Bearded dragons are becoming very popular reptiles, and it’s easy to see why - they have distinct appearance, vibrant personalities, and are relatively easy to care for. However, they do have specific care requirements like any reptile.
I’ve been taking care of reptile for many years, and my past care guide for Leopard Geckos shows that. I’ve also had bearded dragons for a while, so I want to share some essential care tips if you’re thinking about adopting one. In this guide, you will learn everything about the basics of their care, how to set up their enclosure, what they should eat, and some frequently asked questions. Without further ado, let’s get started!
Bearded Dragon Basics
Bearded dragons get their name from the spiky skin folds around their necks, and both males and females have whiskers. Scientifically known as Pogona vitticeps, these lizards hail from the dry desert areas of Australia. Typically, they can grow up to 24 inches long and have an average lifespan of 10 years.
These reptiles are known for their friendly nature and often form strong bonds with their owners, which is pretty unique for reptiles, making them great pets for beginners. Bearded dragons enjoy soaking up the sun, climbing branches, and hunting for insects in woodlands, so setting up a suitable habitat is crucial for their health.
Are Bearded Dragons Easy to Take Care of?
In my experience, bearded dragons are relatively easy to care for. They have basic needs that, once understood, can be met with routine and consistency. However, saying they are completely low-maintenance would be misleading. Like any pet, they require attention, proper care and a commitment to their well-being.
How to Take Care of a Bearded Dragon?
There are several key factors involved in caring for a bearded dragon: their enclosure, habitat conditions, diet, and regular handling.
Enclosure
The first thing you need is a properly sized enclosure for your beard dragon. These guys can grow to be 18-24 inches long, so you’ll need a terrarium that’s at least 40 gallons (151 liters). And as they get bigger, they might require even more space. It’s important that the cage should have more horizontal space than vertical space. Also, since bearded dragon are curious and will look for ways to escape, make sure to get one with a tight-fitting lid.
When it comes to substrate, there are several options. I prefer to use reptile carpet or ceramic tiles, which are easy to clean. If you choose to use newspaper or brown paper, you’ll need to change it every day. Avoid sandy substrates, especially for baby bearded dragons, as they might ingest the particles and cause intestinal blockages.
Habitat Conditions
Bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles, which means they rely on their surroundings to regulate their body temperature. To help them maintain their internal heat, you need to set up a temperature gradient in their habitat, with the warm side ranging from 95 to 105℉ and the cooler side around 85℉. You should also place a large natural rock on the hot side for them to bask on. At night, make sure to turn off the lights. The ideal nighttime temperature for them is 70 to 75°F. For optimal growth, consider using a temperature controller to keep the conditions stable.
Maintaining the right humidity is also crucial, ideally around 30-40%, to avoid skin and respiratory issues. A humidity controller can automatically keep humidity levels consistent. Otherwise, you’ll need to use a hygrometer to monitor the enclosure humidity, ventilate when humidity is too high and mist it when it’s too low.
Additionally, proper lighting is essential for bearded dragon’s health. The UVA from sunlight is vital for their color vision and allows them to process calcium and vitamin D properly. However, UVB rays can’t penetrate glass, so install a UVB lamp in the enclosure about a foot away from your dragon to prevent burns. Set the UVB bulb to mimic a 12-hour day and night cycle, turning it on for 12 hours during the day and off at night.
Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivores, so they eat both plants and insects. In the early stages of life, they prefer protein, and it’s recommended to feed them store-bought insects like crickets, Dubia roaches, Manduca sexta, elderworms, and mealworms. As they mature, the focus should shift to more vegetables such as dandelions, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, carrots, kale, squash, and bell peppers. You can also feed your pet small amounts of fruits like strawberries, grapes, tomatoes, and figs. To keep their diet balanced, sprinkle calcium and vitamin D3 powder on the adult lizard’s food two to three times a week.
Just remember, there are some foods they should avoid:
- Avocado
- Spinach
- Iceberg lettuce
- Fireflies
- Wild-caught insects
- Rhubarb
Regular Handling
Bearded dragons can be very territorial and might fight over space, so it’s usually better to keep them alone. However, they enjoy being petted, especially when you stroke them along the direction of their scales. Some of them like belly rubs, while others prefer a gentle head scratch. Regular petting helps them get comfortable with you. If your dragon pulls away or seems like it might bite when you try to pick it up, it’s best to give it some space and try again next time.
What’s more, it’s easier to check its health when you handle them. If you spot any issues like constipation, diarrhea, weight loss, breathing problems, limping, discoloration, or lesions, take them to the vet right away.
FAQs
How long do bearded dragons live?
With proper care, bearded dragons can live around 8 to 10 years, and some may even exceed that.
How big do bearded dragons get?
Mature bearded dragons can grow up to 24 inches, 60 cm or two feet, with males typically being larger than females.
Do bearded dragons bite?
I have had bearded dragons for quite a few years and I've never been bitten. It's pretty rare for them to bite, but they might do so if they feel scared or threatened. While their bites aren't very painful, their saliva can cause some itching afterward. It is best to keep small lizards away from kids to prevent any accidents.
What can bearded dragons eat?
As mentioned above, bearded dragons are omnivores, so they much on both plants and animals. You can even feed them a bit of fruit like grapes and strawberries. But be aware that they cannot eat the following foods:
- Avocado
- Spinach
- Iceberg lettuce
- Fireflies
- Wild-caught insects
- Rhubarb
