Badgerland Reptile Rescue

Bearded Dragon Care Guide

Bearded Dragon

Pogona vitticeps

Native Range

The bearded dragon is primarily found in arid and semiarid woodlands, as well as the rocky desert regions of Central Australia.

History

This species was first described by German zoologist Ernest Ahl in 1926.

Enclosure

The absolute minimum size enclosure for an adult bearded dragon is the equivalent to a 40-gallon breeder tank (36″ x 18″ x 16″). Bearded dragons are best kept in enclosures that are 4′ x 2′ x 2′ (or even larger, if possible).

While some individuals may be tempted to allow two or more bearded dragons to live together in the same enclosure, Badgerland Reptile Rescue strongly advises against cohabitation for this species.

There are many different substrates available for bearded dragons, including paper towels, tile, or a mixture of sand/soil. We do not recommend using reptile carpet or calcium sand substrates.

Heating & Humidity

Adult bearded dragons should be provided a hotspot of 100-105° during the day. Night-time temperatures should typically be between 65-75°. In most cases, the ambient humidity should be between 30-50%

Please note that a reliable thermostat must always be used with any heat source!

UVB Lighting

We recommend the following: Arcadia Desert 12%, Arcadia Dragon 14%, Zilla Desert 50, ZooMed ReptiSun 10.0

Diet

Bearded dragons are omnivores and should eat a mixture of leafy greens and insect protein.

Hatchling and juvenile bearded dragons (typically under 12 months of age) will have diets that are 80% protein and 20% greens.

Adult bearded dragons eat 80% greens and 20% protein.

Average Lifespan

10-15 years

Signs of a Healthy Animal

  • Alert and energetic
  • Able to support all of its weight and hold its head up
  • Animal can use all limbs
  • Bright, clear eyes
  • Plump fat pads
  • No discoloration to scales
  • Full base of tail
  • No protruding hip bones

Sources

“General Care.” Beautiful Dragons, www.beautifuldragons.com/GeneralCare.html.

Hallatt, AJ, and Nicole D’Avignon. “Bearded Dragon.” BeWild Reptile Rescue, bewildnc.org/bearded-dragon/.

Healey, Mariah. “Bearded Dragon Care Guide.” ReptiFiles®, 2 July 2015, reptifiles.com/bearded-dragon-care/.

Jaeger, Jeremiah. “Bearded Dragons – Care Sheet.” Bearded Dragon .Org, June 2003, www.beardeddragon.org/resources/bearded-dragons-care-sheet.1/.

Mede, Erica. “Bearded Dragon Care.” Edited by Susan Horton, Chicago Exotics Animal Hospital, www.exoticpetvet.com/bearded-dragon-care.html.

Pollack, Christal. “Basic Information Sheet: Inland Bearded Dragon.” LafeberVet, 25 Feb. 2011, lafeber.com/vet/basic-information-for-the-inland-bearded-dragon/.