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You are here: Home / Pets / Small Animal Care / Must Have Shopping List for New Bearded Dragon Owners #ReptileCare

Must Have Shopping List for New Bearded Dragon Owners #ReptileCare

July 14, 2015 by Susan Bewley 70 Comments

 

As many of you know, my husband and I have a variety of pets in our home, including bearded dragons and turtles. Just like Ivi and Reya, they are a major part of our family. When our very first reptile came into the family, I have to admit, we weren’t prepared at all. We were poor college students and didn’t even know the right questions to ask at our local hometown pet store. Unfortunately, due to not having the right information to care for it, our poor little baby passed away 6 months later. Now, after having reptiles for over a decade as pets, we want to help others make sure they make the right choices when it comes to reptile care.

One of the first thing we actually did wrong was not buying everything our poor bearded dragon needed to survive. Most lizards require some very basic things that most new owners know nothing about, including UVB lights. Back when we got our first dragon, I would have loved to have had an in depth list and informative site to help us make sure we had everything we needed for our new dragon. This area has so much information to get new reptile owners started when it comes to proper reptile care.

Planning on bringing home a bearded dragon as a new family pet? Learn what you need to buy to properly care for your bearded dragon here! #ReptileCare

To help new reptile owners, we created an awesome bearded dragon care shopping list for you guys! What will you need for your new dragon includes –

  • Terrarium (20 gallon tank to start)
  • 2 Heat Lamp Fixtures (we use the same for heat & light for ease of use)
  • UVB Light for Desert Reptiles (we use the Exo Terra Repti Glo 10.0 Desert Terrarium Bulbs)
  • Ceramic Heat Bulb
  • Paper Towels (for lining the bottom of the tank)
  • Basking Toy (we use a fake branch from the reptile department – washable, and less likely to hold bacteria than real wood. A large sandstone can also work, which can be found in garden stores)
  • Reptile Cave
  • Water Dish (I use a shallow dish like this for shredded veggies too food)
  • Calcium Supplement
  • Vitamin Supplement
  • Food Duster Cup

Planning on bringing home a bearded dragon as a new family pet? Learn what you need to buy to properly care for your bearded dragon here! #ReptileCare

Even though a lot of pictures online show it, do not use sand in your bearded dragon’s tank. Sand can impact (clump in the intestines and block the normal movement of food) and kill most dragons. If you have a dragon that likes to dig, you can have a separate tank with calcium sand for enrichment time. Reptiles should NEVER eat in a tank with sand or any other type of bedding, however, since it can cause impaction.

Also, never place multiple bearded dragons in the same tank. While they can sometimes cohabit, this one is a case by case basis and rarely ends well, since bearded dragons WILL eat other reptiles who are smaller than them.

Planning on bringing home a bearded dragon as a new family pet? Learn what you need to buy to properly care for your bearded dragon here! #ReptileCare
Echo doesn’t like other dragons. Check out that angry black beard!

As for food, bearded dragons love crickets, hissing cockroaches, superworms, and hornworms. Personally, we love to rotate between crickets and superworms, and try hornworms throughout the year as well. All food for your dragons, however, should be gutloaded (pre-fed highly nutritious food) with special food to make sure they have the proper nutrients.  With all of our dragons, we buy all of our crickets, superworms, and hornworms from an online retailer called Great Lake Hornworms. For emergencies, however, we purchase crickets and hornworms from Petsmart. No matter which food you use, however, they should be dusted with calcium and vitamin powder to prevent metabolic bone disease (a nasty disease where their bones weaken or disfigure, and can also cause organ failure). Bearded dragons also should eat vegetables regularly; ours enjoy shredded carrots, bok choy, and kale.

Planning on bringing home a bearded dragon as a new family pet? Learn what you need to buy to properly care for your bearded dragon here! #ReptileCare

Another thing many people do not discuss is what happens when reptiles get sick. It isn’t uncommon for lizards, especially bearded dragons, to get respiratory infections. For this reason, it is important to have a veterinarian that specializes in reptile care. You can likely find a reptile-friendly vet by calling your local vet and asking. Just know that many offices are not prepared to handle reptiles so you have to do your homework first! Personally, if we needed to locate a vet in a new area, we would use the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarian vet finder on the Kingsnake website.

That being said, it is great reading about reptile behavior and illnesses on the internet if you are worried your reptile may be sick; or even better, before it happens! We love the petMD® Reptile Care Center since it filled with a wealth of information of reptile care for new bearded dragon owners. They also have articles on snakes, tortoises, and many other reptiles that can be kept as pets. My husband and I are very excited about this new resource, especially with all the conflicting information you can find online about reptile care.

Have any questions about reptile care or owning a bearded dragon? Ask us and we will do our best to answer them!

Planning on bringing home a bearded dragon as a new family pet? Learn what you need to buy to properly care for your bearded dragon here! #ReptileCare

About Susan Bewley

Susan Bewley is a professional writer who has been writing content online & in print format for over 10 years. As well, she is an alumni of the University of Louisville with a Masters Degree in Special Education. When not working as an online business consultant or ghost writing, she can be found writing on Budget Earth, on her own novel, or working with various entities in the pet industry.

Filed Under: Small Animal Care

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Michele Ash says

    July 14, 2015 at 9:22 pm

    WOW, It seems like there is sure an awful lot to remember when owning a bearded dragon! I’m glad that there are websites available to go to, to help out the new owner of a bearded dragon. My husband told me that the bearded dragons bite! I know nothing, except what I read on your website, about them! I’ll stick to my furry warm blooded babies for now. Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful review, all the terrific pictures, and your personal and professional information on Must Have Shopping List for New Bearded Dragon Owners #ReptileCare with all of us! I truly do appreciate it!! Thanks again! Michele 🙂

    Reply
  2. Jeanne Melanson says

    July 15, 2015 at 9:43 pm

    Great post, Susan, and very informative. A lot of people don’t realize reptiles need such specialized care. I’ve heard so many stories of people’s first beardies getting metabolic bone disease and/or dying because they haven’t done their research first. Hopefully your post will find it’s way to reptile newbies just in time. Thanks for that.

    Reply
  3. lisa says

    July 16, 2015 at 10:30 am

    I used to have lizards. They require too much care. I don’t know what I was thinking at the time. I’m just not an animal person. I can tolerate them somewhat, but don’t bring them around me.

    Reply
  4. Lori Pouncey says

    July 16, 2015 at 5:01 pm

    My mother had one years ago and his name was Harold. These make the most fabulous pets lol they are great! Have been wanting to get one for years. Thank you for sharing ll this great information. 🙂

    Reply
  5. Natalie says

    July 17, 2015 at 10:56 am

    I would be scared to own a dragon, but what a cool pet!

    Reply
  6. Sue M. says

    July 17, 2015 at 11:20 am

    This is really helpful information! While I think it would be nice to own a bearded dragon, I think it’s best that I don’t get one as I wouldn’t have the time needed to take care of them properly. Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply
  7. Fee Roberts says

    July 17, 2015 at 1:56 pm

    I use to breed snakes and Tegu lizards. When I had my kids, I gave it up. It was too time consuming.

    Reply
  8. KATHARINE COOKMAN says

    July 17, 2015 at 5:23 pm

    LOVE THIS ANIMAL BUT THE ARE VERY DELICATE TO TAKE CARE OF “BLESSED BE

    Reply
  9. Amy Green says

    July 17, 2015 at 5:25 pm

    He’s very cute! He reminds me of Linda Hamilton’s pet, ‘Pugsley’ from the first Terminator movie, and ‘Jub Jub’, Selma Bouvier’s lizard on “The Simpsons”!

    Reply
  10. lisa says

    July 17, 2015 at 6:01 pm

    Lizards really don’t make good pets. When I had mine, I think I did it because it was something different.

    Reply
  11. Elizabeth H. says

    July 17, 2015 at 6:33 pm

    We used to own a snake. Never a lizard. The snake took up a lot of time and care!

    Reply
  12. Debbie Welchert says

    July 17, 2015 at 7:31 pm

    What a lot of great information. I know my oldest grandson would love to have a bearded dragon.

    Reply
  13. Katrina P says

    July 17, 2015 at 9:51 pm

    Aww what a cute little guy! Very informative post! I know where to come if I ever have a child who needs a lizard. 😉

    Reply
  14. M.Clark says

    July 18, 2015 at 1:00 am

    This is a great resource for new bearded dragon owners, I’m sure this shopping list will be a great help. Thank you for sharing this post.

    Reply
  15. Pam H. says

    July 18, 2015 at 7:09 am

    I have owned three bearded dragons – all rescued. They are awesome. I call them the dogs of the lizard world. I use my current beardie to teach children how to care for lizards at a Pet Summer Camp.

    Reply
  16. Ann H says

    July 18, 2015 at 7:08 pm

    Hmmm. I don’t think I could own one.

    Reply
  17. Theresa C. says

    July 18, 2015 at 7:16 pm

    Thanks for this post – we have a couple of kids who just got these!

    Reply
  18. Ron Leyba says

    July 19, 2015 at 1:38 am

    Wow! This is a must read for reptile owners. Will share this one . Thanks for this!

    Reply
  19. Carissa Joslyn says

    July 19, 2015 at 9:02 am

    I don’t have a Beadie but I have always wanted one! I have, however owned Leopard Geckos, and Iguanas! I have also had a Hermit Crab Rescue because a lot of people don’t care for them properly. This is a great list, I’m pretty knowledgeable about animals and such 🙂

    Reply
  20. RANDY FULGHAM says

    July 19, 2015 at 9:41 am

    hes a very pretty dragon and i would have a list also if i had a dragon like this , like the colors on the skin

    Reply
  21. sheila ressel says

    July 19, 2015 at 12:55 pm

    They are cute little guys! I’ve never owned a lizard and had no idea they needed so many things to help them live a long, healthy life in captivity.

    Reply
  22. Starla B says

    July 19, 2015 at 3:33 pm

    How awesome! They are such beautiful creatures. My cousins have two of these and they are so much fun! I can’t believe how big they have gotten over the years!

    Reply
  23. Jerry Marquardt says

    July 19, 2015 at 7:23 pm

    I used to have 2 California King Snakes, so I love all reptiles. They are just so darn cute.

    Reply
  24. Lily Kwan says

    July 19, 2015 at 11:00 pm

    This shopping list is very helpful. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  25. baldo says

    July 22, 2015 at 7:30 am

    liked and shared

    Reply
  26. Patricia Hoffmeister says

    July 22, 2015 at 7:49 am

    Reptile owning isn’t something I would do, but thing the blog would be great for anyone who does!

    Reply
  27. Sara Theissen says

    July 22, 2015 at 7:56 am

    I love bearded dragons! I used to have one named Colossal, haha. Right now my husband and I have 5 snakes.

    Reply
  28. Lindsey L says

    July 22, 2015 at 10:00 am

    Such pretty reptiles!

    Reply
  29. Racquelle says

    July 22, 2015 at 10:43 am

    I am terrified of reptiles lol.

    Reply
  30. Charolette Dingley says

    July 22, 2015 at 10:56 am

    Wonderful information on such an amazing pet. I appreciate the list – who knew!?

    Reply
  31. Lindsay C says

    July 22, 2015 at 1:10 pm

    I think people are always surprised at how much work and thought go into caring for reptiles (or fish). It may seem like a good starter pet, but they can need just as much time and effort as larger animals. Hopefully this article and your helpful shopping list will prepare those thinking about purchasing a lizard, snake, or other reptile friend.

    Reply
  32. Emmalene says

    July 22, 2015 at 3:12 pm

    Lizards seem like nice pets! My brother has a few different ones. I have a feeling once my twin boys are older they will probably want one. Thanks for the great info on them!

    Reply
  33. Dina-SavvyInTheKitchen says

    July 22, 2015 at 3:30 pm

    Very cool pet! I just don’t think I would be able to feed it. I get very squeamish when it comes to insects. I think I will stick with my dog and fish for now:)

    Reply
  34. Judy Thomas says

    July 22, 2015 at 5:29 pm

    I don’t think I could have these as pets as I don’t see them as loving cuddly animals like cats or dogs. A bit scary to look at .

    Reply
  35. June S. says

    July 22, 2015 at 6:05 pm

    When my son was younger he had a few lizards as pets. I’m not a big fan really.

    Reply
  36. Tawny says

    July 22, 2015 at 6:46 pm

    Not a chance!

    Reply
  37. Brigid OHara Koshko says

    July 23, 2015 at 8:16 am

    Both my kids have turtles and they love them. I wish I had more information when we rescued them. Its hard to understand exactly what is needed beyond just food to make them happy and healthy. We are struggling with what to do to stimulate/entertain them. I will look up Petsmart.com for ideas. Thanks

    Reply
  38. Marissa C says

    July 23, 2015 at 10:05 am

    I have had two red ear sliders and two Chinese water dragons. I researched before I got my reptiles and learned a lot. I love the little creatures as much as my furry children!

    Reply
  39. Lorry C. says

    July 23, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    Wow. That is a lot of great information. My sons have always wanted one and it’s great to have all the information at hand before getting one!

    Reply
  40. Lily @Militaryfamof8 says

    July 23, 2015 at 2:07 pm

    This post actually came at the perfect time, as we are getting ready to move next month, my son is getting a bearded dragon for his new room.

    Reply
  41. Sandi Tymchuk says

    July 23, 2015 at 4:10 pm

    Thank you for discussing the needs of these beautiful lizards–any pet requires care and planning, and deserved respect.

    Reply
  42. M says

    July 23, 2015 at 4:46 pm

    I found this very informative! We have salamanders in our home but we can’t touch them and play!

    Reply
  43. Indrani Biswas says

    July 24, 2015 at 1:49 am

    Interesting pet to keep !

    Reply
  44. Shannon says

    July 25, 2015 at 9:50 pm

    I have never owned a lizard of any kind, but I remember wishing that I could as a kid! I wonder how my childhood would have been different if a bearded dragon was apart of it. =)

    Reply
  45. JACKIE PHIPPS says

    July 26, 2015 at 1:09 am

    I learned more about the care and feeding of these amazing creatures in ten minutes than I have in my lifetime. Thank you for showing us how much love and attention and care goes into raising such wonderful pets

    Reply
  46. Leny says

    July 26, 2015 at 10:02 am

    OMG! so scared..in our place it is n0t easy to handle and care the reptiles, how sad about what happened to your baby!

    Reply
  47. Kim Campbell says

    July 26, 2015 at 3:07 pm

    I’m not a huge fan of lizardy types, but the last picture is SO cute! He looks like he’s/she’s smiling for the camera!

    Reply
  48. Anna says

    July 26, 2015 at 8:27 pm

    This post contains a lot of information that I never knew about reptiles.

    Reply
  49. seem says

    July 26, 2015 at 10:28 pm

    thanks.. it’s a great post
    it is really helpful

    Reply
  50. Ashley Mclellan says

    July 28, 2015 at 11:26 pm

    thanks very helpful for my new dragon

    Reply
  51. Nikolina says

    July 29, 2015 at 7:19 am

    Oh, gosh, don’t think I’d ever own a pet like this…. ,lol

    Reply
  52. Dorothy Boucher says

    July 29, 2015 at 2:03 pm

    I guess you need a lot to take care of these reptiles, but my thinking is .. why is it that people are so selfish and wanting these or snakes or anything else that belongs in the wild… just my thought..

    Reply
  53. Mary Czerczyk says

    July 29, 2015 at 2:17 pm

    I’m sorry but I’m a little freaked out about lizards. But it is good to have a place to go like Pet Smart to get what you need to take care of them.

    Reply
  54. Danielle Royalegacy says

    July 30, 2015 at 11:00 am

    He’s a real cool lizard! I live in a desert, and see lizards every time I step outside. You have some good information here, but I don’t want one inside my home.

    Reply
  55. fonda says

    July 30, 2015 at 3:55 pm

    Like and shared

    Reply
  56. Marcos Batac says

    July 31, 2015 at 4:43 am

    Reptiles is not my pet

    Reply
  57. Meg A says

    July 31, 2015 at 11:32 pm

    I’ve seen a few reptiles last year when I visited the Toronto Zoo, like the Komodo Dragon. I must say that I’m intimidated by most reptiles, if not most animals. I know it takes so much care and responsibility to raise animals outside of their natural habitat, so, I’ve not owned a pet all my life. I also read that some people collect animals and abuse them as they grow up by failing to meet their needs, so it’s good when there are people who take caring for these animals seriously to their old age.

    Reply
  58. Atsalaki Xanthoula says

    August 1, 2015 at 1:04 am

    My cousin has two of them ane he really loves them i afraid of the m at the beginning but now i find them very nice guys hehe!!!

    Reply
  59. Deborah D says

    August 1, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    there is sure a lot to remember.

    Reply
  60. Nancy Hilderbrand says

    August 2, 2015 at 6:44 am

    I always wondered how to raise bearded dragons. I think I will try to raise one.. I appreciate all the information.

    Reply
  61. denise low says

    August 3, 2015 at 11:07 am

    Thank you for the information. My grandkids would love this.

    Reply
  62. caroline tokes says

    August 3, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    aww how cute i want 1

    Reply
  63. Sherry Keef says

    August 4, 2015 at 2:39 am

    I had one of these little guys when I was a young girl. It was so much fun and I loved my little reptile.

    Reply
  64. Jeani b says

    August 4, 2015 at 10:32 am

    i’ve never had one of these, and i can’t imagine my daughter wanting one, but this is a great started list.

    Reply
  65. Melanie Westermann says

    August 4, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    Really cool pet!

    Reply
  66. K Davis says

    August 4, 2015 at 4:27 pm

    We had a gecko for a few months, but the maintenance was too much and we gave it away to a better home.

    Reply
  67. Betsy Barnes says

    August 4, 2015 at 5:34 pm

    Very interesting post. I was not a fan of lizards, however, he is very cute and I learned a lot about caring for them. 🙂

    Reply
  68. Darla Peduzzi says

    August 4, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    I’m sure it’s a really cool pet but I’m kinda scared of them. Like really scared of them 🙁

    Reply
  69. Min K says

    August 4, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    not for me!

    Reply
  70. Jessica Cyr says

    August 4, 2015 at 10:23 pm

    Such a cute bearded dragon !

    Reply

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