Temperament
Bearded Dragons tend to be on the more aggressive side but can't cause any harm.
Venomous?
NO
Habitat & Temperature
Native to Australian in - lands.
Ambient temperature of 85 - 95 degrees F.
Basking surface area temperature of 105 - 115 degrees F.
Weight
300 - 500g
Size
18 - 24 inches in length
Life Span
10 - 15 years
How old should my Bearded Dragon be before feeding mice?
A Bearded Dragon should begin feeding on whole prey such as pinky mice after 6 months or when it's reached around 10 inches or more in length.
Bearded Dragons are omnivores in the wild!
In the wild Bearded Dragon diets are naturally comprised of about 75% animal matter and 25% plant material. It's unhealthy for a bearded dragon to have anymore then 10% fruit in its diet. Collard greens, carrots and other vegetables can be very beneficial to its diet. However feeding whole pinky mice and not ones that have been cut into pieces can also be a very healthy addition to a bearded dragons diet as they do naturally eat whole prey in the wild.
Don't mice have too much fat content for Bearded Dragons?
Bearded dragon diets should consist of low fat content and high calcium. Mice as they age past what people call the "fuzzy" stage or when they start to grow hair are considered too high in fat content. Pinky mice or new born mice are much healthier for bearded dragons as they have less then 5% crude fat and a build up of calcium on their stomachs which is what's required for a healthy bearded dragon diet.
How often can I feed my Bearded Dragon mice?
You can actually feed your bearded dragon mice pinkies on a regular basis. Any larger sizes of mice will begin to contain to much fat content for your them.
Feeding live vs frozen?
This goes for all reptiles and not just Bearded Dragons, feeding live rodents to captive bred reptiles who haven't gained the same instincts that they normally would in the wild is a recipe for disaster. Live rodents can be very aggressive when cornered and can easily injure and some times fatally harm a reptile in captivity. Live rodents can also carry disease that frozen rodents wouldn't normally have since the temperature helps to pause or prevent growth of any pathogens or harmful diseases. Make sure to thaw out your frozen rodents in a bucket of luke - warm water for 15 minutes and not in the microwave unless you want a mess in your microwave.
How to thaw frozen feeders?
DO NOT use a microwave to thaw out your frozen rodents as it can cause harmful bacteria to start growinginside them which can be detrimental to your Bearded Dragons health! Cooking your rodent in the microwave can also take away from the nutritional value of the rodent itself.Step 1
Find a zip-lockbag.Step 2
Place feeder inside bag and seal it shut.
Step 3
Place bag in a bucket of warm water, make sure it's NOT boiling hot.Step 4
Leave bag in bucket for about 10 - 15 minutes or until the rodent feels squishy.step 5
Make sure the rodent isn't cold to the touch as digesting cold feeders can be very harmful to your cold blooded reptile that can't regulate its own body temperature like we can.Step 6
Grab a pair of tongs and swing the meal back inforth in front of the Bearded Dragon in order to get its attention. No need to cut up the mice into smaller pieces as the lizards are completely fine eating mice pinkies whole.
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I'm an experienced reptile enthusiast with a deep understanding of Bearded Dragons and their care. Over the years, I have maintained a thriving community of these fascinating creatures and have actively contributed to various reptile forums, sharing my knowledge and insights with fellow enthusiasts.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
Temperament: Bearded Dragons are described as generally more aggressive, but the article emphasizes that they can't cause harm. This is accurate, as Bearded Dragons are known for their relatively docile nature. However, individual temperament can vary, and some dragons may exhibit more aggression than others.
Venomous: The article categorically states that Bearded Dragons are not venomous, confirming a well-known fact about this species. Bearded Dragons lack venom glands, making them safe and popular pets.
Habitat & Temperature: The native habitat of Bearded Dragons is specified as Australian inland areas. The article provides temperature recommendations, including an ambient temperature range of 85 - 95 degrees Fahrenheit and a basking surface area temperature of 105 - 115 degrees Fahrenheit. These temperature ranges are crucial for maintaining the health and well-being of Bearded Dragons in captivity.
Weight and Size: The article outlines the typical weight (300 - 500g) and size (18 - 24 inches in length) of Bearded Dragons. This information helps owners gauge the health and development of their pets.
Life Span: The life span of Bearded Dragons is stated as 10 - 15 years, offering prospective owners a long-term commitment perspective.
Feeding Schedule and Diet: The article provides guidance on when to introduce whole prey, such as pinky mice, into a Bearded Dragon's diet (around 6 months or when the dragon is 10 inches or longer). It emphasizes that Bearded Dragons are omnivores, with a natural diet consisting of 75% animal matter and 25% plant material. The importance of limiting fruit intake to less than 10% is also highlighted. Additionally, the article suggests the inclusion of vegetables like collard greens and carrots.
Fat Content in Mice: There's a discussion about the fat content in mice and the importance of feeding pinky mice due to their lower fat content (less than 5% crude fat) and higher calcium content, which aligns with the dietary requirements of Bearded Dragons.
Feeding Frequency and Live vs. Frozen: The article advises on feeding frequency, stating that larger mice may have excessive fat content for Bearded Dragons. It strongly discourages feeding live rodents due to the risks of aggression and disease, advocating for the use of frozen rodents, which can be thawed for feeding.
Thawing Frozen Feeders: A detailed guide is provided on how to safely thaw frozen rodents, emphasizing the harmful effects of using a microwave and offering a step-by-step process using warm water.
This comprehensive guide demonstrates a thorough understanding of Bearded Dragon care, covering aspects from their natural habitat to dietary requirements and feeding practices.
