Northern Reptile

Meet one of the smallest crocodile species in the world - the West African dwarf crocodile. A nocturnal species, these crocs will spend the day resting in the water, coming to life at night in order to hunt prey. They have a varied diet, feeding on everything from birds and small mammals to millipedes and beetle larvae. When swimming, this species can use its tail to propel its body vertically out of the water in order to ambush prey resting on overhanging tree branches. Photo taken at Lincoln Children's Zoo

Here are 5 things you need before owning a bearded dragon.

1.) ENCLOSURE
Enclosures should be the proper size, the dragon should be able to move freely, atleast 2-3 times it’s body length.

2.) PROPER LIGHTING
Proper lighting should be installed in their enclosures, this includes a heat lamp, and a UVB Bulb. Heat helps them digest the food they eat, and UVB helps lets process the calcium and vitamin D3 they get from supplements. YOU ALWAYS NEED BOTH LIGHTS!

3.) CALCIUM W/ D3 SUPPLEMENT
Dragons require calcium and vitamin D3 to grow, without this they would be forced to use the calcium from their bones which would cause health issues, and often, death.

4.)FEEDER INSECTS
Proper feeder insects should be readily available, dubia roaches, crickets, and black soldier fly larva are good feeder insects to start with. Superworms/mealworms are not recommended to be fed everyday since they contain a lot of fat. Dragons should be fed insects everyday, the quantity varies depending on the age.

5.)FRESH VEGETABLES
Fresh vegetables should be fed to the dragons everyday, no matter the age, always offer them veggies. Some vegetables you may offer are, lettuce(pechay), moringa(malunggay), water spinach(kang kong) and other leafy greens, you may find more info on the internet in which veggies are great for their diet.

These are just the basic needs for a bearded dragon, be sure to do some extra research before purchasing one to make sure they live the best life they can have!