Bearded Dragon Essential Care Information
General Information
- Native Area: Eastern and Central Australian deserts, scrublands, and dry forests
- Mostly terrestrial, but skilled climbers.
- Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity with proper care.
- Typical Temperament: Interactive and Quirky
- Care Level: Intermediate
Physical Traits
- Length: 18 - 24”
- Color: grayish, beige, orange (other colors available in captivity).
- Spiky scales with a throat can expand and darken, which resembles a beard
Enclosure Setup
- Size: Minimum 4x2x2 (48”L x 24”W x 24”H), front-opening, mesh top preferred.
- Solitary: Not a social species, can be extremely territorial. House one animal per enclosure.
Lighting, Temperatures & Humidity
Lighting Schedule: 12 hour on / 12 hour off.
- UVB Light: Required. 22” Arcadia 12 - 14% T5 UVB placed 7 - 11” (over mesh) or mounted 12 - 18” (under mesh) above basking area
- Full-spectrum LED recommended (6500K).
Heat: 100W PAR38 halogen flood bulb on a dimming switch.
- Basking Surface Temperature: 105-115°F
- Basking Ambient Temperature: 90 - 100ºƒ
- Cool Side: 70 - 85ºƒ.
- Night Drop (Recommended): 72 - 78ºƒ.
Humidity: Maintain 30-60% gradient. Use a digital probe hygrometer to monitor.
Substrate (Bedding)
- Use a sandy soil mix with top soil, play sand, and excavator clay, at least 4” deep or a solid substrate option with low VOC (Zen Mat).
- Spot clean as needed; replace every 4-6 months.
Decorations
- Provide hiding spots and climbing opportunities (cork hollows/flats, hammocks, wood, plants, ledges, dig box if on solid substrate).
Diet
- Omnivorous: Need a mix of animal- and plant-based foods.
- Vegetables: Romaine, collard greens, cactus pad, spring mix, arugula, chard, and more.
- Insects: Dubia roaches, silkworms, black soldier fly larvae, crickets, superworms, and more.
- Fruit: Small amounts, sparingly due to high sugar and water content. Avoid citrus.
- Hydration: Mist salad greens, offer a water bowl with a dripper for surface agitation
Feeding Frequency
- Hatchlings (0-6 months): Insects 2x/day, vegetables daily.
- Juveniles (6-12 months): Insects 1x/day, vegetables daily.
- Adults (>12 months): Insects 2-3x/week, vegetables daily.
Supplements:
- Pure calcium (no D3) : with every meal
- Calcium WITH D3 : every few meals
- Multi-vitamin a few times per week
Handling Tips:
- Begin from reaching under, rather than grabbing from above.
- Support all four feet.
- Use slow, calm movements.
- Handle close to the ground for no more than 5-10 minutes at first.
By following these guidelines, you can provide a healthy environment for your bearded dragon.
