Bearded Dragon Care Guide

• Lifespan: 10–15 Years • Adult Size: 18–24 Inches

Quick Facts

Category	Information
Scientific Name	Pogona vitticeps
Difficulty	⭐
Adult Size	18–24 inches
Lifespan	10–15 years
Activity	Diurnal (Active During the Day)
Diet	Omnivore (Insects & Vegetables)
Temperament	Curious, Calm, and Social

Recommended Enclosure

Feature	Recommendation
Minimum Size	4' × 2' × 2' (120 gallons)
Material	Front-opening PVC or Glass
Ventilation	Good airflow
Hides	At least one on the cool side
Climbing	Branches, rocks, and elevated basking areas
Water Bowl	Small, shallow dish with fresh water

Temperature

Area	Temperature
Basking Surface	100–105°F (Adults)
Juvenile Basking Surface	105–110°F
Warm Side	88–95°F
Cool Side	75–82°F
Night	65–75°F

💡 Always use a thermostat to regulate heat sources and measure temperatures with digital thermometers or an infrared temperature gun. Never use heat rocks.

Humidity

Maintain 30–40% humidity.

Good substrates include:

Textured ceramic or slate tile
Paper towels (for juveniles or quarantine)
Bioactive arid substrate (when properly maintained)

Avoid overly damp substrates that can increase humidity.

Lighting

Proper UVB lighting is essential for healthy bone development and calcium metabolism.

Recommended setup:

Arcadia 12%-14% linear UVB light.
UVB should cover approximately two-thirds of the enclosure
Replace UVB bulbs according to the manufacturer's recommendations (typically every 12 months)
Provide a 12–14 hour daylight cycle

Feeding

Juveniles (0–12 Months)

Insects: Daily
Fresh greens: Available daily

Adults (12+ Months)

Insects: 2–3 times per week
Fresh vegetables and leafy greens: Daily

Appropriate feeders include:

Dubia or Discoid roaches (most nutritionally dense)
Crickets
Black soldier fly larvae
Silkworms
Superworms
Hornworms (occasional treat)

Recommended vegetables:

Collard greens
Mustard greens
Turnip greens
Dandelion greens
Squash
Bell peppers (occasionally)

Avoid:

Iceberg lettuce
Avocado
Fireflies
Rhubarb
Kale
Spinach

Dust feeder insects with calcium and vitamin supplements according to age and veterinary recommendations.

Water

Fresh, clean water should always be available.

Many Bearded Dragons also benefit from occasional misting of vegetables or supervised soaking if needed for hydration.

Enclosure Essentials

✅ UVB Lighting

✅ Basking Lamp

✅ Thermostat

✅ Digital Thermometers

✅ Infrared Temperature Gun

✅ Hide

✅ Climbing Branches

✅ Rocks or Basking Platform

✅ Food Dish

✅ Water Bowl

Safe Substrates

✔ Slate Tile

✔ Ceramic Tile

✔ Paper Towels (Temporary)

✔ Bioactive Arid Mix

Avoid These

❌ Calcium Sand

❌ Walnut Shell

❌ Cedar

❌ Pine

❌ Heat Rocks

Common Health Problems

Watch for:

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) (not getting enough calcium or UVB
Respiratory infections
Parasites
Dehydration
Mouth rot
Impaction (from improper substrates or oversized food)

If your dragon shows signs of lethargy, swelling, weakness, poor appetite, or difficulty moving, contact an experienced reptile veterinarian promptly.

Handling

Bearded Dragons are generally gentle and enjoy calm interaction.

Support the entire body when handling.
Handle for short sessions at first.
Avoid handling immediately after meals.
Wash your hands before and after handling.

Indigo Pro Tips ⭐

UVB lighting is just as important as heat.
Replace UVB bulbs on schedule, even if they still produce visible light.
Feed a varied diet instead of relying on one insect species.
Offer fresh greens every day.
Check basking surface temperatures with an infrared thermometer for accuracy.
Remove uneaten insects after feeding sessions.
UVB does not go through glass. Your beardie is not getting UVB just by being by a window.

Products We Recommend

LINKS COMING SOON...

4' × 2' × 2' Enclosure
Arcadia 12%-14% linear Fixture & Bulb
Basking Heat Lamp
Thermostat
Infrared Temperature Gun
Digital Thermometer & Hygrometer
Slate Basking Rock
Dubia or Discoid Roaches
Calcium Powder
Vitamin Supplement

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Bearded Dragons need UVB lighting?

Yes. UVB lighting is essential for proper calcium absorption and helps prevent metabolic bone disease.

Can they eat fruit?

Fruit can be offered occasionally as a treat but should make up only a small portion of the diet due to its sugar content.

How often do they shed?

Juveniles shed frequently as they grow, while adults usually shed several times per year.

Care Summary

Requirement	Value
Difficulty	⭐
Adult Size	18–24 inches
Lifespan	10–15 years
Enclosure	4' × 2' × 2' Minimum
Temperature	75–110°F (depending on zone)
Humidity	30–40%
Diet	Insects & Vegetables
UVB	Required

FURTHER READING

Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles that make wonderful pets, but they require specific care to thrive. If you're a proud owner or considering bringing one into your home, understanding their needs is essential for their health and happiness. Here’s a friendly guide to help you navigate the world of bearded dragon care.

Habitat Setup
Creating a comfortable habitat is the first step in ensuring your bearded dragon feels at home. A spacious terrarium is ideal, with a minimum size of 60 gallons for adults. Make sure to include a basking area with a heat lamp to provide warmth, as bearded dragons are ectothermic and rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. The basking spot should be around 100-110°F, while the cooler side of the tank should be around 75-85°F.

Lighting
Proper lighting is crucial for your bearded dragon's health. They need UVB lighting to synthesize vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption. A UVB bulb should be placed in the terrarium and replaced every six months, as its effectiveness diminishes over time. Ensure that your bearded dragon has access to both light and shade within their habitat.

Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they enjoy a varied diet. To provide nutrients needed, feed fresh vegetables DAILY, (no kale or spinach, this will inhibit calcium absorption.) Leafy greens like collard greens and dandelion greens are excellent choices. A mix of live feeder insects, such as crickets, discoid roaches, superworms, wax worms, hornworms, silkworms. etc. should be given 3x a week. Remember to dust their food with calcium and vitamin supplements regularly to prevent deficiencies.

Hydration

Hydration is just as important as diet. Provide a decent size water bowl for them to soak for drink as needed. Keep water bowl on the shaded side of the enclosure. If you feel your bearded dragon isn't drinking from the bowl, misting their vegetables and providing a shallow dish of water can encourage them to hydrate. Additionally, soaking your bearded dragon in lukewarm water for about 15-20 minutes once a week, can help with hydration and shedding. If you do notice your bearded dragon drinking water, please wait until they are completely finished swallowing water before attempting to pick up the bearded dragon, as picking them up while they have water in their throats can cause them to inhale water, leading to drowning or phneumonia.

Handling and Socialization
Bearded dragons are known for their friendly and docile nature. Regular handling can help them become accustomed to human interaction. Start slowly, allowing your pet to get used to your presence before picking them up. Always support their body and avoid sudden movements to keep them calm and comfortable. They are very smart creatures, and can eventually be potty trained!

Health Monitoring
Keep an eye on your bearded dragon's health by monitoring their behavior, appetite, and appearance. Signs of illness can include lethargy, lack of appetite, or abnormal feces. If you notice any concerning symptoms, don’t hesitate to consult a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.

By following these guidelines, you can create a nurturing environment for your bearded dragon, ensuring they lead a happy and healthy life. Remember, every dragon is unique, so take the time to learn about your pet’s individual needs and preferences. Happy caring!

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