Considering bringing a Wero Bearded Dragon into your life? Excellent decision! These fantastic, friendly reptiles offer a unique companionship that is unmatched by any other pet.
This post will explore their unique traits, care needs, pricing considerations, and more to help you make the best decisions for your new buddy.
How Did Wero Dragons Come About?
Wero Bearded Dragons fall under the category of ‘designer morphs‘ — breeds selectively engineered for their unique aesthetics — a result which is achieved by combining the Witblits and Zero morphs.
The Witblits morph is known for its patternless and muted coloration, while the Zero morph produces completely patternless, grey-to-white dragons.
When both these morphs are combined, the result is the Wero Bearded Dragon, boasting a one-of-a-kind appearance, usually featuring captivating white or creamy skin colors.
The Role of Recessive Genes in this Morph
The stunning traits that make Wero Bearded Dragons so striking are due to recessive genes. Unlike dominant genes, which tend to overshadow their recessive counterparts, recessive genes express unique traits when two copies of the same gene are inherited – one from each parent.
This genetic development allows the Wero Bearded Dragon to exhibit its uniquely patternless, pale-colored appearance.
Characteristics of Wero Bearded Dragons
The Wero Bearded Dragon continues to gain popularity among reptile enthusiasts for its unique appearance. Let us explore some of them below:
Color and Appearance
- White or Cream: Wero Bearded Dragons are known for their mainly white or creamy color. The purity of the white hue can vary from one dragon to another.
- Lavender or Purple Tint: Some Wero Bearded Dragons may also display a subtle lavender or purple tinge, particularly in their lighter, white areas.
Size and Lifespan
Like many other bearded dragons, Weros typically grow to be 18-24 inches long, weighing around 300-600 grams when fully mature. They’re hearty creatures who can live anywhere from 8 to 12 years when properly cared for, meaning they’re a pet who will be by your side for years to come.
Comprehensive Care for Wero Bearded Dragons
Caring for Wero Dragons requires dedication, knowledge, and understanding of their unique needs. Here are some things to be aware of:
Diet & Nutrition
Wero Bearded Dragons are omnivores, meaning they feed on both plant and animal matter. Their diet mainly consists of greens, fruits, insects, and occasionally, small rodents.
Contrary to popular belief, Wero Bearded Dragons cannot subsist on insects alone. These creatures require a balanced diet to remain healthy and vibrant. Here’s what you can feed them:
Proteins, such as:
- Crickets: High in protein, crickets are a popular choice for bearded dragons. They need to be appropriately sized, ideally smaller than the space between your dragon’s eyes. Juveniles and babies can consume more than 50 crickets per day.
- Mealworms: Although high in phosphorus, mealworms can be an occasional part of their diet. They should be fed sparingly due to concerns about impaction.
- Dubia Roaches: Dubia roaches are another excellent protein source. They are highly nutritious and carry less risk of impaction compared to mealworms.
Vegetables and fruits, such as:
Leafy greens: Leafy greens such as collard greens, dandelion greens, and mustard greens are excellent choices. These can be a staple in their diet.
Vegetables: Squash, bell peppers, and zucchini are good vegetables for wero dragons.
Fruits: Fruits such as strawberries, blueberries, and apples can serve as a sweet treat, though they should be offered sparingly due to their high sugar content.
Habitat & Setup
When it comes to the proper care of Wero Bearded Dragons, creating a well-designed and comfortable environment for your reptilian companion is paramount. Let us now explore the various tips on how to set up a perfect habitat for your Wero Dragon:
1. Enclosure Type and Size
- Glass terrariums: These are the most popular choice for housing bearded dragons, as they provide excellent visibility, insulation, and ventilation.
- Melamine or PVC enclosures: These types of enclosures are also suitable, providing adequate heat retention and enough space to move around.
When it comes to choosing the correct size for a Wero Bearded Dragon’s enclosure, it’s essential to consider the reptile’s age. For hatchlings that are up to 4 months old, a 20-gallon tank should be ample. As they grow into juveniles, between 4 to 12 months, upgrading to a 40-gallon breeder tank is recommended.
Once they reach adulthood, at 12 months or older, a minimum of a 40 – 55-gallon tank is suggested to provide them with ample space. However, for those seeking optimal comfort for their adult Wero Bearded Dragons, some enthusiasts prefer a more spacious setup
2. Substrate Options
Choosing the right substrate is essential for the health and comfort of your Wero Bearded Dragon. It should provide a safe and clean living surface that mimics their natural habitat.
- Reptile carpet: A popular choice due to its easy-to-clean nature and the reduced risk of impaction.
- Tile or slate: These provide excellent heat absorption and are also simple to clean.
- Paper towel or newspaper: A cost-effective solution, these substrates are easily replaceable and pose a minimal risk of impaction.
3. Temperature Management
Temperature gradients are critical for your Wero Bearded Dragon’s health, ensuring they can self-regulate their body temperature.
- Basking area: Create a designated basking area at one end of the enclosure where your dragon can soak up the heat. Maintain a temperature between 95-105°F for juveniles and adults, and 105-110°F for younger dragons.
- Cooling area: The temperature of the opposite, cooler end should range between 75-85°F, offering an area for your dragon to escape excessive heat if needed.
4. Lighting Options
Proper lighting is critical for Wero Bearded Dragons to synthesize vitamin D3 for calcium absorption
- Linear tube UVB lights: These are the most effective options for providing adequate UVB exposure throughout the enclosure.
- Compact UVB bulbs: Although less efficient, they can be used if linear tube lights are not available.
Replace these bulbs every 6-12 months to maintain sufficient UVB output.
5. Decor
Provide your Wero Bearded Dragon with an engaging environment that promotes mental stimulation and physical activity.
- Climbing structures: Include branches or rock formations that they can climb onto, simulating their natural habitat.
- Hiding spots: Add one or two hiding areas where your dragon can retreat if they feels the need to escape the light or heat.
Health & Hygiene
Keeping your Wero Bearded Dragon healthy requires regular vet check-ups, proper grooming, and a clean habitat. They might also develop common reptile health issues, such as Metabolic Bone Disease if there is inadequate calcium or vitamin D3 in their diet.
Cleanliness
Consistent cleaning efforts are needed to preserve a hazard-free living space for your dragon. This includes maintaining a clean terrarium environment by removing food waste and feces daily, washing dishes and surfaces regularly, and performing a deep cleaning of the entire enclosure weekly.
Bearded dragons themselves also require regular baths. Baths help these reptiles maintain their skin and hydration levels and can help in the shedding process. Bearded dragons are recommended to be bathed two to three times a week.
Common Health Concerns
Common health conditions of bearded dragons include CANV, atadenovirus, metabolic bone disease, parasites, infectious stomatitis (‘mouth rot’), and respiratory infections.
These health concerns, however, can be prevented or managed well with appropriate care, especially an adequate diet and a clean living environment.
Price of a Wero Bearded Dragon
The cost of a Wero Bearded Dragon can range from $300-800, depending on various factors such as age, temperament, and appearance. Keep in mind, that the initial cost of the pet is not the only investment; factor in housing, food, health check-ups, and setup equipment as well.
Where to Buy
Reputable breeders or specialized pet stores are the best places to purchase a Wero Bearded Dragon. These places ensure healthy, well-cared animals and often offer after-sale support.
Conclusion
A Wero Bearded Dragon can make for an enchanting pet with its unique characteristics and affable nature. Although they require careful attention and a specific habitat setup, their companionship is worth every effort.