Everything You Need to Know About Bearded Dragon Care

[@FelixFFern]

I'm getting ready to make a bearded dragon enclosure so I've been binging videos, and I came across you from the Snake Discovery build-off... Just when I thought I'd seen enough care guides, you have a NEARLY TWO HOURS VIDEO? I am in reptile care nerd heaven.

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Yesss I love long form care videos! I have one out for leos as well, and have a few scripted for other species! I can’t imagine any of them will be shorter than an hour 😂

[@FelixFFern]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends Ahh so glad I subbed, that is amazing!

[@FelixFFern]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends This was was amazing and SO helpful to my prep. I did just want to ask as I don't think it was mentioned (sorry if it was and I missed it!), do you have any recommendations when using a loose substrate like play sand + top soil, how often to do a full clean out of the vivarium?

[@donnamcdermott443]

​@@FelixFFernonce a month full clean out of substrate and spot clean daily unless it's getting nasty In there you can do it more often but usually once a month

[@80sGAMER]

1 tip I would like to add from my 23 years of keeping beardies: I'm not too sure how comfortable dry rubbing with a toothbrush is on their shedding scales that are already making them uncomfortable. But I have found that wetting the shedding scales makes them a lot more comfortable (they stop the leg scratching) and actually speeds up the time that the scales fall off. Also, if it's around their eyes I use a wet tissue and wipe lightly around their eyes consistently until it's removed. Hope this helps others. 😀

[@mattmiller5226]

2 years later and this video holds up really well. Thank you for all of this information.

[@paulsture7045]

Thanks for such a detailed look at owning this pet. I first saw them and took a liking to them at a big box pet store while there picking up food for my Beta. They were so cute and interactive with me from behind the glass. I asked the lady how much a complete set up would cost to keep one as an adult. She told me around $75 up to a max of $120. My wife told me to go ahead and get one if I wanted one but I thought I would wait. Glad I did as they need way more than what she was trying to sell me. I still think I will get one but I will wait until I have the all the proper equipment and have arranged enough space for a proper enclosure.

[@Iloveetvgirl]

I’m getting a bearded dragon soon, they seem like wonderful pets, thank you so much for making this, I’m doing as much research as I possibly can and this was a great source of information. :)

[@marvel123_agents]

Thank you for making this!! I’m surprised you survived whilst editing this beast 💀

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Between this and my 2 hour long leopard gecko video I am TAPPED OUT. Hoping the next care guide- axoltols- comes out shorter 😅

[@JocelynWhite]

Honestly this autoplayed but I decided to listen anyways since I loved your in-depth video about Leos. Ive been around beardies for a few years now so I really really appreciate hearing your absolute honesty and push for people to find what works for them and the animal’s health.

[@CricketsMa]

Thank you! That was very informative. I've had my beardie, Rufus, 11 years. He's beginning to slow down, which makes me pretty glum. His baby years were a hoot because he was such a busy little gremlin, and I have thoroughly enjoyed his mature years. Many sweet memories.

[@risbdkebc2367]

any updates on rufus? :)

[@sierraupton629]

THANK YOU! the amount of information in one specific video is so useful!!! And the time u took to put each topic and time in the description is so helpful! (I did take note of you saying to still look at others, I have) this video is awesome though thank you! Your time, work, and energy you put into this is noticed and is GREATLY APPRECIATED!!! 💙

[@quinnwieland9417]

I’m getting a bearded dragon and I’m gonna do the topsoil and play sand mix and then put tile under the basking spot and obviously have rocks and hides for it and logs and is a 48 x 24 x 24 good it’s 120 gallons

[@Dsmwarrior1996]

I've had my beardie for a week now, and I'm still watching videos like this, you're only like the fourth person I've watched a video like this from, and I've read up on about half a dozen forums and write ups about caring for a beardie, mine is just a hatchling, the body is as long as my middle finger, I got him from pet supplies plus, I wasn't looking for one when I found him, tho I've wanted one for a long time, I was getting some stuff for my dogs and something told me to walk over and see what animals they had, and this guy perked up and started running along his tank when I walked by, along with the colors which are absolutely gorgeous, he had to come home with me, bought just a small tank for temp until this week, just bought him a 40 gallon front opening enclosure yesterday, he seems happy as a lark, and he's a leatherback morph, but I also just found out he's a hypo, so he's a hypo leatherback, I REALLY hope his colors stay when he gets older tho! Don't know if it's a male or female, just seems easier to write him, and I'd be lying if I said I didn't hope it's a he, tho I just found out how to minimize the risk of a female getting egg bound if not fertilized, so I'm not so worried if it's a female like I was a few days ago

[@donnamcdermott443]

Great well rounded full care guide for a beginner well done for getting this much GOOD information into one video ❤

[@Timmehh13]

I just got a bearded dragon so I am so happy I found this updated care video as I already watched the one you made in 2018 and I can never get enough information! thank you ^-^

[@Islesfan290]

This video came out perfectly timed for me because I’m trying to convince my mom to let me get a beardie and I think I’m really close to getting one :)

[@karmaleenash2841]

Hope she agrees!!!💚

[@jessicasisk7832]

YOU DID A FABULOUS JOB!! ❤

[@tracyreid1670]

I really want to try a loose substrate for my beardie but I wonder if I should wait until he's an adult. He's about 7-8 months old. Thank you for all the info. It's been the most informative care guide that I've seen so far. I didn't mind the length at all. Thanks :)

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Waiting wouldn’t hurt :)

[@daniellec3917]

This is so helpful! Been doing a ton of research on these guys lately and this is the most constructive video ive found!

[@danielmontgomery7756]

Thanks

[@teaginneves5446]

OMG HI!!! I love your videos most of the stuff I learned about most of my animals came from you!!

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Awww hi!! So glad to help!!

[@Novastar49]

Thank you , what a great video! Just got a 6 month old boy/girl, we don't know yet. My son is 9 and wanted him/her, but of course now I'm the one watching all the videos and learning everything. We are super excited tho!

[@RollingFishball]

Thank you for making such a long informative video!

[@katandiefiddle9657]

Hey, random question, do you have pet insurance? Also, how do you know if a vet is good. We have an exotic vet in the area but... I’m not convinced they are good. The vet tech handled my leopard gecko pretty roughly and kept petting it which stressed my gecko out immensely. I never hear him chirp and he chirped dozens of times at the vet. More than I felt was needed.

[@hannahs4624]

Such a great all-inclusive video! I acquired an adult female beardie about 6 months ago from my cousin who no longer wanted her and I'm the "reptile girl" and I just happened to have the space for a 4x2 enclosure in my reptile room. I did tons of research before I took her and went back and forth between substrate/no substrate and settled on sandy soil, which I know can be controversial, but you're right. All of our other animals are on loose substrate, so why should it be different for beardies? She has her first wellness check at my exotic vet in a couple weeks (mostly to check that she's not holding eggs because I'm paranoid) and it's reassuring to know that I'm feeding her the correct diet/offering insects only weekly etc and that sandy soil is perfectly safe given all other aspects of husbandry are up to par. I've had reptiles for quite a while now, but was never interested in owning a beardie until I agreed to take her in, but she really is a sweetheart and really fun to take care of and it's my passion to give my animals the best care I can provide them. P.s: I live in FL so dubias are a no go. I've had to deal with crickets, but am SO over them and am going to try my hand at starting a discoid roach colony soon!

[@nicoletater7847]

I'm so glad it is over . I'm so appreciative of you taking your time. To share your knowledge, thank you. I'm new at this reptile business. Would love to own a gecko. Doing my research first, LOL

[@caterscarrots3407]

I love watching your videos and I'm getting a bearded dragon, so this is perfect. I don't mind the length of it at all. I've done years of research even just to decide that I wanted a lizard over a snake and then several more to decide which lizard specifically. Things like ease of handling, interactivity, diet(an omnivore diet might be technically harder, but I love having and giving variety, so it might actually be easier for me) and arid habitats being easier to maintain in my opinion than humid habitats at the same temperature all favored a Bearded Dragon over my second and third choices, Leopard Gecko and Blue Tongued Skink.

[@Zerostealthman]

Thanks for making this!

[@desmowizard]

straight to the point, with no BS. Thanks to your video now I know exactly how to revise my set up!.

[@dropit_hardjonboy]

great info this was super helpful thanks!!

[@aviaqostermann-hansen274]

Thank you for this video! -my husband and I got a beardie from someone who either was giving him away or euthanize him. We just took him in, have some research but not enough and this helps a lot on bettering his enclousure on a short notice♥️

[@mysticfanelia]

For timers, since i have 3 beardies, 2 ball pythons, and a leopard gecko, i use the amazon alexa and smart surge protectors to run all of my timers. It works great for a large number of lights. Each of my enclosures has a halogen light, uvb, and ceramic heat emitters, so i have 18 different things to regulate. It makes it very easy to change the timers with your phone, and not have to have the timers physically reachable

[@LizzieAnneNeogra]

Very informative video! I also have a dubia colony and feed my males to my dragon. She is around 3-4 years old. I've been feeding her 5 gut loaded, dusted adult male dubia once a week. Is that enough or should I be feeding her more than that? Thank you for this video☺️

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

That’s fine :)

[@sandrataylor1483]

Very informative, thank you.

[@triciawharton9178]

Thank you so much for this video. We just rescued a bearded dragon and you cleared up every question I had!

[@toniannzimmerman1182]

theat was great information. i just found your vlog by accident.

[@danasmith8557]

I'm a new bearded dragon owner thanx for this video

[@alanr4263]

Why would anyone give u thumbs down.Well Said Mam.

[@k.3039]

Thank you!! It was very informative!

[@marydavis7630]

I’ve had my Beardie for 3 years, never to much information. Thanks for the video! New follower from Instagram

[@BarbMaul]

Tons of information!!!! Thank you so much!!!!! Your Poop references are awesome 😅

[@archaeopteris]

I tried using topsoil/playsand mix with my bearded dragon, but the vet recommended I remove it because in our extremely dry sub-30% humidity area it gets very dusty. Like dust clinging to the walls of the enclosure, higher risk of eye and respiratory issues dusty. So she's on the Zen Habitats mat and it's alright. In your experience, do you think the josh's frogs desert substrate would get dusty, or does it seem pretty clean?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

I keep down dust by moistening the substrate every week/week and a half. I think dust is to be expected whenever an arid substrate is used and a larger reptile kicks it around unfortunately.

[@archaeopteris]

Thanks! I'm curious to try this new substrate out, so I appreciate your advice!

[@johncorpuz3861]

Thanks for making this vid!👍🏽

[@ingeniouspixie]

Soooo many reptiles and amphibians I wish there was a care guide this detailed for!

[@valenciaarnold6065]

So when I got my bearded dragon (Rickey) I didn’t do research yet. I purchased him as a baby from pets mart. The good thing is, the associate that helped me had one herself, at home. So I bought him, the enclosure, lighting, ect. I love him, and I’m still researching as I go via KZbin and Facebook.

[@chelseyjones5837]

so this is the first time I have ever put a calcium dish in my geckos tank and i am scared he is going to eat to much calcium is that possible?

[@clayaraquistain2977]

i use calcium without d3 in the tank and i read about cases where calcium sacks form near the arms if the geck has too much, but they aren't too serious & go away when taking the extra calcium away

[@ITXZSXPHIA]

yes i have one as well and i keep one without d3 in the tank but they would know when to eat it and when not i’m sure sometimes he sits there after he eats just licking it but it’s rare like that they kick it bc if the worms eat the calcium and you give other things he should be fine and he won’t need to eat some

[@Geo_Babe]

2024 here and watching your content nonstop. Thank you,! ❤

[@tammytevault2000]

I really enjoyed your video

[@alisaurus8254]

I can’t wait to get a beardie🥰 my tegu and savannah monitor are too big to chill on my shoulder 😅 I love beardie personality and their little walk/run 😂

[@chelseyjones5837]

can you make a leachianus gecko care guide?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Yup!

[@chelseyjones5837]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends ok thanks!! I want one one day

[@hazeyk]

Great video, thanks so much.

[@the_shire_critters6587]

Why do so many websites say you have to feed a baby beardie insects 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes at a time? I wanted to beardie but I work so I decided not to because everything said you feed them that much, and it’s just not possible for me! You recommend only once a day for baby beardies?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

when Franklin and Nova were growing, I only fed them once a day. But other people may feed multiple times a day to babies.

[@the_shire_critters6587]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends well that would defintely be something I could do! Thanks!

[@tracyreid1670]

Agreed. I avoided getting a baby beardie because I work full time and can't feed bugs 2-3 times a day. I did adopt a juvenile (about 4 months old) in May and I've been feeding him a salad in the morning before I go to work and then bugs for dinner when I get home. So far he's been doing great. He eats his greens from the bowl while I'm at work. On the weekends I make sure he has his greens before he gets his bugs. I'm still reluctant to get a baby baby. I do wonder if I'm feeding too many greens. His poos tend to be a little runny, but he's growing very well and seems to be happy.

[@tinahaynes175]

thank you I'm saving this video for when I get my Beardie!!

[@timtrainor9720]

Great vid

[@shaunlunz7509]

Thanks for making this.

[@Midwest_Lizard_Mom]

Omg, I love your red eye crocodile skink shirt! 😍

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Thank you!!

[@Dsmwarrior1996]

My beardie loves prickly pear cactus, and that's supposed to be one of the beardie super foods, just got some collard greens tonight for him, he ate one piece so far so we'll see, he also really likes mustard greens and dandelion greens

[@theawakening2946]

I don't cage my beardies I got a full grown femalle and a 8 month old male. They free range all over the house. They have their lights and basking spots but my beardies get more natural sun I think than artificial. Ive had beadred dragons for 15 plus years and honestly every dragon is different. People say you shouldnt let them be together I don't believe that my dragons always are together and they are always happy. I really believe and know, that every dragon is different they have different personalities.. The best advice I can give is always dust their food and feed them a wide variety of vegtables. The one vegtable I feed them every day is their greens obviosly and I feed them butternut squash or acorn squash everyday along with other veggies. Also give them a bath twice a week they love it and it's good when they are shedding. That is the best advice I can give, the most important.

[@starbyray7828]

Hey Jessica, every time I go to my reptile shop I see the young Beardies and they are so personable I have to resist the temptation to get one. :0)

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Such a good lizard though!

[@starbyray7828]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends :0) I have enough with my Leopard Gecko family I think.... lol. If i had more room I would be very tempted but then again I would like Chahoua and Leachianus too.... and Garter and Hognoses.... Mind you its getting harder to spend quality time with each of my Boys and Girls that I have so maybe getting additional reptiles would not be a good idea :0)

[@karmaleenash2841]

@@starbyray7828 Oh, I may need a chewie in my life!

[@asweetyrican2004able]

Hey Jessica how can I make my dragon eat veggies and fruits

[@kipp2022]

My Dragon and I thank you for sharing your knowledge!!

[@Pookie110885]

So. I'm mounting my uvb tube light under my screen so my baby can get full uvb. Dumb question will the basking light melt the tube light if its sitting on top of the screen were the tube light is sitting?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Don’t place the heat lamp directly on top of where the uvb lamp is placed inside. Just put it off to the side of it and you should be fine

[@ScaleToTheWire]

Hey I know this sounds absolutely crazy but… I just got two free bear dues off of KSL and they were housed together. Male and female. They don’t fight or anything in fact they really get along to my shock. I really need advice from someone smart like you. I plan to breed them soon, but they haven’t bred with me yet as far as I can tell. They do show mating behaviors every day or so but never proceed through. I’m curious on how I can get them to mate(instead of being just friends) in the future. How can I make him really excited to mate with her. How can I do this?

[@skatersgrotto6415]

I’ve got turf for substrate is that safe for bearded dragons

[@PULAG]

Tips on finding a decent priced 75g+?

[@Travelwith_Adrienne]

Hi I am new to your channel. I rescued my 2 bearded dragons from my niece who was not taking care of them right no UVB and housing them together. As result the male has Gout and MBD. The female only has one good hand and missing part of her tail. I got the male Zen habitat after watching your video maybe I should put her in it and keep him in the 40 until I can get another zen habitat. Some of the stuff you said is different than what I have read.

[@plantingwithnat]

How do you find out how many hours is it based on DST?

[@marjoleinvnoort6961]

If you treat your wooden enclosure with epoxy then you can use it for any setup and it will last for years. And they found out that tiles and smooth bodems are bad for the bearded dragons joints.

[@donovanbuckley9442]

Ty for your video❤

[@mrprincemusicandgaming]

Hey, i messed up and got one from petsmart for my son cause they told us they were low maintenance and low cost. They lied hard but shes a sweet girl. Im kind of in over my head cause i work long hours and i feel like she deserves better. Would you want her? I wouldnt charge anything

[@timtrainor9720]

You should be in the movies. Oh and ah, great info, ty.

[@acuario09able]

Hello, some time ago I saw a video of a breeder, who explained how to assemble a leopard gecko terrarium, and I thought it was curious that he used felt as a substrate, I have seen many substrates used by youtubers or breeders, but is this material possible to use?

[@cherylj7460]

Shouldn’t we drop the temperatures during brumation?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

If you are trying to make them brumate yes if not no

[@andreathegamergirl7550]

Hey so I wanted to comment in your recent video and I have a quick question for you? So do you have any recommendations for 20 gallon tank 30 by 12 by 12inches around 100$ because I still need to buy the rest of the things for my leopard gecko 😕

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

The petco dollar per gallon sale the tank will only be $20. You can also try finding one on Craigslist or Facebook marketplace

[@andreathegamergirl7550]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends omg thank you so much :)))))

[@Dsmwarrior1996]

My baby beardie poops more when fed mealworms than dubia roaches, he poops daily when I feed mealworms and I fed him dubias the last few days and he didn't poop the second day, but I've found out chitin is actually a form of fiber and will help them go because of it, but mealworms are much cheaper than dubias, so that's why I started with mealworms and why I did so much research into them and their exoskeleton out of fear of a problem, I also gut load all feeders

[@donnamcdermott443]

I wonder if I high factor 50+++++ sunscreen would help with the burning issues of the silky morphs you can get them that are safe for use on babies faces Im pretty sure it would be safe to put on their backs I wonder if anyone has tried this

[@karmaleenash2841]

We are in the process of getting our first reptile. My granddaughter and I will be doing this together. We started with a betta , then added a 15 gallon aquarium with African dwarf frogs. Now we are learning about the local flora and fauna and doing low key herping. We are researching bearded dragons and geckos to prepare. We want to get a rescue that needs a new home. QUESTION: Is Nova a hypo zero? Love, love her!!! 💚🦎🐸🐍🐢💚 and so not related, but your lipstick color is so beautiful!!! Mind saying what it is lol?? Hey, this old lady likes her reptiles and her makeup! 👀

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Yes nova is a hypo zero! I’ll have to go check the video to see if I can remember the lipstick hahs

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Ok so it’s the brand essence and it’s Matt Matt Matt 03 I think!

[@karmaleenash2841]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends I am on the lookout for a hypo zero, but am determined to do a rescue. But Nova is just too gorgeous! Maybe the universe will send me a hypo zero who needs a bit of tlc!

[@karmaleenash2841]

@@JessicasAnimalFriends Haha, thank you! I adore Essence! Affordable and awesome products. That color is so lovely on you!

[@7mustafasarac]

Good job

[@7mustafasarac]

You should keep making videos. I watched more than 100 videos on KZbin about bearded dragons and your video was the best.

[@clixedninja187]

I'm 11 and really want to get a bearded dragon my step dad said he won't live in a house with reptiles also the only place I can get my bearded dragon from is petsmart is that ok or can I absolutely not

[@usoland_0]

U should find breeders near u same thing with other reptiles u want for me I have a friend who is a breeder

[@majorwakanda8858]

If I work overnight, and my waking hours are overnight is this a non-starter for keeping bearded dragons? Or can I match their light/heat hours to my waking hours?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Yeah unfortunately they’re strictly diurnal

[@jessicasisk7832]

Just a TIP from Detroit Michigan. Outside time should only be w human never alone. Birds n aircraft really stresses them out. Outside time needs to be 72 or higher! Never on a rainy day! They love baths use a bubbler! 🎉❤ Cheers!

[@sh42]

1:20:09 is what you came here for

[@The01sportster]

I got a juvenile bearded dragon. He's only eaten 1 cricket in 2 days. What should I do if he doesn't eat?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Hmmmm juvenile beardies usually go nuts for insects. Try letting him or her acclimate more, so no handling or moving around enclosure decor if you can help it for a week or two

[@usoland_0]

If he just doesn't eat in days at all then taking them to a vet will be the best option

[@kendravoracek3636]

❤

[@BAGCHASERR300S]

Thanks for making this my uncle is giving me a beardie for a week and if it lives he will let me keep it

[@PULAG]

Can you feed them earthworms?

[@chelseyjones5837]

ok I know I have been asking you so many questions but do you know it tiger salamander are league in Ohio? I keep trying to look it up but it does't tell me

[@Blarpy110]

Wanted to get one for the kids but this unfortunately this doesn’t sound like it’s going to work for the family. Appreciate the video because it stopped me from getting a pet I won’t be able to take care of.

[@The323Bandit]

I have a question about Bearded Dragon poop, I am having trouble with this situation, The poop is runny and very smelly. Does this always mean possible Parasites?

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Bring a fecal to the vet to be safe

[@artsywolfy3576]

I literally have my notebook writing everything down and measuring my shelf

[@Travelwith_Adrienne]

Oh going to fine your video over why eco earth is bad. I use that for my box turtle read it was okay.

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

beardies are great

[@robert-kd9vb]

I am going to get a bearded dragon. I have a 55 gallon aquarium of driftwood so far in the morning to put sand aquarium stand in the bottom. Is that OK or should I use some other substrate?

[@Pancake_Dragons]

I am not watching someone just talk for 1 hour straight. I need a short versionnn But good job

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Reptile care is EXTENSIVE. If you think a short version cuts it, you won’t be prepared. But thank you lol

[@eriksreptilechannel3898]

thank you for this video it's very helpful.. As far as bearded dragon poop goes, to me it's not as bad as cat poop. I don't have to dig in a sandy box searching for smelly treasure ... . And my dragon's poop doesn't smell that bad to me .

[@usoland_0]

The only bad thing is that since I live in Florida having dubis roaches are illegal

[@Harrypotter-discount-shop]

i have to say not all petco or petsmart are bad pet store

[@GreenGarden44]

I want to know what 2 people disliked this video

[@wendylemmons8608]

My vet said Dubai roaches have no calcium just phosphorus

[@JessicasAnimalFriends]

Dubai roaches are one of the insects that has a negative calcium to phosphorus ratio so they must be dusted, yes. But this is the case for most insects fed to reptiles.

[@vannahgraceful4079]

I Own a bearded dragon

[@marjoleinvnoort6961]

I don’t think silky are a good thing, you can’t use a female silky for breading because when the male grabs the neck the skin gets ripped because there are no scales. I will never buy a silky ore leather back. I love the reptiles whit the scales the way they supposed to be.

[@FooManPu2]

I mean great info but JEEZUS CRYST you advocate for not getting one. Bad format for the video.