Some tips if you want a bearded dragon
Kidsday reporter Donovan Matthews with his bearded dragon, Moe. Credit: Patrice Matthews
They’re big, they’re orange, and they’re definitely bearded . . . they’re bearded dragons. For anyone who doesn’t know, a bearded dragon is a type of lizard that can grow up to 2 feet long. Before you obtain your very own pet, you will need some basic knowledge on how to take care of it.
First, get a tank. I find my bearded dragon likes a 40-gallon breeder tank. Breeder means longer and wider so they have more room to roam around. Next, you have to get some kind of base or flooring. My bearded dragon prefers sand over other products like mats and gravel. You’ll also have to get lights; the ones I use are just a plain basking bulb, a red basking bulb for night, and a long white UV light.
And now, the moment we have all been waiting for: getting the bearded dragon. Once you are up to this step, you have to find a trustworthy seller. Check online and see if they have good reviews. I recommend staying away from big-name pet stores because sometimes they don’t take the best care of the animals.
And finally, the food. Bearded dragons may or may not be picky eaters. Some things mine likes to eat are crickets, mealworms, hornworms and lettuce. Bearded dragons do not eat dark greens.
Debbie Cain and Derrick Horodyski’s sixth-grade class, Chatterton Elementary School, Merrick