Reptile owners?

[beforethevision]

I have recently aquired a Bearded Dragon pet, and have spent the past few weeks learning about and loving it.

I am working through what he likes to eat most, what temperatures he likes, etc. Definately like crickets, shuns food that doesnt move. Seems to like most temps around 40degC for basking, and around 30-35 for hunting. Also likes the occasional swim.

Now, I'm interested to know who else owns a pet reptile? Post up a pic and some details!

Cheers!

PS. Sorry if this has been done before!

EDIT:
the lizard;


the home; plus since then added a mercury vapour bulb for UVB

[long stroke]

Well we have several pet reptiles including about 15 coastal carpet pythons (we breed them), 2 darwin carpet pythons, 1 diamond python and seven blue tougus.
We have also had water dragons etc in the past and dad had a big old goanna when he was a kid, (Planning on building a big goanna pit one day).

Dad is a member of wires so is often bringing home injured lizards and snakes.
I'll post up some pics later

CHEERS TIM.

[sschmez]

...... reptiles including about 15 coastal carpet pythons (we bread them), .......

Sounds nice, haven't tried them breaded ... (but I imagine it'd be a bit like the breaded pork from the chow shop with sweet/sour )...

Nah, don't tell me it's just like chicken




Seriously though, my wife often brings the school's Childrens Python home for the holidays ... the school also has dragons, bluetongues, snake neck tortoise (tree frogs, chickens, rats, mice, budgies and more)

I'll have a look for pics

Stevo

[long stroke]

Sounds nice, haven't tried them breaded ... (but I imagine it'd be a bit like the breaded pork from the chow shop with sweet/sour )...

Nah, don't tell me it's just like chicken




Seriously though, my wife often brings the school's Childrens Python home for the holidays ... the school also has dragons, bluetongues, snake neck tortoise (tree frogs, chickens, rats, mice, budgies and more)

I'll have a look for pics

Stevo

better change that

Sounds like a very interesting school!!

CHEERS TIM.

[crump]

[quote=beforethevision;830508]I have recently aquired a Bearded Dragon pet, and have spent the past few weeks learning about and loving it.

I am working through what he likes to eat most, what temperatures he likes, etc. Definately like crickets, shuns food that doesnt move. Seems to like most temps around 40degC for basking, and around 30-35 for hunting. Also likes the occasional swim.

Now, I'm interested to know who else owns a pet reptile? Post up a pic and some details!

Cheers!

PS. Sorry if this has been done before!



your Beardy will also eat greens such as grated zuchinni, Bok choy etc..Yellow is also a favourite colour, so try corn kernels cut to size, yellow squash and if you can get them, Dandelion Flowers.Make sure you gutload your crickets before feeding and coat all food in calcium powder, preferably one with vitamin D3 added.

[crump]

One of my Perenties and my favourite pair of Death Adders.

[long stroke]

One of my Perenties and my favourite pair of Death Adders.

Nice!!
What class licence is required to keep your perentie??

CHEERS TIM.

[beforethevision]

your Beardy will also eat greens such as grated zuchinni, Bok choy etc..Yellow is also a favourite colour, so try corn kernels cut to size, yellow squash and if you can get them, Dandelion Flowers.Make sure you gutload your crickets before feeding and coat all food in calcium powder, preferably one with vitamin D3 added.

Yeah I carrot and gutload all the crickets, but have not yet got specific calcium stuff to dust them with. I have had no luck yet with greens, but i might give the corn a go, perhaps mixed with a little squash. Stupid question, but keep it raw? or soften it up a little?

Thanks!

[feraldisco]

Remember to use the proper reptile UV lights and to replace them every 1-2 years as their UV output declines with time. The plant-based UV fluoros generally don't have high enough output for reptiles and this will result in them being more sluggish and possibly growth problems.

If you want to make your dragon lower maintenance, get them used to the commercial green/red pellets that you can buy - these have all the necessary vits/mins/energy requirements and can be supplemented with insects. Just make sure you soak them in water first...

Also, avoid too many mealworms when the dragon is young - not enough nutrient and too much exoskeleton which may cause digestion/defecation problems! Crickets are fine.

[beforethevision]

Remember to use the proper reptile UV lights and to replace them every 1-2 years as their UV output declines with time. The plant-based UV fluoros generally don't have high enough output for reptiles and this will result in them being more sluggish and possibly growth problems.

If you want to make your dragon lower maintenance, get them used to the commercial green/red pellets that you can buy - these have all the necessary vits/mins/energy requirements and can be supplemented with insects. Just make sure you soak them in water first...

Also, avoid too many mealworms when the dragon is young - not enough nutrient and too much exoskeleton which may cause digestion/defecation problems! Crickets are fine.

Yeah i picked up a mercury vapour bulb a few days ago. It is the same shape as the bathroom IXL heat bulbs. Its both UVB and heat, 160W. Aimed at the lizards favourite basking spot seems to work. My fluoros are only there to provide light. I may upgrade one /a few to reptile specific, but they are not cheap, and the 160W should emit enough UVB. Plus mercury vapour doesnt decrease in output over time like fluoros do.

I have read that the only live insects to feed them are crickets until they are larger. I dont really mind as long as it keeps him healthy. I have tried soaked pellets, but hes a picky thing. I would like to try and get him onto them tho, as crickets get expensive! I would like to get him eating plant matter too, sounds like it should be part of their diet.


Any recommendations on a calcium/vitD3 powder for coating live food?

Thanks!