Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragon Care Guide

Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps
Common Name: Central Bearded Dragon
Adult Size: 45–60 cm
Lifespan: 8–12+ years
Difficulty: Beginner–Intermediate
Activity: Diurnal
Diet: Omnivore

Size

• Adults usually reach 45–60 cm, including the tail.
• Males are often larger than females.

Housing

• Minimum adult enclosure: 120 × 60 × 60 cm; larger is better.
• Provide a hot basking end and cooler end.
• Include sturdy branches, rocks, hides and basking platforms.
• Secure all heavy décor so it cannot collapse.
• Outdoor time in suitable weather can provide valuable enrichment.

Temperature

• Basking surface: 40–45°C
• Cool end: 22–26°C
• Night: around 18–22°C.
• Use a thermostat and digital thermometers.

Lighting

• Provide a strong 10–12% UVB tube covering much of the enclosure.
• UVB should reach the basking area.
• Provide around 12 hours of light per day.
• Replace UVB according to the manufacturer's recommended lifespan.

Humidity

• Aim for approximately 30–40%.
• Good ventilation is essential.
• Avoid excessive misting or permanently damp substrate.

Food

• Juveniles: predominantly insects with daily greens.
• Adults: mainly greens/vegetables, with insects around 2–3 times per week.
• Suitable insects include crickets, locusts, dubia roaches and calciworms.
• Suitable greens include dandelion, spring greens, rocket and watercress.
• Dust insects with calcium and provide a suitable multivitamin regularly.
• Remove uneaten fresh food daily.

Water

• Provide fresh water in a shallow dish.
• Change daily.
• Good hydration also comes from fresh greens and vegetables.

Shedding

• Young dragons shed frequently as they grow.
• Adults shed less often and may shed in sections.
• Dull or pale skin is normal before shedding.
• Never pull retained shed from the animal.

Handling

• Generally docile and can become accustomed to regular gentle handling.
• Support the entire body and all four feet.
• Avoid grabbing the tail or sudden movements.
• Supervise children during handling.

Health

Watch for:

• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Trembling or weakness
• Swollen jaw or limbs
• Difficulty walking
• Weight loss
• Abnormal faeces
• Retained shed
• Breathing difficulties

Arrange an exotic/reptile-vet examination if persistent health problems occur.

Cleaning

• Remove faeces and uneaten food daily.
• Clean the water bowl daily.
• Spot-clean substrate regularly.
• Deep-clean the enclosure as required.
• Bioactive setups still require regular maintenance.

Before You Bring Your Animal Home

• Fully set up the enclosure beforehand.
• Run heating and UVB and check temperatures.
• Provide basking platforms, hides and enrichment.
• Have appropriate insects, greens, calcium and vitamins ready.
• Ensure the enclosure is secure.

Important Bits

• ☀️ Strong UVB is essential.
• 🔥 Basking surface should reach around 40–45°C.
• 🌡️ Always provide a proper temperature gradient.
• 🥬 Adults should eat mainly greens and vegetables.
• 🦗 Offer appropriately sized livefood.
• 💧 Avoid excessive humidity.
• 🦴 Provide appropriate calcium supplementation.
• 🚫 Never house two males together.
• ❤️ Bearded Dragons are a long-term commitment of 8–12+ years