In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about caring for red morph bearded dragons. Bearded dragons, especially the red morph, are fascinating creatures because of their striking coloration. Their well-being and satisfaction depend on receiving special treatment. Whether you are an experienced reptile lover or a novice wishing to adopt a red morph bearded dragon, this care sheet will provide useful insight and instructions to follow. Let us dive into bearded dragons, specifically the red morph variety!
Red Morph Bearded Dragon Overview
Let’s take a step back and learn about red morph bearded dragons before we go into detail about caring for them. Pogona dragons are an indigenous species of down. The Red Morph variant, a product of careful breeding, is in high demand due to its characteristic attractive red colours. Although red morph bearded dragons are similar in appearance and temperament to other bearded dragons, they require special attention to maintain their spectacular appearance and good health.
Appearance
Bearded dragons, especially the red morph, have a striking appearance. Their scales are of a wide variety of bright red tones, sometimes with orange or yellow highlights. It is possible that there is a spectrum of redness depending on the individual. Bearded dragons, including the red morph, are easily recognized by their triangular heads, spiny scales, and a pouch under the chin that swells in response to stress or excitement.
Temperament and Behavior
Bearded dragons of the red morph variety are known for their docile nature and friendliness towards humans. If properly handled and cared for, they can develop a friendly personality. Being active mainly throughout the day, they are classified as diurnal. Curiosity and intelligence are hallmarks of bearded dragons, which are often seen engaging in social behavior with their human caretakers.
Red Morph Bearded Dragon Care Sheet to Follow in 2023
Establishing Habitat
Maintaining a suitable environment for red morph bearded dragons is essential to their health. When designing their habitat, keep these factors in mind:
Choosing the Proper Size and Style of Enclosure
Choose a cage large enough for your red morph bearded dragon to stretch out in and feel at home. A tank of at least 40 gallons is recommended for one adult dragon. Glass terrariums or PVC cages are options because they are insulating and can keep the right temperature and humidity levels for your plants.
Temperature Gradient and Lighting
Bearded dragons of the red morph variety cannot maintain their body temperature efficiently without temperature differences in their environment. Keep the temperature of the basking area between 95 and 105 degrees Fahrenheit (35 and 40 degrees Celsius). The temperature on the cold end should be between 24 and 29 °C (75 and 85 °F). Also, make sure they have access to enough light by installing a full-spectrum UVB bulb to help them produce enough vitamin D3.
Selecting and Preparing the Substrate
Choosing the right substrate for your red morph bearded dragon is essential to maintaining a healthy and clean habitat. Any substrate that could cause an impaction if swallowed should be avoided. Reptile rugs, paper towels, and ceramic tiles are all better options from a safety perspective. Maintaining a clean enclosure is essential.
Including Cover and Ornaments
The health and happiness of red morph bearded dragons depend on the ability of caretakers to provide them with a stimulating and satisfying environment. Incorporate natural features such as rocks, caves and woods for cover. Add some non-harmful ornaments and branches for seating.
Feeding and Nutrition
Bearded dragons, especially the red morph, require a balanced diet to thrive. Here are some basic rules to follow when feeding someone:
Choosing a Holistic Meal Plan
Bearded dragons of the red morph variety require a varied diet because they eat everything. As juveniles and adults, they must primarily eat insects (80 percent of their diet) and plants (20 percent). Feeder insects including crickets, dubia cockroaches and mealworms should be provided. Include plant-based components like leafy greens, vegetables and other fruits.
Vitamin and Calcium Supplement
Calcium and vitamin supplements are necessary to prevent calcium deficiency and metabolic bone disease. Calcium powder can be used to preserve feeder insects for your red morph bearded dragon. A veterinarian who specializes in reptiles may recommend a multivitamin supplement formulated for reptiles.
Meal Timings and Serving Sizes
Feed your Red-Morph Bearded Dragon a regular diet. Adults only need to eat every other day, but young children need to eat every day. Make sure your dragon always has access to clean water, and feed it according to its size and age.
Water Intake and Hydration Requirements
Bearded dragons, especially the red morph, need to be kept properly hydrated. Make sure water is available in a shallow vessel for them to drink and get wet. Keep the water fresh and clean every day to prevent the formation of bacteria.
Temperature and Humidity Regulation
Red morph bearded dragons require specific environmental conditions, including controlled temperature and humidity, to thrive. This is the information you need:
Basking and Ambient Temperatures
The temperature of the basking area for the red morph bearded dragon should be between 95 and 105 °F (35 and 40 °C). 75–85 °F (24–29 °C) is the ideal temperature range for the enclosure. To obtain and maintain the required temperature, a mixture of under-tank heating pads, ceramic heat emitters, and basking lamps must be used.
Photoperiod and UVB illumination
Bearded dragons of the Red Morph variety require a lot of UVB light. Vitamin D3, which aids in calcium absorption, can be synthesized upon exposure to UVB rays. Make sure at least two-thirds of the enclosure is lit with high quality UVB bulbs. The photoperiod should be 12-14 hours of continuous light and 10-12 hours of darkness.
Humidity Regulator
Bearded dragons of the Red Morph variety require humidity levels between 30 and 40 percent to thrive. Provide humidity by wetting half of the enclosure and leaving the other half dry. Use a hygrometer to determine the relative humidity and make appropriate adjustments.
Handling and Socialization
Establishing a relationship and trust with your red morph bearded dragon requires careful handling and socialization. Some advice is as follows:
Adapt Over Time
Before attempting to handle your red morph bearded dragon, give it time to adjust to its new home. Give them some time to rest and settle down. Keep an eye on how they are behaving and slowly start some moderate conversations.
Walk Up and Catch Up
Approach your red morph bearded dragon confidently and slowly. Carefully lift them up, using both hands to steady their bodies. Do not grab or squeeze their tails if you want to avoid stress or damage.
Touching and Being Touched
Make sure you have a firm grip when supporting your red morph bearded dragon’s body. Take extra care near their sensitive heads and tails. In a safe and supervised setting, they can learn to explore and engage with you.
Accepting Anxiety and Stress
Learn to recognize your red morph bearded dragon’s distress signals. Beard fluffing, hissing, tail wagging and trying to run away are all possible responses. If the animal shows signs of distress, return it to its enclosure and allow it time to rest.
Frequently Encountered Health Problems and Concerns
You can catch health concerns earlier if you know what to look for. Some possible health problems are as follows.
Metabolic Bone Disease
Red morph bearded dragons, like many other reptiles, are susceptible to metabolic bone disease. Calcium, Vitamin D3 deficiency or sufficient exposure to UVB sunlight is responsible for this. Lethargy, deformity, jaw weakness and trouble walking are all possible symptoms. If you think your reptile has MBD, you should take it to a veterinarian who specializes in treating reptiles.
Infections and Parasites
Parasites such as mites, ticks and worms can cause problems for red morph bearded dragons both internally and externally. Parasites and diseases can cause itching, skin abnormalities and appetite changes in your dragon. If you want an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan, consult a veterinarian.
Respiratory Tract Infection
Inadequate control of temperature and humidity can lead to the spread of respiratory diseases. Keep an eye out for symptoms including wheezing, stuffy nose, fatigue and mouth breathing. Complications can be avoided and prompt veterinary care can ensure a rapid recovery.
Challenges in Shedding
Bearded dragons of the red morph variety shed their skin at regular intervals to make room for new growth. Low humidity or dehydration can cause excessive hair loss. Provide your dragon with moist skin and plenty of water to aid in the shedding process.
FAQs
Can multiple red morph bearded dragons live together?
Keeping multiple red morph bearded dragons in the same household is not encouraged. Bearded dragons are extremely hostile towards each other, and this can cause harm or discomfort to both parties involved. It is ideal to give each dragon its own space.
What is the recommended frequency of cleaning the enclosure?
Maintaining a neat and clean environment for your red morph bearded dragon requires frequent cleaning. The cage should be cleaned every day to get rid of leftover food or waste. Depending on the substrate, a thorough cleaning should be done every two to four weeks.
I have a red morph bearded dragon; What kind of vegetables can I feed it?
Vegetables are a good part of the diet for red morph bearded dragons. Vegetables such as butternut squash, bell peppers, carrots and bell peppers are great options. To make vegetables more manageable, cut them into smaller pieces.
My Bearded Dragon is a red variant; Is sand a suitable substrate for this?
Red Morph bearded dragons should not be kept on a bed of loose sand. Effects can occur if sand is ingested during a meal or exploration. Reptile rugs, paper towels, and ceramic tiles are just a few examples of safe options.
What is the recommended bathing schedule for the Red Morph Bearded Dragon?
You should bathe your red morph bearded dragon once or twice a week to help it stay healthy and shed its skin. Place your dragon in a shallow pot and fill it with warm water. Leave it there for 10 to 15 minutes. Never leave children unattended in the bathroom.
Is it okay to feed wild Insects to my red morph bearded dragon?
It is not recommended to feed wild caught insects to your red morph bearded dragon. Your dragon can get sick from eating wild insects because they may be infected or exposed to chemicals. To avoid any potential health risks, choose insects that have been raised in a commercial setting.
Conclusion
Proper care of a red morph bearded dragon requires dedication and focus. If you follow the instructions in this guide, you should be able to keep your red morph bearded dragon healthy and happy. Always seek the expertise of a veterinarian with experience treating reptiles for specific recommendations. Enjoy being the best owner possible for your red morph bearded dragon.