​Once you have decided to acquire a bearded dragon, it is very important to have a few things before ever bringing it home.​ Have the Habitat Completely Set Up. You want your new bearded dragon’s habitat to be completely operational and functional before the initial introduction.

​You should have the enclosure in its permanent location.
The habitat should already have the substrate, hide box, basking perch, thermometers, food bowl and water bowl, and any decor items you’d like to add.
Determine where the basking area and where the cooler area will be located.
​All of this should already be set up and ready to go at least a few days before you bring the bearded dragon home.

​A key element of developing a good home for your new bearded dragon is supplying the needed heating and lighting to keep it happy and healthy.
Make sure you have heat bulbs and full-spectrum bulbs required for the size enclosure you are using. You will also need the correct lighting fixtures to safely house the bulbs. If necessary use a supplemental under tank heat pad to keep cooler areas of the habitat warm enough.
Set up all the heating and lighting equipment a few days before your bearded dragon arrives. Go through the day and night time schedules to get accustomed to the routine.

Act as if your new pet is already home. This will help to make sure everything is working well, and gives you the chance to practice some.​ Having the habitat and all equipment completely set up and operational before the occupant arrives can help it settle in much faster.

​Being prepared before purchasing your new bearded dragon is very important to getting it successfully acclimated to its new home.
Take a few minutes to make sure everything is in order and you will have a great start to being a new bearded dragon owner!

​If the dragon you picked out meets all of your requirements, you have chosen a healthy bearded dragon!