Red Bearded Dragon

Red Bearded Dragon Care Guide

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

Size

• Adults can reach 45–60 cm including the tail.
• Males are often larger and heavier than females.

Housing

• Minimum adult enclosure: 120 × 60 × 60 cm; larger is better.
• Provide a hot basking area and cooler area at the opposite end.
• Add sturdy branches, rocks, hides and platforms.
• Ensure all heavy décor is secure and cannot collapse.
• A naturalistic or bioactive setup can work well.

Temperature

• Basking surface: 40–45°C
• Cool end: 22–26°C
• Night: can fall to around 18–22°C.
• Always control heating with a thermostat and check temperatures with reliable digital thermometers.

Lighting

• Provide a strong 10–12% UVB tube spanning a large proportion of the enclosure.
• UVB should overlap the basking area.
• Provide a proper day/night cycle of around 12 hours.
• Replace UVB lamps according to the manufacturer's recommended lifespan.

Humidity

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

Food

• Juveniles: more insect-based food with daily greens.
• Adults: mainly leafy greens and vegetables, with insects around 2–3 times per week.
• Suitable insects include crickets, locusts, dubia roaches and calciworms.
• Offer greens such as spring greens, rocket, watercress and suitable mixed leaves.
• 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 and clean regularly.
• Most hydration should come from fresh vegetables and greens.

Shedding

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

Handling

• Generally docile and can become very accustomed to handling.
• Support the entire body and all four feet.
• Avoid grabbing the tail or picking the dragon up suddenly from above.
• Always supervise children when handling.

Health

Watch for:

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

Regular weight monitoring and routine checks with an exotic/reptile veterinarian are recommended.

Cleaning

• Remove faeces and uneaten food daily.
• Clean the water bowl daily.
• Spot-clean substrate regularly.
• Perform deeper cleaning as required.
• Bioactive enclosures still require regular spot-cleaning and maintenance.

Before You Bring Your Animal Home

• Fully set up the enclosure before the dragon arrives.
• Run the heating and lighting and check temperatures.
• Install the correct UVB tube.
• Provide hides, basking platforms and enrichment.
• Have suitable insects, greens, calcium and multivitamins ready.
• Make sure the enclosure is secure.

Important Bits

• 🦎 Strong UVB is essential for healthy bones and calcium metabolism.
• ☀️ Provide a proper 40–45°C basking surface.
• 🌡️ Always create a clear temperature gradient.
• 🥬 Adults should eat mainly greens and vegetables, not insects.
• 💧 Avoid excessive humidity and poor ventilation.
• 🦴 Calcium supplementation is important.
• 🚫 Never house two males together.
• ❤️ Red is a colour morph, not a separate species; care requirements are the same as other Pogona vitticeps.