How to Bring Home a Baby Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are a popular choice for people who want a lizard as a pet. Size is one factor --- a male bearded dragon grows to about 24 inches, making it smaller than an adult iguana and larger than a gecko. Bearded dragons are also social and like to interact with an experienced, gentle owner. As with any pet, it takes more care and preparation to bring home a baby bearded dragon than it does an adult.

Things You'll Need

  • 10- to 20-gallon aquarium
  • Light
  • Substrate
  • Aquarium decor (rocks, logs, etc.)
  • Water bowl
  • Clean eyedropper
  • Small crickets
  • Knife
  • Fruit pieces
  • Small vegetable slices
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select the right size of housing. Because baby bearded dragons are just 6 inches long --- or shorter --- a large cage is too big for them. A 10- or 20-gallon aquarium is a good size for a baby bearded dragon habitat; anything larger makes it hard for your pet to find its prey. A larger space may also frighten the animal and make it unwilling to explore and hunt.

    • 2

      Set up the habitat before you go to the pet store to buy your bearded dragon. Arrange a basking light, the substrate or sand, rocks, logs and background decor a day or two in advance. Before you leave for the pet store, place a small water bowl filled with fresh water in the habitat so it's awaiting your new baby, although you also need to offer it water from a clean eyedropper for some time.

    • 3

      Prepare food in advance. Baby bearded dragons need to eat two or three times a day. Small crickets one-third the size of your baby bearded dragon's head are a must. If you cannot find any due to winter conditions, buy some from a pet store or breed your own and have young ones available before you buy your baby bearded dragon. Food that is too large can cause paralysis or even death. Cut up some fruit and vegetables into tiny pieces and make it available to your baby bearded dragon.

    • 4

      Keep the car warm while bringing your baby bearded dragon home from the pet store. All reptiles, including a baby bearded dragon, prefer a warm environment to cold. If it is a cold day outside, heat the car's interior before placing the baby bearded dragon inside. If it is a hot day, do not turn the air conditioner on during the drive home if you can help it. Check with the pet store in advance and see if it provides a cardboard carrier for transporting your baby bearded dragon. If not, bring a carrying container with you. Do not release the baby from the carrier until you have it home and are about to put it in its habitat.

    • 5

      Handle the baby bearded dragon gently. Baby bearded dragons are much more fragile than their adult counterparts. When transferring your new pet to its new habitat, be extra gentle and careful; you don't want to injure the animal.