1. No. UV light can never be replaced by supplementation. Food should be supplemented with calcium and multi-vitamins. UVB and the supplementation work together to keep the dragon healthy. Take a look at this website to find out about the megaray, a new UV bulb;
http://www.reptileuv.com
2. As hatchlings and juveniles, Bearded Dragons will tend to eat more live food than vegetation, and adults will eat more veg, but there is no set ratio. Our three adults are not keen on their veg and don't eat as much as one of our juveniles. It depends on the individual lizard, and we provide fruit and veg daily and live food so they can choose their food.
3. Either is fine. Hot rocks are not recommended as they can cause burns, but normal rocks or wood, washed properly if collected from outdoors, are both fine. We use both, and other materials.
4. Bearded Dragons are very tame reptiles, and can be handled for long periods of time. Babies will tolerate handling less, but as they get older they will become more tame. Some people don't like keeping them out of the tank too long, in case they get too cold or don't get the benefits of UV, but as long as they are provided with heat and UV in the tank they will be fine. You can even make an outdoor enclosure so they can get the benefits of natural sunlight in summer.
This also depends on the individual lizard - we used to let one of our adults wander around our room when she wanted, if we were there to supervise. We would leave her tank open and she would wander in and out as she pleased. Some of our lizards are more friendly than others, and some prefer to be out longer than others. You will get to know your lizard and you will learn to notice signs about what they want to do.
Have you read the care sheet on this forum? Click here -
Beared dragon care
