Bearded Dragon Care
Food
Cage Setup
Cage Setup
Bearded Dragons have a varied diet that consists of insects and vegetables. The younger they are the more protein they need and as they get older they transition to more vegetables.
BABIES (0-4 months)
need 80% insects and 20% vegetables. They should also eat up to 3-5 times per day! A good rule of thumb is give them as many worms as they can eat in 10 minutes during each feeding and then provide them a daily fresh salad.
JUVENILES (5-12 months)
need 70% insects and 30% vegetables. They eat about 3 times per day. Again, give them their fill of worms within 10 minutes for each feeding plus provide a daily fresh salad.
ADULTS (18+ months)
eat 80% vegetables once per day. ONCE EVERY DAY OR TWO you give them as many worms as they can eat in a 10 minute period PLUS one or two fresh salads daily depending on their appetite. Their appetite will vary.
ALWAYS REMEMBER CALCIUM POWDER!
FRUIT should only be given ONCE A WEEK or less as a treat!
Best Insects:
DUBIA ROACHES, CRICKETS, PHOENIX WORMS, SUPERWORMS, HORN WORMS, WAX WORMS, MEALWORMS (in that order). Mealworms are harder for beardies to digest, especially young beardies. Dubia roaches are the highest in protein, calcium, and are easiest to care for as feeders.
We purchase our feeders from breeders and vendors at a local monthly reptile show. You can get some feeders at your local pet store, order online, or find a local vendor.
Best Vegetables:
COLLARD GREENS, KALE, MUSTARD GREENS, TURNIP GREENS, RAW BELL PEPPERS, BUTTERNUT SQUASH, CARROTS, CUCUMBER (PEELED), ENDIVE, OKRA (RAW), SPAGHETTI SQUASH, PUMPKIN, PARSNIPS
All of these can be found at your local grocery store
NEVER FEED YOUR BEARDIES:
DAIRY PRODUCTS, AVOCADO, MEAT, WILD INSECTS, SPINACH, LETTUCE (loose leaf and iceberg), ONION
FEEDING TIPS
- Offer fresh water daily.
- Clean out any uneaten food at the end of each day.
- Feed your dragon live insects in a designated bin to avoid feeders escaping in the terrarium.
- Make sure all insects and pieces of fruit and veggies are no bigger than the space between your dragon’s eyes. This helps minimize a risk of choking or gut impaction.
- For optimal nutrition and to help prevent metabolic bone disease, dust insects with calcium powder. Put them in a baggie and shake it up before serving. You can also sprinkle calcium on your bearded dragon’s salads.
Cage Setup
Cage Setup
Cage Setup
Rule #1- DO NOT BUY STARTER TANK KITS FROM PET STORES. These are not well put together and there are better supplies out there.
SUBSTRATE/FLOORING MATERIAL
This is a widely debated topic and it seems that not much is widely agreed upon. A common "safe" loose substrate is a mixture of play sand and organic soil to match their natural habitat but many people recommend substrate that is not loose such as SLATE TILE, CERAMIC TILE, PLASTIC REPTILE FLOORING, or PAPER TOWELS
Heating and Lighting
Heating and Lighting
Heating and Lighting
They must have a strong reliable UVB lighting
- Heating
Bearded dragons need a temperature gradient
- Lighting
It is recommended bearded dragons get 12 hours of UVB and a day and night cycle.
Basking side surface temp- 108-113
Cool side surface temperature- 77-85
Air temperature- 72-99
Nighttime - 55-75
Behavior
Heating and Lighting
Heating and Lighting
Bearded Dragons have very unique personalities and needs and may let you know in different ways. Some things to watch for are the color of their skin, are they dark or light, whether they are eating properly
Leopard Gecko Care
Food
Husbandry
Husbandry
Husbandry
Husbandry
Husbandry
ENCLOSURE
- 36” x 18” x 18”
**Cohabitation is not recommended**
However, if you choose to house more than one leopard gecko they will need a larger enclosure so they can have their own territory.
SUBSTRATE
- Naturalistic mix: topsoil and play sand mixture
- Bioactive setup
- Paper towels
DISCLAIMER
The use of sand and other loose substrate is a very controversial topic. The dust particles can get stuck in the gecko’s eyes, causing injury. However certain loose substrates can be safe if used correctly. Please do your own research before choosing any sand options.
DECORATION
- Hides and caves
Atleast 2 hides. One on the cool side and the other on the warm side.
- Plants
- Rocks
Leopard geckos can enjoy climbing.
- water bowl
Should be shallow enough so that the gecko can’t drown on accident. The water should be replaced Daily.
- Backdrop
HEATING, LIGHTING, HUMIDITY
HEATING, LIGHTING, HUMIDITY
HEATING, LIGHTING, HUMIDITY
Leopard geckos are crepuscular meaning that they are most active at dawn/dusk.
- Day and night cycle is beneficial
Black or red bulbs are not needed for nighttime heat. Blue lights are known to potentially damage reptiles eyes.
- UVB
They are not as dependent on UVB as other species. However it is recommended and can be very beneficial.
- Temperature gradient
Basking surface - 94-97F
Warm hide temperature - 90-92F
Cool end - 70-77F
- Humidity
Ideal daytime humidity is between 30%-40%. Too much humidity can cause shedding problems.
Behavior
HEATING, LIGHTING, HUMIDITY
HEATING, LIGHTING, HUMIDITY
- Clicking
Communication with other geckos
- Chirping/ squeaking
Gecko is unhappy, usually during handling
- Barking
Geckos have been known to bark at their owners when hungry
- Screaming
Defensive behavior to warn a predator
- Tail flicks
Excitement, usually in mating or hunting
- Slow tail swishing
“Leave me alone”
Crested Gecko Care
DIET AND FEEDING
DIET AND FEEDING
DIET AND FEEDING
- Pangea, Zoomed crested gecko diet, Repashy
These are the most convenient to feed your gecko. It is roughly 1 part powder to 2 parts water.
- Crickets or roaches
The insects you feed should be no larger than the distance from the gecko’s nose to its eyes.
- Calcium and D3
All feeder insects should be dusted with a good calcium powder and vitamin D3.
DISCLAIMER
THERE IS A DEBATE ON IF MEALWORMS OR SUPERWORMS ARE SAFE TO FEED.
- Water
Crested geckos typically drink water droplets from the sides of their enclosure and any leaves or plants. It is important to mist your geckos daily.
Husbandry
DIET AND FEEDING
DIET AND FEEDING
HABITAT
Crested geckos are Arboreal
- 18 x 18 x 24
** Height is more important than length
- Wood branches, bendy vines, fake plants, etc
SUBSTRATE
- zoo med eco earth
- Paper towels
Covering soil with leaf litter and moss are beneficial for maintaining consistent moisture levels for plant growth and a healthy colony of isopods/ springtails
AVOID
- sand
- Wood chips
- Walnut husk
It can be very harmful for a crested gecko to ingest large quantities of substrate.
HEATING AND LIGHTING
HEATING AND LIGHTING
HEATING AND LIGHTING
- maintained between 70 and 78 degrees
In most situations room temperature is adequate for crested geckos.
- they do require a moderate humidity
This can be accomplished by misting the enclosure twice a day
- UVB is not necessary
However, UVB can help the gecko and any live plants within the enclosure
Festival Location
HEATING AND LIGHTING
HEATING AND LIGHTING
Blue Tongued Skink Care
Food
Husbandry
Husbandry
BABIES (0-4 months)
need 80% insects and 20% vegetables. They should also eat up to 3-5 times per day! A good rule of thumb is give them as many worms as they can eat in 10 minutes during each feeding and then provide them a daily fresh salad.
JUVENILES (5-12 months)
need 70% insects and 30% vegetables. They eat about 3 times per day. Again, give them their fill of worms within 10 minutes for each feeding plus provide a daily fresh salad.
ADULTS (18+ months)
eat 80% vegetables once per day. ONCE EVERY DAY OR TWO you give them as many worms as they can eat in a 10 minute period PLUS one or two fresh salads daily depending on their appetite. Their appetite will vary.
ALWAYS REMEMBER CALCIUM POWDER!
FRUIT should only be given ONCE A WEEK or less as a treat!
Best Insects:
DUBIA ROACHES, CRICKETS, PHOENIX WORMS, SUPERWORMS, HORN WORMS, WAX WORMS, MEALWORMS (in that order). Mealworms are harder for beardies to digest, especially young beardies. Dubia roaches are the highest in protein, calcium, and are easiest to care for as feeders.
We purchase our feeders from breeders and vendors at a local monthly reptile show. You can get some feeders at your local pet store, order online, or find a local vendor.
Best Vegetables:
COLLARD GREENS, KALE, MUSTARD GREENS, TURNIP GREENS, RAW BELL PEPPERS, BUTTERNUT SQUASH, CARROTS, CUCUMBER (PEELED), ENDIVE, OKRA (RAW), SPAGHETTI SQUASH, PUMPKIN, PARSNIPS
All of these can be found at your local grocery store
NEVER FEED YOUR BEARDIES:
DAIRY PRODUCTS, AVOCADO, MEAT, WILD INSECTS, SPINACH, LETTUCE (loose leaf and iceberg), ONION
FEEDING TIPS
- Offer fresh water daily.
- Clean out any uneaten food at the end of each day.
- Feed your dragon live insects in a designated bin to avoid feeders escaping in the terrarium.
- Make sure all insects and pieces of fruit and veggies are no bigger than the space between your dragon’s eyes. This helps minimize a risk of choking or gut impaction.
- For optimal nutrition and to help prevent metabolic bone disease, dust insects with calcium powder. Put them in a baggie and shake it up before serving. You can also sprinkle calcium on your bearded dragon’s salads.
Husbandry
Husbandry
Husbandry
Rule #1- DO NOT BUY STARTER TANK KITS FROM PET STORES. These are not well put together and there are better supplies out there.
SUBSTRATE/FLOORING MATERIAL
This is a widely debated topic and it seems that not much is widely agreed upon. A common "safe" loose substrate is a mixture of play sand and organic soil to match their natural habitat but many people recommend substrate that is not loose such as SLATE TILE, CERAMIC TILE, PLASTIC REPTILE FLOORING, or PAPER TOWELS
ENRICHMENT
)Things to put in the cage such as water, dig boxes, climbing stuff, etc)
HABITAT CARE
(Cleaning, Misting, Etc)
Behavior
Husbandry
Behavior
Bearded Dragons have very unique personalities and needs and may let you know in different ways. Some things to watch for are the color of their skin, are they dark or light, whether they are eating properly, and if their behavior is normal for them.
Ball Python Care
Habitat
TEMPERATURE, HEATING AND LIGHTING
DIET AND FEEDING
Crested geckos are Arboreal
- 18 x 18 x 24
** Height is more important than length
- Wood branches, bendy vines, fake plants, etc
SUBSTRATE
- zoo med eco earth
- Paper towels
Covering soil with leaf litter and moss are beneficial for maintaining consistent moisture levels for plant growth and a healthy colony of isopods/ springtails
AVOID
- sand
- Wood chips
- Walnut husk
It can be very harmful for a crested gecko to ingest large quantities of substrate.
DIET AND FEEDING
TEMPERATURE, HEATING AND LIGHTING
DIET AND FEEDING
- Pangea, Zoomed crested gecko diet, Repashy
These are the most convenient to feed your gecko. It is roughly 1 part powder to 2 parts water.
- Crickets or roaches
The insects you feed should be no larger than the distance from the gecko’s nose to its eyes.
- Calcium and D3
All feeder insects should be dusted with a good calcium powder and vitamin D3.
DISCLAIMER
THERE IS A DEBATE ON IF MEALWORMS OR SUPERWORMS ARE SAFE TO FEED.
- Water
Crested geckos typically drink water droplets from the sides of their enclosure and any leaves or plants. It is important to mist your geckos daily.
TEMPERATURE, HEATING AND LIGHTING
TEMPERATURE, HEATING AND LIGHTING
TEMPERATURE, HEATING AND LIGHTING
- maintained between 70 and 78 degrees
In most situations room temperature is adequate for crested geckos.
- they do require a moderate humidity
This can be accomplished by misting the enclosure twice a day
- UVB is not necessary
However, UVB can help the gecko and any live plants within the enclosure
Behavior
TAIL LOSS
TEMPERATURE, HEATING AND LIGHTING
Bearded Dragons have very unique personalities and needs and may let you know in different ways. Some things to watch for are the color of their skin, are they dark or light, whether they are eating properly, and if their behavior is normal for them.
TAIL LOSS
TAIL LOSS
TAIL LOSS
- Aggressive cage mates
- Punching or squeezing their tails
Tail loss is a normal defense mechanism and is not a medical emergency. The gecko will recover quickly and does not require special care.
Chameleon Care
Food
Husbandry
Husbandry
BABIES (0-4 months)
need 80% insects and 20% vegetables. They should also eat up to 3-5 times per day! A good rule of thumb is give them as many worms as they can eat in 10 minutes during each feeding and then provide them a daily fresh salad.
JUVENILES (5-12 months)
need 70% insects and 30% vegetables. They eat about 3 times per day. Again, give them their fill of worms within 10 minutes for each feeding plus provide a daily fresh salad.
ADULTS (18+ months)
eat 80% vegetables once per day. ONCE EVERY DAY OR TWO you give them as many worms as they can eat in a 10 minute period PLUS one or two fresh salads daily depending on their appetite. Their appetite will vary.
ALWAYS REMEMBER CALCIUM POWDER!
FRUIT should only be given ONCE A WEEK or less as a treat!
Best Insects:
DUBIA ROACHES, CRICKETS, PHOENIX WORMS, SUPERWORMS, HORN WORMS, WAX WORMS, MEALWORMS (in that order). Mealworms are harder for beardies to digest, especially young beardies. Dubia roaches are the highest in protein, calcium, and are easiest to care for as feeders.
We purchase our feeders from breeders and vendors at a local monthly reptile show. You can get some feeders at your local pet store, order online, or find a local vendor.
Best Vegetables:
COLLARD GREENS, KALE, MUSTARD GREENS, TURNIP GREENS, RAW BELL PEPPERS, BUTTERNUT SQUASH, CARROTS, CUCUMBER (PEELED), ENDIVE, OKRA (RAW), SPAGHETTI SQUASH, PUMPKIN, PARSNIPS
All of these can be found at your local grocery store
NEVER FEED YOUR BEARDIES:
DAIRY PRODUCTS, AVOCADO, MEAT, WILD INSECTS, SPINACH, LETTUCE (loose leaf and iceberg), ONION
FEEDING TIPS
- Offer fresh water daily.
- Clean out any uneaten food at the end of each day.
- Feed your dragon live insects in a designated bin to avoid feeders escaping in the terrarium.
- Make sure all insects and pieces of fruit and veggies are no bigger than the space between your dragon’s eyes. This helps minimize a risk of choking or gut impaction.
- For optimal nutrition and to help prevent metabolic bone disease, dust insects with calcium powder. Put them in a baggie and shake it up before serving. You can also sprinkle calcium on your bearded dragon’s salads.
Husbandry
Husbandry
Husbandry
Rule #1- DO NOT BUY STARTER TANK KITS FROM PET STORES. These are not well put together and there are better supplies out there.
SUBSTRATE/FLOORING MATERIAL
This is a widely debated topic and it seems that not much is widely agreed upon. A common "safe" loose substrate is a mixture of play sand and organic soil to match their natural habitat but many people recommend substrate that is not loose such as SLATE TILE, CERAMIC TILE, PLASTIC REPTILE FLOORING, or PAPER TOWELS
ENRICHMENT
)Things to put in the cage such as water, dig boxes, climbing stuff, etc)
HABITAT CARE
(Cleaning, Misting, Etc)
Behavior
Husbandry
Behavior
Bearded Dragons have very unique personalities and needs and may let you know in different ways. Some things to watch for are the color of their skin, are they dark or light, whether they are eating properly, and if their behavior is normal for them.