The Bearded Dragon Manual

by Philippe De Vosjoli, Robert Mailloux, Roger J. Klingenberg

The Bearded Dragon Manual provides the essential information all devoted bearded dragon owners need to meet the demands of these beautiful, naturally tame reptiles. Since reptiles are cold-blooded creatures, most humans don't instinctively understand their requirements the way they understand the needs of a cat or dog. Herp expert Philippe de Vosjoli and his team of veterinarians and authors seek to make keepers confident in their ability to properly care for their bearded dragons through this most informative book. A key component of caring for bearded dragons, according to the authors, is recognizing that their needs change as they develop. De Vosjoli states in the introduction to the book, "Looking at the life stages of bearded dragons also made [the authors] aware that, like humans, they undergo changes in growth and behavior, which may require the dedicated owner to make adjustments in husbandry (and general care) to meet the needs of each life style." The Bearded Dragon Manual is the first book to present this information that is so critical to the proper maintenance of these very popular reptiles.

Colorfully illustrated, The Bearded Dragon Manual provides chapter-length coverage on the following topics: selecting a dragon, making a home for a dragon, heating and lighting, diet and feeding management, and behavior. The feeding chapter, which includes as age-by-age guide to nutrition, was co-written with veterinarian Dr. Susan Donoghue. A chapter on breeding discusses strategies for breeding dragons, requirements, conditioning, incubation, and potential problems encountered. Lizard vet extraordinaire Dr. Roger Klingenberg has written a chapter on recognizing and treating bearded dragon diseases, in which he discusses how to recognize a sick dragon, various internal and external parasites, nutritional disorders as well as kidney disease, prolapses, egg-binding, respiratory infections, and eye problems. The chapter concludes with a four-page chart for troubleshooting health problems. Herb expert Jerry Cole has provided a special chapter on frilled dragons, an agamid similar to the bearded dragon that has attracted many bearded dragon fans. Appendices and index included.

Genres: Animals, Reference, Nonfiction, Science

174 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2001

Reviews

[Jenna Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful.

[Blinkyzombie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very great book about how to take care of your beardie. Covers all the aspects of taking care of them, feeding, housing, diseases, breeding, and also dives a bit into Frilled dragons! Would recommend for any level of reptile enthusiast, but this would definitely come in handy for beginners!

[Caleb Block · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book actually helps care for your bearded dragon, and if not for this, I'm sure mine would not be the lizard she is today. Warning: The medical chapter is slightly graphic.

[Bonnie Yavanna Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adequate

[Carlo Ruggiero · Rating 3 out of 5]

There is some good information included, but got very technical in the section on diseases. Be prepared for a couple of photos which show the internal cavity and organs of a dragon.

[Joel · Rating 4 out of 5]

7th

[Nancy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exactly what any new Bearded Dragon Owner needs to know. I wish I'd had this book from the beginning.

[Hallie Ditzhazy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit dated, but some insight into unique topics!

[Carlos Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is interesting because it talks about different species of bearded dragons. It talks about how some bearded dragons have brighter colors than others. I like how it shows what types of things should be in the bearded dragons cage. I thought it was cool how there are wild bearded dragons. I think the reason that we need to have a light for the bearded dragon is because they are use to living in the desert. I read about how there are bearded dragons in austrilia. I learned that bearded dragons can live from 15 to 30 years. That is a long time. A full grown bearded dragon can get anywhere from a foot and a half to two feet. Baby bearded dragons are about 5 to 6 inches long. Baby bearded dragons have a very small head. It is about the size of a full grown bearded dragons foot. I liked this book because it gave me alot of interesting facts about bearded dragons . I would recommend this book because it talks about how to take care of bearded dragons. Anyone that is thinking about getting a bearded dragon or already has one should definitely check out this book. I give this book a 5 out of 5 stars because it taught me knew things about bearded dragons and how to take care of them so they grow up healthy.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is... AWESOME!! I call the manual my "Beardie Bible". I reference it as needed on ALL the important topics like lighting, environmental or medical issues and feeding schedules.

Plus for those wishing to do so, they have a Breeding/Breeders section. Also, a small (but well detailed) section regarding Frilled Dragons.

This is a well written book for all of a Bearded Dragon owner's needs. Everything is in full detail, and written with layman's terms, as to not make one question what the various authors are explaining.

[Ben Curtis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Others have called this book the "beardie bible", and it is definitely my go to reference when it comes to bearded dragons. The book is put together by two herp vets and three veteran breeders. Unlike the majority of care and maintenance literature available for bearded dragons, all of the data in this book is either based on research or long-term observation. There is a lot of conflicting information out there, about different substrates, lighting, diets, etc. This book is instrumental in bypassing the swamp of misinformation and erroneous products found online and in pet stores.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

We recently adopted an adult bearded dragon. This book has taught me a great deal about her care and needs. There was a lot of information that I found online. The book helped fill in the missing gaps in instruction. She is a happy, healthy dragon thanks to the tips in this book. If you get a dragon, get this book!

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bible of bearded dragon ownership.

[Apearl17 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome reference.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best Bearded Dragon instruction / reference book I have read. I strongly recommend all owners buy.

[Harry Lawrence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book to read if you're thinking about getting a bearded dragon, a lot of useful information here.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was confusing and now I'm sure our bearded dragon is dying of like EVERYTHING. Or maybe it's just winter. Or imminent death. *sigh*