Bearded Dragon Care Sheet

February 9, 2024 | View: 32

Bearded Dragons are among some of the most popular reptiles in the reptile keeping hobby. Their interesting behaviours and docile nature make them an excellent pet for any first time reptile hobbyists. Many different colours and patterns are becoming available making the Bearded Dragon a great choice for any level reptile keeper.

Common Name: Bearded Dragon
Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps
Origin: Australia
Size: 35 to 45cm
Life Span: 5-15 years

Habitat

Juvenile Bearded Dragons need a minimum floor space of 60cm x 45cm however bare in mind your dragon will grow very quickly so bigger is better! Adult Bearded Dragons require a floor space of 120cm x 60cm with adequate height for climbing.

Provide plenty of hiding and basking places. Thick Branches and Rocks make excellent choices for climbing and basking. Speak to your local Reptile or Pet store about some of the natural and “nature” like products on offer from Exo Terra and Zoomed.

Heating

Daytime Terrarium Temperature:28 to 31 Degrees

Basking Spot: 35 to 40 Degrees

Night time Temperature: 21 to 27 Degrees

A night time drop in temperature is natural and can be accomplished by turning off all overhead heating devices. If ambient temperatures are low leaving on a under tank heater (UTH) or basking rock on 24 hours a day can be beneficial.

It is also important your basking source is placed in a position that encourages your dragon to be close to your UVB source.

Lighting

Ultra Violet B lighting, (UVB) and heat are essential for Bearded Dragons to process calcium in captivity.

Without UVB lighting Bearded Dragons will develop serious health problems such as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD).

UVB lighting should be left on for 10-12 hours per day and turned off at night. Zoo Med and Exo Terra provide a number of quality choices to provide Bearded Dragons with UVB that is of the correct strength and will provide the required output over an extended period. UVB light sources should be replaced every 8-12 months depending on quality.

Bearded Dragons require a high levels of UVB from the UVB source provided, further discussion should be made with your local Reptile Shop or Pet Shop owner to learn more on this important factor in keeping Bearded Dragons as a pet.

Substrates

Bearded Dragons live in arid, sandy places in the wild and will do well on a variety of sand-type substrates in captivity. Some keepers prefer a 'non sand' substrate in which case reptile specific cage carpet or paper can be used. Whatever the choice it is important it is cleaned or replaced on a regular basis.

Hatchling Bearded Dragons will do best on Cage Carpet. There are a number of great Exo Terra and Zoo Med Substrates available for Bearded Dragons.

Nutrition

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous reptiles that change their diet throughout their lives.

Juveniles will need to be fed small size crickets daily along with other small insects such as mealworms or roaches.

Exo Terra offers a variety of canned insects and pelletised diets that will make offering a varied diet convenient.

Dandelion Greens, Romaine lettuce, Sweet Potato and other veggies can be offered 1-2 times per week. There are a wide variety of 'veggies' available however not all are 'dragon friendly' - consulting a reptile specific store or using one of the many on-line 'beardy nutritional guides' is recommended.

Always remove uneaten food after each feeding.