Bearded Dragon Care Guide

Bearded dragons are among the most popular reptile pets, known for their docile nature, expressive personalities, and relatively interactive behavior. Native to Australia, these omnivorous lizards require specific environmental conditions but can make rewarding companions for dedicated keepers.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about pet care and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with a qualified reptile veterinarian for specific health concerns or medical guidance. Check local and state laws regarding bearded dragon ownership as regulations vary by location.

About Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons (Pogona species) are medium to large lizards native to Australia’s arid regions. The most common pet species is the Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps), which adapts well to captivity and displays engaging behaviors.

Key Characteristics

• Size: 16-24 inches total length including tail
• Lifespan: 10-15 years with proper care
• Activity: Diurnal (active during the day)
• Behavior: Generally docile, often interactive with owners
• Communication: Head bobbing, arm waving, beard darkening
• Thermoregulation: Require temperature gradients for proper health

Natural Behaviors

Basking behavior:

• Heat seeking: Active pursuit of warm areas
• UVB requirement: Essential for calcium metabolism
• Positioning: Specific body positioning for optimal heat absorption
• Daily routine: Predictable basking patterns

Communication:

• Head bobbing: Dominance, territorial, or greeting behaviors
• Arm waving: Submissive or acknowledgment gesture
• Beard darkening: Stress, territorial, or excitement response
• Glass surfing: Attempting to escape or explore beyond enclosure

Housing Requirements

Enclosure Specifications

Size requirements:

• Adults: 75-gallon tank minimum (48”x18”x20”)
• Larger preferred: 120+ gallon tanks provide better space
• Juveniles: 40-gallon minimum, upgrade as they grow
• Floor space: Length and width more important than height

Essential features:

• Secure lid: Ventilated top with secure latching
• Multiple thermometers: Monitor temperature gradient
• Proper ventilation: Fresh air circulation without drafts
• Easy access: Front-opening terrariums preferred

Substrate and Safety

Safe substrate options:

• Ceramic tile: Easy cleaning, excellent heat retention
• Newspaper: Safe, economical, easy replacement
• Reptile carpet: Reusable, provides good grip
• Paper towels: Safe for juveniles and quarantine

Substrates to avoid: ❌ Never use:

• Sand (impaction risk)
• Wood chips or shavings
• Corn cob bedding
• Small gravel or pebbles

Temperature and Lighting

Temperature gradient (essential):

• Basking spot: 100-110°F surface temperature
• Warm side: 95-100°F ambient temperature
• Cool side: 80-85°F ambient temperature
• Nighttime: 70-75°F (can drop to 65°F)

UVB lighting (absolutely critical):

• UVB strength: 10.0-12.0 UVB fluorescent bulbs
• Placement: 12-18 inches from basking spot
• Duration: 12-14 hours daily with timer control
• Replacement: Every 6-12 months regardless of appearance

Feeding and Nutrition

Age-Appropriate Diets

Juvenile bearded dragons (under 12 months):

• Insect ratio: 80% insects, 20% vegetables
• Feeding frequency: 2-3 times daily
• Portion size: As many insects as they can eat in 10-15 minutes
• Growth support: Higher protein needs for development

Adult bearded dragons (over 12 months):

• Vegetable ratio: 80% vegetables, 20% insects
• Feeding frequency: Daily vegetables, insects every other day
• Portion control: Prevent obesity with measured portions
• Maintenance diet: Focus on leafy greens and appropriate vegetables

Appropriate Foods

Staple insects:

• Dubia roaches: Excellent nutritional value
• Crickets: Readily available, good nutrition
• Black soldier fly larvae: High calcium content
• Size rule: No larger than space between dragon’s eyes

Daily vegetables:

• Collard greens: High calcium, excellent staple
• Mustard greens: Good nutrition, variety
• Dandelion greens: Natural food, high nutrition
• Squash varieties: Beta carotene, good variety

Occasional treats:

• Berries: Small amounts, high antioxidants
• Melon: Hydrating, moderate sugar
• Bell peppers: Vitamin C, colorful variety
• Limit: Fruits should be less than 10% of diet

Supplementation

Essential supplements:

• Calcium powder: Daily for juveniles, 3x/week for adults
• Multivitamin: Weekly application to food
• Vitamin D3: 1-2 times weekly if UVB is adequate
• Application: Light dusting of food before serving

Health Management

Common Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease:

• Prevention: Proper UVB lighting and calcium supplementation
• Early signs: Tremors, weakness, soft jaw
• Treatment: Immediate veterinary care, improved husbandry
• Irreversible: Advanced cases cause permanent damage

Impaction:

• Causes: Inappropriate substrate, oversized food
• Symptoms: Loss of appetite, inability to defecate
• Treatment: Veterinary intervention required
• Prevention: Proper substrate and food sizing

Brumation (natural dormancy):

• Timing: Often fall/winter months
• Duration: 2-4 months of reduced activity
• Management: Reduce lighting, monitor weight
• Veterinary consultation: Ensure it’s brumation, not illness

Preventive Care

Regular health monitoring:

• Weight tracking: Weekly weight checks
• Behavior observation: Note changes in activity
• Appetite monitoring: Track feeding responses
• Bathroom habits: Monitor defecation patterns

Annual veterinary care:

• Health examinations: Complete physical exams
• Fecal testing: Parasite screening
• Blood work: Nutritional and organ function assessment
• Dental evaluation: Check for mouth problems

Handling and Interaction

Safe Handling Practices

Approach technique:

• Side approach: Avoid coming from above
• Slow movements: Prevent startling or stress
• Support body: Both chest and hindquarters
• Confident handling: Nervous handling increases stress

Building trust:

• Regular interaction: Daily gentle contact
• Positive experiences: Associate handling with good things
• Respect signals: Learn when dragon wants to be left alone
• Gradual progress: Increase handling time slowly

Understanding Behavior

Normal behaviors:

• Basking: Extended periods under heat lamp
• Exploration: Active investigation of environment
• Feeding response: Eager eating of appropriate foods
• Interaction: Recognition of and response to owner

Stress indicators:

• Dark beard: Black coloration indicates stress or excitement
• Glass surfing: Repeatedly trying to climb glass walls
• Hiding: Excessive hiding or reluctance to come out
• Appetite loss: Sudden decrease in eating

Long-term Care Commitment

Daily Care Requirements

Essential daily tasks:

• Lighting management: Proper UVB and heating schedules
• Temperature monitoring: Check all temperature zones
• Feeding: Age-appropriate diet provision
• Water: Fresh water availability
• Behavior observation: Monitor for health changes

Equipment Maintenance

Regular maintenance:

• UVB bulb replacement: Every 6-12 months
• Thermometer calibration: Ensure accurate readings
• Cleaning schedules: Daily spot cleaning, weekly deep cleaning
• Equipment inspection: Check for wear or malfunction

Emergency preparedness:

• Backup heating: Power outage preparation
• Emergency veterinary contact: Know exotic animal vets (see our small pet veterinary care guide)
• First aid supplies: Basic reptile emergency kit
• Temperature monitoring: Multiple thermometers for redundancy

Related Care Resources

For comprehensive bearded dragon care, explore these additional resources:

• Reptile Lighting and UVB Guide - Essential UVB requirements for healthy dragons
• Pet Emergency Preparedness - Planning for reptile emergencies
• Enrichment Activities - Keeping your dragon mentally stimulated

Related Reptile Species:

• Leopard Geckos - Another beginner-friendly reptile option
• Blue-Tongue Skinks - Similar care requirements to bearded dragons
• Ball Pythons - For those interested in reptiles without UVB needs

Remember: Bearded dragons make excellent pets for dedicated keepers who can provide proper environmental conditions. Their success in captivity depends entirely on meeting their specific needs for UVB lighting, temperature gradients, and appropriate nutrition. While often recommended for beginners, they require significant daily attention and proper equipment investment. With proper care, they can live 10-15 years and become genuinely interactive companion animals.