaper or reptile carpet is fine. I just rescued a beardie that had been in sand. She was impacted and couldn't eat or have bowel movements. I have experience with this and new what to do. In 2 days I had her eating and using the bathroom. She went from 267 grams to 360 grams over the next 3 weeks. She is now my best eater and a very happy and active girl. Most times once people realize their beardie is impacted it's too late.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

No I recommend not using loose substrate

[@abbybeaver269]

is there a type of worm that I could feed my beardie for it's main source of protein? Horn worms?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

superworms and hornworms work. consider dubia roaches also