Bearded dragons require 12-14 hours of UVA and UVB lighting per day, with the proper wattage and distance from the basking lamp. Additionally, they need exposure to direct, unfiltered sunlight for at least two hours a day in order to synthesize vitamin D3.
The wattage required typically ranges from 100 to 160 watts depending on the size of the enclosure, and the optimal distance from the basking lamp should typically range from 12 to 24 inches depending on the wattage.
UVA and UVB lighting is essential for proper growth, development, and overall health. Without proper lighting and exposure to unfiltered sunlight, bearded dragons can suffer from various medical issues, such as metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal.
Therefore it is incredibly important to provide your bearded dragon with the proper lighting and sunlight for at least 12-14 hours a day.
Do bearded dragons need a real sunlight?
Yes, bearded dragons need real sunlight. Unlike humans, they need long hours of sunlight to help them properly metabolize the food they eat. Access to natural sunlight helps them maintain their body temperature and supplies them with vitamin D3, which is important for their reproduction, calcium absorption and proper bone growth.
The best way to provide real sunlight is to place them outside in a secure, open-aired reptile enclosure. The times of day when the UVB is strongest vary by season and location. Providing a UVA/UVB light fixture or a light that combines both is also a great option for creating natural sunlight levels.
The UVB output should be as close to natural sunlight as possible. Professional guidance from a reptile specialist can help you determine the duration and intensity of the lighting you need to provide your pet.
Can bearded dragons survive without UV light?
No, bearded dragons (or “beardies”) cannot survive without UV light. UV light is extremely important for their health as it helps them to synthesize vitamin D3, which is necessary for their metabolism and digestive functions.
Without UV light, a bearded dragon won’t be able to absorb calcium, which would cause a calcium deficiency. This can then lead to joint pain, muscle weakness, seizures, and even death. It is also not possible for them to absorb classical vitamin D, which can be found in certain food sources, without the help of UV light.
Therefore, adequate UV lighting is essential to maintain a bearded dragon’s health, making it absolutely necessary for their survival.
How long should I let my bearded dragon sit in the sun?
The amount of time your bearded dragon should spend in the sun depends on several factors, including its age and the outside temperature. If your bearded dragon is a baby or a juvenile, you should limit its time in the sun to approximately 15 minutes a day.
Adult bearded dragons typically require 30 minutes to two hours of sunshine a day. If the outside temperature is above 85 degrees Farenheit, you should not let your bearded dragon sit in the sun for more than 15 minutes.
Additionally, make sure to monitor your beardie for signs of overheating such as panting and thirst. If you notice any of these symptoms, move your bearded dragon to a cool, shaded area and provide water.
What is the proper light setup for a bearded dragon?
Providing the proper light setup for a bearded dragon is key for their health and well-being. Typically, this includes a basking light that provides UVB and UVA rays, a full-spectrum bulb, and a heat lamp.
The cage should also provide a variety of temperatures for your bearded dragon to move around in throughout the day. This can be achieved by placing the basking light on one side of the enclosure, ensuring the bulb is not too close to the heated surface, and that the temperatures do not exceed 110°F.
Additionally, a consistent 12-14-hour daily photoperiod should be provided, including a hiding area and an area with natural light as well, this allows the dragon to regulate their body temperatures.
Lastly, make sure to check the bulb regularly to ensure it is still functioning properly, usually every 2 – 4 months.
How do I keep my bearded dragon warm without a heat lamp?
Keeping any reptile, especially bearded dragons, warm is essential for their health and comfort. They need temperatures between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit to thrive. Without a heat lamp, there are a few ways to keep them warm:
1. Use a pad or mat heater. These electric mats warm up the surface they’re placed on and they stay at a consistently regulated temperature. They are specifically designed for reptiles and are a great way to keep them warm.
2. Use a ceramic heat emitter. These emit light but no added heat and they don’t get overly hot. If used in tandem with other forms of heating, they can be a great way to make sure your bearded dragon is adequately warmed up.
3. Choose a room with a consistently warm temperature. This isn’t always ideal in winter months, but finding a room in your house that is naturally at a temperature suitable for your pet is a great way to keep it warm without a heat lamp.
4. Use a Snuggle safe heat pad. These pads are microwavable and provide up to 10 hours of consistent heat. However, it might be necessary to regularly give it a few minutes in the microwave every few hours to keep it warm.
5. Place a heating rock in their enclosure. These rocks warm up when your bearded dragon steps on them, and give off heat for about an hour. Make sure you place them away from the sides of the enclosure to avoid overheating in just one spot.
Overall, bearded dragons require a large range of temperatures to keep warm, which makes it difficult to keep them warm without a heat lamp. But with a little creativity and careful monitoring, providing a safe and comfortable home for your pet is absolutely possible.
Can bearded dragons get too much sun?
Yes, bearded dragons can get too much sun. Similar to humans, they can suffer from sunburn, skin irritation, and other health issues related to overexposure. Therefore, it is important to provide adequate shade and protection when your bearded dragon is outside and exposed to direct sunlight.
Too much sun can also lead to dehydration and even heat illness. To avoid the risks associated with heat and too much sun, try to limit your bearded dragon’s exposure to direct sunlight, particularly when temperatures are high.
If your bearded dragon is exposed to too much sun, be sure to move him to a shady area and keep an eye out for any signs of discomfort or irritation. It is also important to provide plenty of water for your bearded dragon to ensure that he does not become dehydrated.
What happens if my bearded dragon gets too much UV light?
If your bearded dragon gets too much UV light, it can put them at risk of some serious health problems. Too much UVA and UVB radiation can cause eye problems, such as cataracts, as well as skin damage and even cancer.
It can also lead to physiological stress, which can cause your bearded dragon’s immune system to be weakened and make them more susceptible to disease and illness. Being exposed to excess UV also changes the metabolism of your dragon, leading to digestive and kidney problems.
Additionally, too much UV can cause pigment bleaching and make your dragon’s skin more prone to burning and to developing painful lesions. Too much UV can also interfere with your bearded dragon’s production of Vitamin D, which is essential for proper calcium absorption.
It is important to be mindful of the type and amount of UV your bearded dragon is getting, and to adjust it accordingly.
How do I know if my beardie is too hot?
If you think your bearded dragon might be too hot, it’s important to check their temperature by doing some simple tests. First, feel the area around their back where the heat source is located. If it feels too hot, then the temperature might be too high.
Also, you can check their overall body temperature by placing your hand on the side of their body. If the temperature is too high, they may move away or act uncomfortable. Additionally, observe the dragon’s behavior.
If they’re acting sluggish, not eating, panting, or breathing quickly, this can be a sign that the temperature is too high. If you think your bearded dragon is too hot, you should take steps to adjust their temperature as soon as possible, such as moving the heat source further away from them or lowering the temperature of the heat source to a more appropriate level.
Is 120 degrees too hot for a bearded dragon?
No, 120 degrees is not too hot for a bearded dragon. In fact, the ideal basking temperature for a bearded dragon is usually between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit. It can be normal for temperatures to reach up to 120 when basking, but prolonged exposure to temperatures above 120 degrees Fahrenheit can lead to heat stress or burns and should be avoided.
Also, once the temperature reaches 120, you should turn off the basking light to ensure it doesn’t get any higher. To prevent your bearded dragon from getting too hot, you should provide adequate ventilation in its enclosure, access to cool areas, and use a thermometer to ensure temperatures remain in the preferred range.
Can bearded dragons be in 100 degree weather?
Yes, bearded dragons can usually tolerate temperatures of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit and may even be able to live in these conditions for short periods of time. However, it is important to be mindful of the risks associated with extremely high temperatures.
In these conditions, bearded dragons may be prone to dehydration, overheating, and sunburn. Additionally, extreme temperatures can cause stress in them leading to reduced appetite and weight loss. When temperatures reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is important to provide adequate shade and access to water to help keep them cool.
Additionally, misting or bathing your dragon in lukewarm water may help as well. Proper monitoring is essential and it is essential to take the bearded dragon indoors if temperatures become too uncomfortable for them.
What happens if a lizard gets too hot?
If a lizard gets too hot, it can suffer from heat exhaustion and heat stroke, both of which can be very dangerous and potentially fatal. Heat exhaustion occurs when a lizard’s body temperature rises above what it should be.
During this state, a lizard may pant, collapse, lose its appetite, refuse food, and become weak and listless. If a lizard’s body temperature continues to rise, it may suffer from heat stroke, which occurs when a lizard’s body temperature exceeds 105 degrees Fahrenheit.
Signs of heat stroke include rapid heart rate, rapid breathing, and possibly vomiting, followed by convulsions, seizures, and coma. If a lizard is exhibiting these symptoms, it is important to take it to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
What greens Can you feed bearded dragons every day?
You can feed Bearded Dragons a variety of different greens on a daily basis. Some of the most popular types of vegetables include: Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens, Beet Greens, Kale, Collard Greens, Endive, Parsley.
Each of these provides essential nutrients to help keep your Beardie healthy. Additionally, you can also offer an occasional treat of lettuces like Romaine and Red Leaf. Some other vegetables to consider adding to your Beardie’s regular diet would be squash, sweet potato, green beans, bell peppers and carrots.
When choosing vegetables, always make sure to remove any seeds, as they can pose a choking hazard. Variety is key when it comes to vegetables and it is important to mix it up as much as possible so that your pet is receiving a variety of beneficial nutrients.
Always be sure to wash all vegetables prior to feeding them to your Beardie.
