Care Sheet - Dragons

DRAGONS

Western Bearded Dragon – Category 2

Western Netted Dragon – Category 3

NECESSITIES

·         VIVARIUM

·         UVA/UVB LIGHTING

·         DAY HEAT GLOBE    

·         SUBSTRATE             

·         WATER BOWL         

·         THERMOSTAT          

Dragons can live for up to 25 years.

*NOTE – Dragons are social animals and we recommend at least 2 together.

Western Bearded Dragon                      Western Netted Dragon

Requirements

You require a licence issued by C.A.L.M.  See above for the Category of licence.

Housing

Enclosures should be at least 100cm long and 50cm wide with top ventilation.  Dragons are arboreal and require enough height in the enclosure to place branches for climbing. Enclosures must be secure and escape proof.

Substrate

Commercially cleaned and packaged sand is available.  Bleached beach sand and red pindan sand are preferred as a base with a range of coloured sand also available including Reptilite calcium sand that can be used on top. 

Humidity and Water

Provide a water bowl with clean water at all times.  It should be large enough to bathe in (but shallow for very young dragons).  Waterfalls can also be used.

Temperature and Lighting

Place a basking lamp at one end of the enclosure so there is a warm end and a cool end (thermal gradient) allowing the dragons to heat up and cool off, as they require.  The hot spot should be approximately 30-35°C.  The size of the enclosure will determine the wattage of the heat lamp used.  

A definite daylight cycle of lighting should be provided, either manually or automatically using an electrical timer.  Use a full spectrum UVA/UVB globe for 8-10 hours during winters and 12-14 hours during summer each day to provide the UV light they require to make vitamin D3 (essential for healthy bone structure). 

Food

Dragons eat mostly insects but also some vegetation such as dandelion flowers and some finely chopped fruit and veg. Commercial insects are available live such as crickets, woodies and mealworms and so are canned insects.  Dusting food with calcium/vitamin powder helps provide full nutritional value.  Feed adults every 2 or 3 days and babies daily. Dragons are easily handfed.

Handling

Dragons quickly get used to being handled and may sit on your shoulder or hand happily.  However they are quick and can jump.  Please don’t allow them to wander around a room even if you think it’s safe.  They are small and quick and can easily get stuck, hurt, lost or even escape.  Wash your hands before and after handling your dragon.

Recommended Extras

Thermometer – to help monitor ideal heat requirements.

Reptihand - hand cleaner that removes bacteria and other contaminants from your skin.  Use before handling your pet.

Hide Rock – to sleep and feel secure.

Hide Log – to sleep and feel secure.

Multivitamins & Calcium – mixed in with fresh food or dusted on live food as a dietary supplement.

Worm Rid – in liquid form can be fed to your reptile using a dropper, especially if providing furniture from the bush.

Reptile Essentials Pack – contains cage cleaner, vitamin spray, skin shed spray, tick and mite spray and worming solution.

You should also add branches for climbing ideally arranged to reach the basking lamp.

Accessories

Feeding Bowl, Plastic Plants, Hide Logs, Heat Cave, Heat Rock, Cricket Feeder, Termite Mound, Water Well, Mealworm Bowl, Rock Walls, Rock Ledges, Waterfall, Basking Rock, Little Dripper, Roach Off, Jungle Vines and plastic plants for decoration.

Health

Colloidal Silver – a preventative antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal tonic used to keep water fresh, to help control parasites and worms.  Add a teaspoon to drinking water or dab on minor wounds.                                                                      

Body Guard – a preventative antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal spray that can be used for cleaning the interior of the enclosure as well as bark, branches, water and food bowls.  Also used for the treatment of minor wounds and aids in healthy shedding.

Cage Cleaner – ideally suited to the cleaning of reptile enclosures.                         

Multivitamins & Calcium – dusted on live food as a dietary supplement.

Worm Rid – in liquid form can be fed to your reptile using a dropper.    

Recommended Reading:

Keeping Bearded Dragons by Darren Green

Recommended Website:

www.calm.wa.gov.au

www.reptiletrader.com.au

www.radicalreptiles.com.au

Should you have any worries concerning your pet, please feel free to bring it to the shop for our expert attention at Reptile Trader.