Before you buy a bearded dragon for sale, you should learn how to care for your pet properly. The goal is to protect your beardie from injury, sickness, and stress, all while keeping yourself safe as well. Learning the dos and don’ts of handling, feeding, and caring for the dragon is handy when raising a healthy pet. Here are three things to be careful of with your bearded dragon:
1. Proper Handling
Dragons don’t mind being handled for short durations. Beardies are solitary creatures, so you should learn and recognize the cues they may give if they want to be left alone. Improper handling can stress the dragon or cause aggressive reactions. Follow these dos and don’ts when handling your beardie:
Dos
- Approach the dragon slowly and smoothly
- Support the full weight of the dragon, including the tail
- Use a carrying case for visits to the veterinarian or other travels
- Let the dragon perch on your shoulders and chest, but be ready in case it slips
- Cup a gentle hand over the beardie to provide a sense of security when it becomes anxious while holding it
- Reward your dragon with food and treats when holding it
Don’ts
- Never grab your dragon suddenly, by the tail, or the limbs
- Avoid squeezing your dragon, especially the babies
- Don’t leave your dragon where it may jump/fall from a high position
- Never leave your dragon in a room unattended outside its cage
- Don’t leave a child alone with a beardie or let them touch or put it in their mouth
2. Feeding & Healthcare
Bearded dragons need a balanced diet featuring figs, insects, and fruits like watermelon, apricot, and papaya. You can find the staple diet in the area where your beardie is native. If the pet is bred locally, inquire about the diet when purchasing your bearded dragon for sale. Providing adequate and nutritious food for your beardie will protect it from diseases and speed up recovery from any infections that may occur. You’ll also raise a strong, healthy pet.
Beardies should live in a terrarium that mimics their natural environment. You can find bearded dragon décor, including dessert plants, spider-wood, sand, and natural lighting. Create a habitat where the beardie can thrive. You should also schedule regular visits to the veterinarian to examine any symptoms or behaviors you’re worried about. Inspect your beardie whenever you lift/handle it and monitor its overall health and moods.
Bearded dragons can quickly become stressed and infected during transportation or location/habitat changes. Keeping tabs on its health, feeding, and daily behaviors can help you catch infections and injuries early. Clean the terrarium regularly and note any strange excretions. Beardies are sensitive animals and are bound to become sick, injured, and stressed at some point. You should be careful of what you feed it and how it is affected by its habitat.
3. Precautions & Health Concerns
Owning a bearded dragon involves handling and feeding it, cleaning its terrarium, and treating any health conditions it experiences. Owning a bearded dragon is relatively safe, but you must take precautions to keep yourself and your pet healthy. Handling beardies can leave you exposed to bacteria. You may also unknowingly transfer bacteria from work, the kitchen, bathroom, or other places to your pet.
Here are some precautions to observe with your bearded dragon:
- Wash your hands with antibacterial soap before and after handling your bearded dragon
- Never touch your mouth or eat anything when handling a bearded dragon
- Disinfect any scratches and cuts you receive from the dragon’s long claws
- Thoroughly disinfect the wound in the rare instance your dragon bites. See a doctor if the wound becomes sore or red.
Handling a beardie can leave you exposed to cross-contamination. Bacteria and pathogens from your body may find their way into your pet. The beardie’s bacteria may also enter your body. You should observe high levels of hygiene and keep the habitat clean and disinfected to reduce illness and infection. Handle your pet gently to avoid making it nervous, scared, or aggressive. Beardies are calm and rarely scratch or bite unless they feel threatened.
Find a Healthy Bearded Dragon for Sale
Taking care of your beardie starts with finding a healthy bearded dragon for sale. You can buy baby dragons or fully grown beardies. When you order a beardie online, check the terms and inspect your pet on arrival to accept healthy dragons. You should also schedule a vet visit and purchase enough meals for your bearded friend. Stick to reputable breeders trusted by reptile aficionados.
