18/12/2023
Let's share this information before the Christmas Bearded Dragons are purchased.
Do not buy a bearded dragon starter kit for Christmas. Do your research. If you bought a starter kit, return it and order these items instead. And most importantly Don't surprise anyone with a pet unless you acknowledge it is your responsibility as the adult/purchaser and it is purely for the enjoyment of the other person, otherwise get them a gift card. They can spend it when they are ready. These lizards cost more than the $50 at the pet store. Don't kill the lizard. ❤️
Essential requirements for a thriving reptile.
4*2*2 Habitat
I recommend the dubia.com cage. Cost approx $300
A heat lamp and fixture cost approx $50
Available on https://dragonsmarttt.com/collections/reptile-lighting-supplies-1
T5HO UVB with a Proper Reflector and Arcadia Bulb $75-$79
Available on https://dragonsmarttt.com/collections/reptile-lighting-supplies-1
Two Appropriately Sized Hides $10-$400 dollars (many choices)
Available at a number of retailers and come in a wide variety.
2 digital thermometer/hygrometer ($12*2)
Available at a number of retailers and come in a wide variety
Regulating Thermostat ($25-$100)
An infrared thermometer($20)
Any pet store, hardware store, department store, or generic retailer/online retailer.
A good calcium/multivitamin supplement($15)
Available with any pet store, and many online retailers.
Repashy Calcium Plus Recommended
Some decor (fake/real plants, driftwood, climbing perches, dig boxes etc) to add enrichment and create microclimates. 30-500 dollars
There are a million ways to create microclimates and enrichment, which you can get pretty creative here.
Feed ($50 a month)
And most importantly an understanding of why these items are important to your reptile. And what will happen if you forgo these essentials.
This is what happens when Merry Christmas wears off, and no one takes responsibility for the animal, the animal becomes someone else's job to repair, many times out of the new caretakers own paycheck. Buying medication and rehabilitation is expensive. Doing it right the first time is so much more important than getting a beardie now. Be responsible, get the pet because you are willing to maintain an eye on it, take responsibility for it, care for it, and provide it the love it deserves, never entrust a critter to just the kids. It's fine if they enjoy it, but it's simply that it's an adult job.
