Perfect timing for this! I have been having so many doubts about my dragon's enclosure because she isnt bioactive. I want to so bad have her bioactive but I am still so new to reptile owning and just learning about how bioactive works I dont think I am ready. Researching I have read sevefal dragons get sick because of not being used to it or it not being done properly and that scares the beans out of me. That and my apartment fluctuates ALOT on temps and humidity so she isnt always 100% perfect in temps. Ao its nerve wracking. And it has me thinking along the lines of your video. No herp owner goes into owning with 100% perdect knowledge, husbandry, feeding, or even the righf reprile for them. We all startes out somewhere and not at all with all the right things or knowledge BECAUSE care ia ever changing. And acknowlesging your growth and changing for the better life of your animals ia the PINR of being in this hobby. So thank you so ao much for this video its exactly what herp owners need ans ahould atrive for. Like the animals we keep we need to adapt and improve as life takes us through.
Yes! People are going to make mistakes, and even if someone does everything perfectly by the book, in a few years there may be a different way of doing it. I get so many messages of people terrified of making any mistake, which we should definitely be weary of making mistakes, but no one is perfect. Love this comment 🥰
Honestly if you’re not ready for a bio active setup I would do a 60/30/10 mixture of organic topsoil, sand, and reptibark. That’s what I use for my boy and he is so much happier. He loves burrowing in it at night. I did that because I am definitely not ready for a bio active setup. I would say to do whatever is best for your animal. Hope this helps!
You know what I don’t get being in the reptile community? I see reptile enthusiasts protest against lose substrate of any kind but then go bioactive... THATS LOSE SUBSTRATE KAREN! *face palm*
Well thank you! I just get so disheartened by the number of messages I get from people so terrified of making any kind of mistake, or from people who have made a mistake and just get yelled at or made to feel like awful people. I just want people to know it's ok, the most important thing is continuing to learn in order to do the best for our animals ♥️
I keep both my leopard geckos and my beardie in arid bioactive setups and they love them. It's been 3 years and have had no issues at all with impaction.... as long as ur husbandry is on point the lizards dint eat the sand....
I want to thank you for all of your videos. My wife just got a bearded dragon a little over a week ago. Because of your videos we have slowly interacted with him and your tips have proven SUPER helpful. Because we were hesitant to handle him the first week, he practically jumped into our hands and was ready to socialize by the 8 day mark. We learned that he is VERY fast and absolutely hates baths. I also wanted to say thank you for being upfront and honest when your option changes based on experience or updated research. I think that is what has drawn us to your videos. You’re not afraid to admit you’re wrong when new studies come out. Thank you for putting out the best information for reptiles regardless of your past personal preferences. You’re awesome and keep doing what you’re doing!
Great video! I love it when keepers adjust their opinions/husbandry based on new information that is beneficial to the animal's wellbeing. 1) I keep pretty much all my reptiles (over 30, snakes, bearded dragon, geckos, tortoise) in bioactive enclosures. There are a few exceptions, like for the newly acquired ones who are in quarantine, as well as my tegu (due to all the digging), and a couple other snakes that we just haven't switched over yet. 2) Totally agree with the UVB. 3) Yes, if you are willing to put in the research and learn the proper care for an animal, as opposed to the care you are willing to give it, I believe there are a lot of reptiles that could be fine for a beginner. Research. Research. And then research some more. 4) I agree about the kale. I do not feed it to my bearded dragon, or my redfooted tortoise anymore after doing research and learning about the oxalates and the proper ratio of calcium to phosphate. There's so much to learn. 5) Water bowl in bearded dragon tank - again, I agree. I think it depends on what they are eating and the climate your home is in. Thanks for this video!
Absolutely agree, and love the fact you say to get the animal you want, not the animal that's "beginner-friendly"! I have known more than a few people who got an animal with 'easy' care that didn't do well, simply because they didn't want it but felt they had to (or worse, their parents insisted they start with an easier one to "prove" they can care for it..). Absolutely agree. With some handful exceptions, so long as you've got the motivation to learn and to be a good keeper, any animal can be for a beginner to the hobby :)
8:58 the water dish.... yeah, if you live in TN like I do, it boosts the humidity. Plus, neither of my dragons drink water, so.... Good on you for doing this video, we're all learning, and it is very difficult to find solid information, so when we learn better, what's the adult thing to do? Correct it, let people know, be awesome, which you are. Thank you!
Love the transparency. My dragon gets a water dish when she’s shedding cuz she likes to dip her head and body in it. Other days she gets water from a syringe and she won’t even drink from that some days.
Great video Elle! I love how you’re not afraid to admit your change in opinion and you said it best, 3 years is a very long time in reptile keeping, so many things get updated or outdated. 🙏🏼
I like your comment about beginner reptiles! I wanted a ball python and/or hognose snake (which I know are often considered beginner snakes) but it seemed like the entire internet wanted me to get a corn snake! I got my ball python and getting everything right in his enclosure is part of the joy of having him even though he might be more particular than a corn snake. But I want to do it for him because he is the animal I wanted, and I look forward to many years of taking care of him!
Thank you for these videos , they've been a huge help. I've learned a lot and am still learning , it never ends. I did as much research Humanly possible a month and a half before I got Oscar and thought I had everything down packed for when I got Him (or Her ) . Nope , still had a lot to learn . And still do.
My first reptile was an iguana when I was 10, he lived over 21 years, but it was definitely a learning experience. But now I can keep essentially anything, because I know I'm willing to put in the effort to learn their care needs.
@@ellesreptiles Yep, he was such a sweet animal. I did animal ambassador work with him, was on the local news, he was a mini celebrity. I don't recommend iguanas for most people, but he was the best pet I've ever had. Totally started my love for reptiles, and now raising my kids with a bunch 😅
I love Black Soldier Fly Larvae for my beardie. They are more nutritious and the calcium/phosphorus content is balanced so there is no need to supplement when feeding them, but I still use Dubia Roaches for treats and as a filler.
OMG!!!! I think my dogs are stealing my pizza! I can’t stop laughing. Love your Channel! Seriously, I believe as long as you stay up to date with animal care with good follow up people will do a good job taking care of their pets. You definitely show how opinions can change in a year or more. Ty for sharing
My respect for you has gone up a great deal. If only more people can grow like you have. I love the idea of multiple flooring, like part bioactive. I have gardens in my 120gal enclosure for my dragons, and they use them. And you are so right the water anything about dragon depends on the humidity of the enclosure at any given time. When I got my 1st dragons the humidity was to low, and I had a water dish and I mistted the enclosure and pitch would lick it off the glass, spike looked like the girl from Titanic leaning off his ledges to lean into the spray, the humidity was like 11% and middle of February, even with a water bowl, but I noticed they eat more of the succulents in the tank, and then I moved them into their own enclosure and had a week of rain couldn't get the humidity down below 40% even without a water bowl. Now when it get over 95 out side I put a water bowl in the enclosure so they will not over heat if I have to go to work. I have heard of many dragons dying from being to hot and maybe a water dish could have saved them, the hubby has to many people thinking in absolutes and that doesn't work, need to take in that the hobby is as much about the animals as it is the people
Thank you for making this video!!!! It’s so important to keep updated information on all your reptiles I’ve joined several Facebook groups and I’m honestly so happy I did my girl I feel like is living her best life She’s a Leopard gecko almost a year old and I have loose substrate and she absolutely loves it I also ditch the heat mats because I really don’t like the heat they provide and I’m not providing more beneficial heat with the halogen lighting and tube uvb!! ( after doing more research and joining Facebook groups I found out that coil uvb are actually bad!
I used a water dish for my beardie when he was a baby and all he did was run throuh it. Never crapped in it. Never drank from it. And I also live in the South soooo......yea no water dish. Don't use one...haven't had one for years and I haven't had any problems...keep up the good work
@@grnnt123 That sounds so chill. My savannah monitor has 2 water dishes...she craps in one, and lays in the other. How old is your beardie? Mine will be 4 this year.
Such a good video! Love that you're considering having a more naturalistic set up for Zasz. Mine loves her substrate and climbing on all the kinds of rocks, branches etc. It's not bioactive yet but it's in the making. Enrichment makes SUCH a difference. I agree/disagree with the kale thing, I think it's fine as part of a varied diet but not all the time. I personally don't believe in "staple foods" as no food should be the only thing you feed your bearded dragon. I like to think of it as us humans eating salad, it's healthy but if you only eat it you will miss out on other important nutrients and vitamins! I second getting the reptile you want over "the easier choice" 🐍🦎. I want to point out for you and others who might have concerns that humidity really only becomes an issue if it's coupled with stale air! Many have a lot of fears when it comes to humidity in BD enclosures but it's typically not an issue 90% of the time as long as there is good air flow. I don't remember the exact article, study etc but you could probably find it if you search humidity and stale air in BD enclosures. I haven't commented on your videos in a while simply because I haven't been in a good space mentally but I'm still watching even if I don't say it. Hope you're having a good day 💕
I still wouldn’t just sell a child a crocodile skink or a tegu or a monitor ect there are still levels to what reptiles you should learn to take care of first
Of course! That's where the "putting in the research and time and effort into the animal" comes in to play. A small child can't put in the appropriate amount of research, and no child can physically put in the effort for something like a tegu. In my house, when it comes my children, the whole "as long as you're willing to put in the research, time, and effort to best take care of that animal" is our responsibility (because I don't feel that children should ever be left to care for another life alone). However, I wouldn't ever force a specific animal onto my kids. My 2 oldest have pets, but they came to us with different options that they wanted and we discussed if they were the right fit. My 5 year old also has a "pet", but we knew that that was 100% our responsibility. There definitely are easier animals than others, it's just all about finding the right animal for the person. 🥰
Thanks for going through your options. As a first time reptile owner. Its very confusing when there's so many information is out there. I'm always trying so many different substrate on my geckos. Like i know my african fat tail gecko likes to sometimes eat her loose substrate. She does get vitamins every feeding. So even up to now its been a year cannot find a loose substrate to put her on. Right now still on carpet and she wont eat that. She does get a dig box. Like yours and its jungle mix. So far so good.
thanks Elle i have a adult bearded dragon and im having a hard time to find some kind of green that he likes what i have done is buy a of pack of chopped greens and crickets in it along with some red bites . He does love apple and bell pepper.
Zsasz likes bell peppers too. Her favorite is still butternut squash 😊 A chopped veggie mix is wonderful idea to find his favorite veggies. Since he likes apples, you can also get a 100% apple juice and sprinkle a couple drops of that on top of the salad. It might encourage him to eat it. 😊
Great video- I loved how open and honest you were about changing research and new information always coming to light in the reptile community and I especially liked that you aren’t afraid to change your mind and keep doing more research to update your own opinions when needed. This was such an important topic of discussion for reptile keepers and I’m so glad you made this ❤️
I TOTALLY agree with get what you want after you've researched about it. Knowing what I know now, we would have started with a BCI instead of a ball. Don't get me wrong - we love our ball python. I'm obsessed with our BCI. They're so cool and interactive. Now.. to convince my hubby about that tegu.
i feel like all reptiles need some sort of uvb access? ->What I personally do instead of a water dish in the tanks, since they usually ignore them or dirty them anyway: for my beardies, i offer them water via a spray bottle that they recognize (as in i gently spray it into their mouth if they are interested lol) & I can also mist them with it between baths to keep them hydrated, never had humidity issues with this where I live (set up has tile). Of course, I do not mist their whole setups or do this excessively, just the actual dragons on occasion.
Spraying their nose is always a good way to go! 😊 Zsasz rarely will drink that way, BUT she will if she's in the bath and I drop water on her snout region.
@@laartje24 I have legit been pondering this same thing - I think they would have a problem with their tongue being sticky maybe? wondering if it could get stuck or pinched by the ball.
My beardies won't touch kale. They LOVE arugula. Their salad is usually mustard greens, turnip greens, and collards. Endive if I can find it. But arugula trumps all. I keep on going back and forth about the water dish as well.
I love your videos. Yes things do change we learn more about the right kind of care the longer we have them and you are always wanting to learn and you are willing to change things for your pets. That is what I love about you. I think will do bio active for my beard dragon but also have tile to put water dish and food dish on. I have all the little Springtails and isopods to do that with. Just need to figure out the plants that will work in her enclosure and are strong enough for her to crawl on if she wants. Have a Happy 4th of JULY🎊🎉 GOD BLESS
Thank you! ♥️ Yea I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to go about doing this too. I'm trying to figure out a way to keep her basic setup, just add in the substrate and succulents and stuff. Because I love her setup 🤔 Happy 4th of July!
I recently discovered stone crop for Animals that don’t eat it anyway it’s great as ground cover and takes a serious beating also it’s animal safe of course lol also it’s forgiving for us when we neglect it lol
We never stop learning and adapting for our lil buddies. My biggest condition on ever being adopted by another reptile is having access to a local proper veterinarian.
I am adding UVB lighting to all my snakes. I already have it for my tortoise, box turtle, and blue tongue skink. I have thought about doing bio active enclosures but I am so bad at keeping plants alive that I probably won't end up doing it.
I've been doing tons of research on TH-cam because I want to get a LP. I have 2 cresties but would love to expand to a LP. You are one of my main channels. I've thought of exactly how I want to set up a tank and you've been a huge inspiration. You are one of the only ones I've seen use tile but also put in a dig box which is such a great idea. Great video as always, much love from a fellow Alabamian✌
Is there a type of loose substrate you recommend for beardies? I worry about the clean up - mine refuses to poop in the bath he poops in his tank (so annoying)
The Bio Dude and Lugarti both make arid bioactive substrates that I've tried and love. Josh's Frogs just started making their own arid bioactive mixture that I really want to try. Depending on where you are (like not in the U.S.) Arcadia makes a bioactive substrate that I hear nothing but good things about. 😊
I always say there is no beginner reptile. If you have the passion, time, money then you should really get whatever you're happiest with. It's the worst when you get an easy recommended animal that you aren't passionate about keeping. You and the animal won't be happy together for long.
To be honest the is so such thing as a easy pet.the is just a hard way and a easy way to look after them. Just do a hell of a lot of research before getting any pet.
I have a suggestion that will help everyone into reptiles, go to the pet store and ask the people that works there. They handle and take care of the animals everyday. Also, most of them are going to school to be a vet or something involving animals/reptiles.
This is definitely a good suggestion sometimes. You just have to make sure the person you're speaking with does have experience with reptiles. One of my locally owned pet stores is so good with keeping up to date on reptile care. 🥰 My two local chain stores have given me so much incorrect information though, including one store that I had to report due to the INCREDIBLY poor conditions of the ball pythons (layers of stuck shed, their spines showing, and the humidity way too low). And the employees said "they're supposed to be that way" The pet store I got my bearded dragon from gave me all incorrect information as well. And when we were traveling to pet stores out of state, we got more bad information (including one lady who KNEW the conditions were bad, but told us she wasn't allowed to fix it due to store policy). So just be careful ♥️
Yeah this comment scared me to bits because the advice pet stores around here give is horrendous and sometimes downright abusive. Glad to hear that there are better pet stores and employees out there, but definitely be careful who you trust.
Definitely! (And that sounds adorable.) As long as it's not affecting the humidity, keep it in there - she sounds like she loves it and it's giving her lots of enrichment 🥰
I know Iguanas are not for beginners they get up to 6 feet long and can be tricky to care for a lot of pet stores are actually recommending not to get a pet iguana these days.
@@ellesreptiles At least the pet stores I’ve been too. The petco I was at had a warning sign that Iguanas get 6 feet long and not encouraged for a beginner. But your still able to buy one if you really wanted.
Perfect timing for this! I have been having so many doubts about my dragon's enclosure because she isnt bioactive. I want to so bad have her bioactive but I am still so new to reptile owning and just learning about how bioactive works I dont think I am ready. Researching I have read sevefal dragons get sick because of not being used to it or it not being done properly and that scares the beans out of me. That and my apartment fluctuates ALOT on temps and humidity so she isnt always 100% perfect in temps. Ao its nerve wracking.
And it has me thinking along the lines of your video. No herp owner goes into owning with 100% perdect knowledge, husbandry, feeding, or even the righf reprile for them. We all startes out somewhere and not at all with all the right things or knowledge BECAUSE care ia ever changing. And acknowlesging your growth and changing for the better life of your animals ia the PINR of being in this hobby.
So thank you so ao much for this video its exactly what herp owners need ans ahould atrive for. Like the animals we keep we need to adapt and improve as life takes us through.
Yes! People are going to make mistakes, and even if someone does everything perfectly by the book, in a few years there may be a different way of doing it.
I get so many messages of people terrified of making any mistake, which we should definitely be weary of making mistakes, but no one is perfect. Love this comment 🥰
Honestly if you’re not ready for a bio active setup I would do a 60/30/10 mixture of organic topsoil, sand, and reptibark. That’s what I use for my boy and he is so much happier. He loves burrowing in it at night. I did that because I am definitely not ready for a bio active setup. I would say to do whatever is best for your animal. Hope this helps!
You know what I don’t get being in the reptile community? I see reptile enthusiasts protest against lose substrate of any kind but then go bioactive... THATS LOSE SUBSTRATE KAREN! *face palm*
Seriously!!
I love this transparency.
Well thank you! I just get so disheartened by the number of messages I get from people so terrified of making any kind of mistake, or from people who have made a mistake and just get yelled at or made to feel like awful people. I just want people to know it's ok, the most important thing is continuing to learn in order to do the best for our animals ♥️
Your curls are poppin
I keep both my leopard geckos and my beardie in arid bioactive setups and they love them. It's been 3 years and have had no issues at all with impaction.... as long as ur husbandry is on point the lizards dint eat the sand....
I love that! I hope I have better luck with the next one. 🤞🏽
"If you hear explosions in the background, it's just that time of year" is such an American vibe.
The constant changing is part of what I love actually it keeps you busy and learning constantly
My favorite reptile channel! Succinct with the information without rambling on or pretending to know everything. Also enjoy the outtakes lol.
Thank you so much ♥️♥️♥️
I want to thank you for all of your videos. My wife just got a bearded dragon a little over a week ago. Because of your videos we have slowly interacted with him and your tips have proven SUPER helpful. Because we were hesitant to handle him the first week, he practically jumped into our hands and was ready to socialize by the 8 day mark. We learned that he is VERY fast and absolutely hates baths. I also wanted to say thank you for being upfront and honest when your option changes based on experience or updated research. I think that is what has drawn us to your videos. You’re not afraid to admit you’re wrong when new studies come out. Thank you for putting out the best information for reptiles regardless of your past personal preferences. You’re awesome and keep doing what you’re doing!
Awww thank you so much for the kind words 🥺♥️
And I'm so happy that the videos have been able to help you out with your beardie.
Great video! I love it when keepers adjust their opinions/husbandry based on new information that is beneficial to the animal's wellbeing. 1) I keep pretty much all my reptiles (over 30, snakes, bearded dragon, geckos, tortoise) in bioactive enclosures. There are a few exceptions, like for the newly acquired ones who are in quarantine, as well as my tegu (due to all the digging), and a couple other snakes that we just haven't switched over yet. 2) Totally agree with the UVB. 3) Yes, if you are willing to put in the research and learn the proper care for an animal, as opposed to the care you are willing to give it, I believe there are a lot of reptiles that could be fine for a beginner. Research. Research. And then research some more. 4) I agree about the kale. I do not feed it to my bearded dragon, or my redfooted tortoise anymore after doing research and learning about the oxalates and the proper ratio of calcium to phosphate. There's so much to learn. 5) Water bowl in bearded dragon tank - again, I agree. I think it depends on what they are eating and the climate your home is in. Thanks for this video!
Absolutely agree, and love the fact you say to get the animal you want, not the animal that's "beginner-friendly"! I have known more than a few people who got an animal with 'easy' care that didn't do well, simply because they didn't want it but felt they had to (or worse, their parents insisted they start with an easier one to "prove" they can care for it..). Absolutely agree. With some handful exceptions, so long as you've got the motivation to learn and to be a good keeper, any animal can be for a beginner to the hobby :)
♥️♥️♥️
Showing growth and improving over time make you one of the best. Keep being awesome.
8:58 the water dish.... yeah, if you live in TN like I do, it boosts the humidity. Plus, neither of my dragons drink water, so.... Good on you for doing this video, we're all learning, and it is very difficult to find solid information, so when we learn better, what's the adult thing to do? Correct it, let people know, be awesome, which you are. Thank you!
Love the transparency. My dragon gets a water dish when she’s shedding cuz she likes to dip her head and body in it. Other days she gets water from a syringe and she won’t even drink from that some days.
Great video Elle! I love how you’re not afraid to admit your change in opinion and you said it best, 3 years is a very long time in reptile keeping, so many things get updated or outdated. 🙏🏼
I like your comment about beginner reptiles! I wanted a ball python and/or hognose snake (which I know are often considered beginner snakes) but it seemed like the entire internet wanted me to get a corn snake! I got my ball python and getting everything right in his enclosure is part of the joy of having him even though he might be more particular than a corn snake. But I want to do it for him because he is the animal I wanted, and I look forward to many years of taking care of him!
I choose a water bowl . Small one but he does drink out of it . I ALWAYS add couple greens or flowers to it so he eats and drinks at Same time !
Thank you for these videos , they've been a huge help.
I've learned a lot and am still learning , it never ends.
I did as much research Humanly possible a month and a half
before I got Oscar and thought I had everything down packed
for when I got Him (or Her ) . Nope , still had a lot to learn .
And still do.
I'm glad I could help!
Is that Oscar in your picture? They're so cute! 🥰
@@ellesreptiles Thank you , yep that's Oscar he likes the camera .
My first reptile was an iguana when I was 10, he lived over 21 years, but it was definitely a learning experience. But now I can keep essentially anything, because I know I'm willing to put in the effort to learn their care needs.
Over 21 years? That's so amazing! 😍
@@ellesreptiles Yep, he was such a sweet animal. I did animal ambassador work with him, was on the local news, he was a mini celebrity. I don't recommend iguanas for most people, but he was the best pet I've ever had. Totally started my love for reptiles, and now raising my kids with a bunch 😅
I love Black Soldier Fly Larvae for my beardie. They are more nutritious and the calcium/phosphorus content is balanced so there is no need to supplement when feeding them, but I still use Dubia Roaches for treats and as a filler.
OMG!!!! I think my dogs are stealing my pizza! I can’t stop laughing. Love your Channel!
Seriously, I believe as long as you stay up to date with animal care with good follow up people will do a good job taking care of their pets. You definitely show how opinions can change in a year or more. Ty for sharing
My respect for you has gone up a great deal. If only more people can grow like you have. I love the idea of multiple flooring, like part bioactive. I have gardens in my 120gal enclosure for my dragons, and they use them. And you are so right the water anything about dragon depends on the humidity of the enclosure at any given time. When I got my 1st dragons the humidity was to low, and I had a water dish and I mistted the enclosure and pitch would lick it off the glass, spike looked like the girl from Titanic leaning off his ledges to lean into the spray, the humidity was like 11% and middle of February, even with a water bowl, but I noticed they eat more of the succulents in the tank, and then I moved them into their own enclosure and had a week of rain couldn't get the humidity down below 40% even without a water bowl. Now when it get over 95 out side I put a water bowl in the enclosure so they will not over heat if I have to go to work. I have heard of many dragons dying from being to hot and maybe a water dish could have saved them, the hubby has to many people thinking in absolutes and that doesn't work, need to take in that the hobby is as much about the animals as it is the people
Thank you for making this video!!!! It’s so important to keep updated information on all your reptiles I’ve joined several Facebook groups and I’m honestly so happy I did my girl I feel like is living her best life
She’s a Leopard gecko almost a year old and I have loose substrate and she absolutely loves it I also ditch the heat mats because I really don’t like the heat they provide and I’m not providing more beneficial heat with the halogen lighting and tube uvb!! ( after doing more research and joining Facebook groups I found out that coil uvb are actually bad!
I was told this for leopard geckos lately I’ve found I have more humidity issues with spraying like people are now recommending
this is good to see. coming from reef tanks where everyone has to be right about something its a nice change
Thanks for this video! This is a great message to send to all pet owners and I personally found it super informative and clear
I used a water dish for my beardie when he was a baby and all he did was run throuh it. Never crapped in it. Never drank from it. And I also live in the South soooo......yea no water dish. Don't use one...haven't had one for years and I haven't had any problems...keep up the good work
Mine drinks from hers.
@@grnnt123 mine doesn't. He likes to dig though.
@@kiiwhee7688 yea mine will just lay in in from time to time
@@grnnt123 That sounds so chill. My savannah monitor has 2 water dishes...she craps in one, and lays in the other. How old is your beardie? Mine will be 4 this year.
Such a good video! Love that you're considering having a more naturalistic set up for Zasz. Mine loves her substrate and climbing on all the kinds of rocks, branches etc. It's not bioactive yet but it's in the making. Enrichment makes SUCH a difference. I agree/disagree with the kale thing, I think it's fine as part of a varied diet but not all the time. I personally don't believe in "staple foods" as no food should be the only thing you feed your bearded dragon. I like to think of it as us humans eating salad, it's healthy but if you only eat it you will miss out on other important nutrients and vitamins! I second getting the reptile you want over "the easier choice" 🐍🦎. I want to point out for you and others who might have concerns that humidity really only becomes an issue if it's coupled with stale air! Many have a lot of fears when it comes to humidity in BD enclosures but it's typically not an issue 90% of the time as long as there is good air flow. I don't remember the exact article, study etc but you could probably find it if you search humidity and stale air in BD enclosures. I haven't commented on your videos in a while simply because I haven't been in a good space mentally but I'm still watching even if I don't say it. Hope you're having a good day 💕
My beardie personally didn’t really eat many leafy greens but eats green beans like crazy so it’s really just a matter of their preference
Definitely!
I still wouldn’t just sell a child a crocodile skink or a tegu or a monitor ect there are still levels to what reptiles you should learn to take care of first
Of course! That's where the "putting in the research and time and effort into the animal" comes in to play. A small child can't put in the appropriate amount of research, and no child can physically put in the effort for something like a tegu.
In my house, when it comes my children, the whole "as long as you're willing to put in the research, time, and effort to best take care of that animal" is our responsibility (because I don't feel that children should ever be left to care for another life alone). However, I wouldn't ever force a specific animal onto my kids. My 2 oldest have pets, but they came to us with different options that they wanted and we discussed if they were the right fit. My 5 year old also has a "pet", but we knew that that was 100% our responsibility.
There definitely are easier animals than others, it's just all about finding the right animal for the person. 🥰
Thanks for going through your options. As a first time reptile owner. Its very confusing when there's so many information is out there. I'm always trying so many different substrate on my geckos. Like i know my african fat tail gecko likes to sometimes eat her loose substrate. She does get vitamins every feeding. So even up to now its been a year cannot find a loose substrate to put her on. Right now still on carpet and she wont eat that. She does get a dig box. Like yours and its jungle mix. So far so good.
thanks Elle i have a adult bearded dragon and im having a hard time to find some kind of green that he likes what i have done is buy a of pack of chopped greens and crickets in it along with some red bites . He does love apple and bell pepper.
Zsasz likes bell peppers too. Her favorite is still butternut squash 😊
A chopped veggie mix is wonderful idea to find his favorite veggies. Since he likes apples, you can also get a 100% apple juice and sprinkle a couple drops of that on top of the salad. It might encourage him to eat it. 😊
Great video- I loved how open and honest you were about changing research and new information always coming to light in the reptile community and I especially liked that you aren’t afraid to change your mind and keep doing more research to update your own opinions when needed. This was such an important topic of discussion for reptile keepers and I’m so glad you made this ❤️
I just found your channel and I'm glad to be here!
I TOTALLY agree with get what you want after you've researched about it. Knowing what I know now, we would have started with a BCI instead of a ball. Don't get me wrong - we love our ball python. I'm obsessed with our BCI. They're so cool and interactive. Now.. to convince my hubby about that tegu.
Like your vid. I mist my tank and fake plants in the morning. And he crushes his veg which I wet as well
i feel like all reptiles need some sort of uvb access?
->What I personally do instead of a water dish in the tanks, since they usually ignore them or dirty them anyway: for my beardies, i offer them water via a spray bottle that they recognize (as in i gently spray it into their mouth if they are interested lol) & I can also mist them with it between baths to keep them hydrated, never had humidity issues with this where I live (set up has tile). Of course, I do not mist their whole setups or do this excessively, just the actual dragons on occasion.
Spraying their nose is always a good way to go! 😊 Zsasz rarely will drink that way, BUT she will if she's in the bath and I drop water on her snout region.
Reptiles are way smarter than they get credit for. That makes me wonder if you could learn them to drink out of one of the rodent bottle.
@@laartje24 I have legit been pondering this same thing - I think they would have a problem with their tongue being sticky maybe? wondering if it could get stuck or pinched by the ball.
I have ball pythons 🐍 I love this channel so informative and fun.
Super helpful, thank you for sharing these!
Thank you for watching! 🥰
My beardies won't touch kale. They LOVE arugula. Their salad is usually mustard greens, turnip greens, and collards. Endive if I can find it. But arugula trumps all. I keep on going back and forth about the water dish as well.
I love all the plants in this video
I love your videos. Yes things do change we learn more about the right kind of care the longer we have them and you are always wanting to learn and you are willing to change things for your pets. That is what I love about you. I think will do bio active for my beard dragon but also have tile to put water dish and food dish on. I have all the little Springtails and isopods to do that with. Just need to figure out the plants that will work in her enclosure and are strong enough for her to crawl on if she wants.
Have a Happy 4th of JULY🎊🎉
GOD BLESS
Thank you! ♥️
Yea I'm trying to figure out how I'm going to go about doing this too. I'm trying to figure out a way to keep her basic setup, just add in the substrate and succulents and stuff. Because I love her setup 🤔
Happy 4th of July!
Happy 4th of July Elle! (If you celebrate it) hope you and your family have tons of fun! Great video btw :)
Happy 4th! 🎆🎇
My beardie did drink out of her standing water bowl, i really think it depends on the dragon and humidity
And she never had respiratory issues or anything
I recently discovered stone crop for Animals that don’t eat it anyway it’s great as ground cover and takes a serious beating also it’s animal safe of course lol also it’s forgiving for us when we neglect it lol
Good morning Elle. Hope you have an amazing Independence Day.
Good morning and Happy 4th! 🎆🎇
@@ellesreptiles thank you Ma'am 😊
Great video! I'm always learning new things from your channel. 😊
Yay! I'm so glad 🥰
We never stop learning and adapting for our lil buddies. My biggest condition on ever being adopted by another reptile is having access to a local proper veterinarian.
R u going to the Knoxville reptile expo in July
great thanks
I love the images before you click on the video 😂🤣
It was spinach for green iguanas when I first got mine people were practically forcing it down me to feed him now it’s never feed spinach lol
Can I use only eco earth and nothing under it?
I am adding UVB lighting to all my snakes. I already have it for my tortoise, box turtle, and blue tongue skink. I have thought about doing bio active enclosures but I am so bad at keeping plants alive that I probably won't end up doing it.
You Don’t need uvb for most snakes
@@Ally-uh3bn that opinion is starting to change.
@@nogames8982 no is not… And not an opinion it’s science and facts
@@Ally-uh3bn if you say so
I've been doing tons of research on TH-cam because I want to get a LP. I have 2 cresties but would love to expand to a LP. You are one of my main channels. I've thought of exactly how I want to set up a tank and you've been a huge inspiration. You are one of the only ones I've seen use tile but also put in a dig box which is such a great idea. Great video as always, much love from a fellow Alabamian✌
i love your videos so much your so helpful thank you
Thank you ♥️
Is there a type of loose substrate you recommend for beardies? I worry about the clean up - mine refuses to poop in the bath he poops in his tank (so annoying)
The Bio Dude and Lugarti both make arid bioactive substrates that I've tried and love. Josh's Frogs just started making their own arid bioactive mixture that I really want to try. Depending on where you are (like not in the U.S.) Arcadia makes a bioactive substrate that I hear nothing but good things about. 😊
I always say there is no beginner reptile. If you have the passion, time, money then you should really get whatever you're happiest with. It's the worst when you get an easy recommended animal that you aren't passionate about keeping. You and the animal won't be happy together for long.
Definitely ♥️♥️♥️
Dubia roaches are illegal in Florida sadly😢
I know, I'm sorry 😫
You guys have the option discoid roaches, which I hear are extremely close to dubia
@@ellesreptiles ouuu I've never heard of those I'll look them up! Ty
Try soilder fly larvae they have a lot of calcium
@@Justjibrilfr are they too big for juveniles
@@savannahmarieee6282 r u sure
Really good video. 🌚
Thank you 😊
To be honest the is so such thing as a easy pet.the is just a hard way and a easy way to look after them. Just do a hell of a lot of research before getting any pet.
I have a suggestion that will help everyone into reptiles, go to the pet store and ask the people that works there. They handle and take care of the animals everyday. Also, most of them are going to school to be a vet or something involving animals/reptiles.
This is definitely a good suggestion sometimes. You just have to make sure the person you're speaking with does have experience with reptiles. One of my locally owned pet stores is so good with keeping up to date on reptile care. 🥰
My two local chain stores have given me so much incorrect information though, including one store that I had to report due to the INCREDIBLY poor conditions of the ball pythons (layers of stuck shed, their spines showing, and the humidity way too low). And the employees said "they're supposed to be that way"
The pet store I got my bearded dragon from gave me all incorrect information as well.
And when we were traveling to pet stores out of state, we got more bad information (including one lady who KNEW the conditions were bad, but told us she wasn't allowed to fix it due to store policy).
So just be careful ♥️
Yeah this comment scared me to bits because the advice pet stores around here give is horrendous and sometimes downright abusive. Glad to hear that there are better pet stores and employees out there, but definitely be careful who you trust.
Cool
My beardie will legit play in her water dish and splash in it like a kid. Is that ok!???
Definitely! (And that sounds adorable.) As long as it's not affecting the humidity, keep it in there - she sounds like she loves it and it's giving her lots of enrichment 🥰
@@ellesreptiles ok thank you! I’m always scared I’m doing stuff wrong! 🤦♀️
I know Iguanas are not for beginners they get up to 6 feet long and can be tricky to care for a lot of pet stores are actually recommending not to get a pet iguana these days.
Really? I didn't know they were doing that - awesome!
@@ellesreptiles At least the pet stores I’ve been too. The petco I was at had a warning sign that Iguanas get 6 feet long and not encouraged for a beginner. But your still able to buy one if you really wanted.
❤❤❤❤
Hugs ty
Cool