04/07/2025
We have had a few people questioning why we insist on a 4x2x2 minimum enclosure, and a T5 UVB bulb for Beardies instead of the "Starter Kits" that you can get at the chain pet stores. Hopefully these pictures explain why.
When Bob got her first Beardie, he came in a 30 gallon aquarium with all the wrong stuff. The advice she was given was that fruit can be fed daily. That red lights were needed at night. That the all-in-one mercury vapour bulbs were the best. That hammocks and reptile carpet were necessary. Levar had neurological and physical issues due to neglect prior to living with Bob. He passed due to intestinal cancer. We often wonder if he had been kept up to today's standards if he would have had a better, longer life.
The care requirements of today are based on scientific study of Beardies in the wild, and are continually being upgraded as more is learned, and better products are made available. And it is the same for other Reptiles as well. The more we learn, the more we should keep improving.
As Keepers, we should want what is best for our reptiles. Not just keep doing the same things just because that's how we've always done it.
