Temperature
Making Your Dragon's Home Cozy
Bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles, meaning they do
not regulate their own body temperatures the same way humans do. The
environment depicts their body temperature, and their bodies have a broader
range of temperatures than warm-blooded creatures. When the environment is hot,
cold-blooded creatures have warm bodies, making them more active and have a
fast metabolism. A cold-blooded creature is unable to generate their own heat
in a cold environment, and their bodies will slow down. Giving your bearded dragon a gradient of
temperatures in their environment allows them to regulate their temperature
properly.
The Hot and the Cold
The hot side of a bearded dragons habitat should be around 100F, with their basking rock being 100-115F. When your bearded dragon gets too hot, they should have a place to cool down. The cool side of their habitat should range from 70-80F, and the temperature at night should sit around 75F when the lights are off. It can be difficult to maintain a proper night time temperature during winter or in colder climates, so it is recommended to include a ceramic heater in your reptile's habitat. Ceramic heaters radiate heat without emitting light, and therefore will not disrupt your dragon's slumber.Buying Thermometers
Thermometers are not the item you want to save a few dollars
on. Since proper temperature is critical for a healthy bearded dragon, you want
to make sure the chosen thermometers are as accurate as possible. Cheap,
stuck-on thermometers (which usually come with reptile starter kits -
unfortunately) can be over 10F off, and are not recommended. Digital
thermometers with an attached probe, or infrared thermometers are the best
route to go with. Keep in mind you will need to purchase two of these - one for
each side of the habitat.
Sources
- Bearded Dragons: How to Prevent Impaction. (n.d.). Bearded Dragons: How to Prevent Impaction. Retrieved April 10, 2014, from http://www.petassure.com/newsletters/061510newsletter/06152010article4.html
- Definition of Cold Blooded - UK Safari. (n.d.). Definition of Cold Blooded - UK Safari. Retrieved April 10, 2014, from http://www.uksafari.com/coldblooded.htm
- Warm and Cold Blooded Animals. (n.d.). Warm and Cold Blooded Animals. Retrieved April 10, 2014, from http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/image_galleries/ir_zoo/coldwarm.html
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