Bearded Dragon Questions?

Question

hey, I need to know if people use thermostats for the basking lamp and what is a really good and safe substrate to use for these guys?

Answer 1

keep a thermostat in the cage and its normal tempeture is 75-80 degrees.

Answer 2

yes use thermostats for the basking lamp, you can control the temps better, and the safest substrate is paper towels, they cannot be ingested, they are easily cleanable, but if you dont like that then you can use repticarpet, it is safe, but a bit harder to clean, do NOT use sand, wood chips, ground walnut shells etc.  or ANYTHING that can be accidentally ingested even if they can be digested, still can cause impaction.  do not use a stick on thermometer as they can be up to 20 degrees off, use a different kind

Answer 3

My daughter volunteers at a local reptile rescue center and we adopted a bearded dragon 4 years ago.  Thermostats are essential.  Beardies need a nice, high temperature and just feeling it with your hand isn't accurate (alot of people try it though).  I prefer one that sticks to the tank..I use one up high near the basking spot and another one down by the ground.  As for substrate, the only one I have found that won't cause problems is Ground English Walnut Shells.  It is totally digestible if eaten..which WILL happen when he/she eats.  Good luck..beardies make awesome pets!!!