Bearded Dragon Care Guide

Overview

• Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps

• Origin: Central Australia

• Ease of Care: Beginner-friendly

• Potential Adult Size: 18 to 22 inches

• Life Span: Up to 15 years

• Behavior: Diurnal (active during the day)

• Diet: Omnivore

• Handling: Tolerant of gentle handling

Top Tips

1. Use a well-ventilated vivarium for housing.

2. Provide a varied diet to stimulate your dragon’s interest and maintain health.

3. Regularly clean the enclosure to maintain hygiene.

 

 

Housing Requirements

Enclosure Setup

Bearded dragons thrive in terrestrial vivariums. Ensure adequate ventilation and maintain appropriate temperatures and lighting.

Recommended Vivarium Size:

• Adult: 48”x24”x24” or larger

Temperature and Humidity

• Hot Spot: 38-40°C (100-104°F)

• Background Temperature: 23-30°C (73-86°F)

• Night-Time Temperature: 16-23°C (61-74°F)

• Humidity: 30-40%

• UV Index: 4-6

Check temperatures regularly with a reliable thermometer and hygrometer. Place the heat source and probe correctly to avoid overheating.

Lighting

A high-quality UVB light is essential to support your dragon’s bone health. Position the UVB tube inside the vivarium, following the manufacturer’s recommended distances to achieve proper UV intensity. Replace the bulb every 6-12 months, depending on usage.

Substrate and Decoration

Choose a substrate that is safe and easy to clean. Options include reptile-friendly bedding or sand substitutes. Add branches, rocks, and shelters for enrichment and hiding spaces. Live or artificial plants can create shaded areas, but ensure any live plants are non-toxic.

Diet and Water

Bearded dragons are omnivores, requiring a mix of insects and vegetables. Adjust feeding frequency and portion size based on their age.

Juvenile Diet

• Daily: A bowl of fresh greens.

• 2-3 times per week: Small, appropriately-sized live insects such as crickets, locusts, or calci worms.

Adult Diet

• Daily: A bowl of fresh greens.

• Weekly: Medium-sized live insects like crickets, locusts, or roaches.

Always provide fresh water in a sturdy bowl. Mist the enclosure lightly as needed to maintain proper humidity levels.

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Health and Hygiene

Common Health Signs to Monitor

• Difficulty shedding or retained skin.

• Loss of appetite or abnormal behavior.

• Changes in stool consistency.

• Eye discoloration or difficulty opening eyes.

• Signs of egg-laying distress (in females).

Seek veterinary assistance if any of these issues occur.

Cleaning Routine

• Daily: Replace water and remove waste.

• Weekly: Disinfect the water bowl and spot-clean the substrate.

• Monthly: Replace the substrate and deep-clean the enclosure and decorations with reptile-safe disinfectant.

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Handling Tips

Bearded dragons are generally docile and tolerate gentle handling. Avoid over-handling, as it may stress the animal. Always wash your hands before and after handling your dragon or cleaning its enclosure.

Additional Information

• Female dragons may lay eggs, even without mating. Be prepared to provide care during this time.

• A varied diet is critical to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

• Deep substrates encourage natural digging behaviors, which can enrich your dragon’s environment.

By understanding and meeting these care requirements, you can ensure your bearded dragon leads a healthy and happy life!

 

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