The Bearded Dragon Manual: Expert Advice for Keeping and Caring For a Healthy Bearded Dragon

by Philippe De Vosjoli

Reptiles are popular pets, and it can be argued that the bearded dragon is the best reptile to keep as a pet. This newly updated and expanded edition of the best-selling The Bearded Dragon Manual promises to excite new and seasoned herp enthusiasts with its in-depth discussion on all aspects of dragon keeping and its brilliant color photography. Written by a team of recognized herpetoculture authorities, veterinarians, and specialists, this volume offers comprehensive information that will be welcomed by newcomers and experienced bearded-dragon enthusiasts alike.

Inside The Bearded Dragon

-History and characteristics of the different types of bearded dragons

-How to select bearded dragons as pets or for breeding

-Creating a comfortable habitat for your bearded dragon with proper heat and lighting

-Understanding typical bearded-dragon behavior

-Feeding your dragon a nutritionally sound diet throughout its life

-Recognizing signs of disease and how to handle health issues

-Informative health and feeding charts as well as helpful answers to dragon-keeping FAQs

-Close to 100 color photographs, including a section dedicated to beautifully colored morphs

-A special chapter on the care and breeding of frilled dragons

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 27, 2016

Reviews

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve owned bearded dragons for 11 years now, so much of the information in this book I already knew, but I wanted to read it to see how it was and maybe learn some stuff. I did learn a few things and was reminded of some. It would definitely be helpful for new dragon owners to get a good rundown on many important things to know about, such as housing, feeding, handling, behaviors and illnesses. However, I would not use this as your sole source of information and education. I don’t recall them now, but as I read this book I remember having thought, “but what about _______?” I know not everything could be covered in one book, but I know there were things not mentioned that I felt should have been. There were some times when he’d say something, using a term, and I’d think, “what’s that mean?” But I’d ignore it for the time being, thinking he’d explain it in another section. Sometimes he did and sometimes he didn’t, probably forgetting we don’t know as much as he does.

One thing that irritated me was the glaringly obvious typos throughout the entire book. I seriously wonder if it was even edited (I literally grabbed my book and there were two - TWO - editors!! Were they asleep?!). I also wondered about some of the author’s practices as I’ve been told (by knowledgeable dragon owners) to do some of them differently. So who knows? There are also a couple pictures that irritated me. One was a hand holding a hatching baby, yet the author says never to do this. Then why show that photo?? Also, there is a photo of a large bowl of chopped veggies saying that a variety of them helps keep your dragon nutritionally balanced. However, there are red onions in the bowl, which are toxic to many animals and could potentially be to dragons as well. Better to avoid them than take that kind of chance!

Also, there are only a select few of the morphs shown in photos. Why not have pictures of all the different morphs? Must be due to the specific morphs his company breeds I suppose.

I give this book 3 stars for the information and typos. An extra star was added for great photos throughout.

[Victoria Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulous photos in this book! It did not seem as informative as other Bearded dragon care guides that I have read and there are many noticeable typos and grammatical errors that the editing process should have caught especially since it is a 2nd edition. The beautiful photos make this book worth reading though.

[Kyla Stan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not that impressed with the info in this book. Some of the details conflicted, such as the use of alfalfa, co-habitation and the use of red lights at night. Also, the breeder talked about her business way too much. Also discussed the importance of coloration too much.

Some better sources are on my pet books reading list. Also, join beardeddragon.org. Fantastic site for questions and tips.

[Tracy Marie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Learned a lot.

Learned a lot reading this book, but some things don't seem correct. So much controversy with raising Bearded Dragon's. Some believe absolutely no cohabitation and I have seen the affects of cohabitation and it can be so bad. This book does support cohabitation.

[Cameron Kelly-Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was useful information int he book And a lot of good pictures. But plenty of glaring errors, outdated information, and links to the website of the breeder who wrote it, over and over. You're better off just visiting their website unless you desperately want the information on paper.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome detailed advice. Liked it so much I bought it!

[JAMIE JACOBS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was very helpful for me! Everything you need to know about taking care of you beardie.

[Allie Balliet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very cool, resourceful guide book for owning a bearded dragon.

[Penny Ramirez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Buying this one as a reference. Lots of good info. Vet recommended.