Albert and Doris are my pair of Bearded Dragons. Albert was born in June 2005, he was purchased from Wilton Reptiles in the September that year at an age of 3 months. Since then he has been growing nicely. and is now on his third home, an enclosed glass tank, which was hand-made to the special size requirements of 36 inches (91cm) inches in length, 32” (81cm) inches wide and 36” (91cm) inches high. This should hopefully last a few more years depending on his growth as adults can reach a body length of 10-15” (25-30 cm) or around 24” (60cm) including the tail. I’m not sure how old Doris is as she came to me as a un-wanted pet. I introduced her with Albert after a spell of quarantine, there were a few moments between them but they have now calmed down and live happily together. In 2009 I got my first clutch of eggs from Doris which I managed to incubate into 15 young babies, which are eating well and growing fast. These are kept in a separate enclosure from their parent to prevent them becoming harmed.

During the day the enclosure includes a hot spot that has a maintained temperature of around 100°F (37 ° C) and cooler areas of around 75-80°F. (23-26 ° C). These temperatures are maintained, both during the day and night, using an infrared heat bulb and a ‘habistat' thermostat. As reptiles are unable to see red light an infrared bulb is ideal for maintaining the temperature of around 70°F (21 ° C) through the night without the need for a separate day and night heat bulb. In addition a 24” (60cm)‘Exo-Terra Repti-Glo 10.0 Desert Terrarium Lamp' is used to provide the correct amount of daylight requirements. The bulb uses 33% UVA wavelengths essential for stimulating appetite, activity and reproductive behaviour and 8% UVB wavelengths for promoting Vitamin D3 synthesis vital for bone growth. More information on setting up enclosures can be found in the ‘Housing' section of this website.

Albert & Doris are omnivorous, consuming many types of insects and vegetation, such as fruits, vegetables and flowers. Whilst Alberts and Doris enjoys anything that moves, especially wax and mealworms, there insect intake is varied with vegetation options to insure that a balanced and interesting diet is achieved. For extra nutrition all food is dusted with a high calcium vitamin powder that is very important to prevent reptiles contracting the potentially fatal condition Metabolic Bone Disease. Live food is also fed a specially formulated supplement, to provide extra nutrition when eaten, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables and water. My pair don’t drink a great deal of water from a bowl but prefers a light spray of water in the morning and the occasional bath. The ‘Feeding' section shall provide more details regarding nutritional matters. Despite their evident speed whilst hunting they can be very docile especially when being handled.