Introduction

Origin

Bearded dragons are native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. There are eight species of bearded dragons, all of which are found in Australia. The most common species kept as pets is the central bearded dragon, Pogona vitticeps. These lizards have adapted to survive in harsh environments, where they can be found in woodlands, savannas, and deserts. They are well-suited to the hot, dry climates of Australia, and they are able to conserve water efficiently.

Appearance

These fascinating lizards boast a broad, triangular head, a flattened body, and a long, tapering tail. Their bodies are covered in rows of small, keeled scales, giving them a slightly armored appearance. Bearded dragons come in a variety of colors and patterns, ranging from earthy browns and yellows to vibrant reds and oranges. Selective breeding has also led to the development of various morphs with unique colorations and patterns, further adding to their allure. Adults typically reach 18-24 inches in length from snout to tail tip.

Pet Information

Bearded dragons were first brought to the United States in the 1990s, and they have quickly become popular pets. They are relatively easy to care for, and they have a docile temperament. Bearded dragons are also relatively long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 15 years. If you are considering getting a bearded dragon as a pet, it is important to do your research to make sure that you can provide them with the proper care. Bearded dragons require a spacious enclosure, a varied diet, and proper lighting and heating. They also need to be handled gently and regularly. With proper care, bearded dragons can make wonderful pets. They are intelligent, curious, and affectionate lizards that can bring years of enjoyment to their owners.

Behavior/Temperament

Bearded dragons are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are known for their calm and docile temperament, often tolerating handling well. However, like all animals, they have individual personalities, and some may be more skittish or defensive than others. These intelligent lizards exhibit a range of interesting behaviors. They are avid baskers, spending a considerable amount of time soaking up warmth and UVB rays from their basking spots. They also communicate with each other through a combination of head bobbing, arm waving, and beard displays. Arm waving, a slow circular motion of the arm, is thought to be a sign of submission or recognition. Head bobbing, on the other hand, is often used to establish dominance or attract a mate.

Habitat

Providing proper care for a bearded dragon involves creating an environment that closely mimics their natural habitat.

Enclosure

A spacious enclosure is essential to provide adequate space for appropriate mobility and temperature gradient for your bearded dragon. While many resources will state a minimum of 40 gallons for an adult, we highly recommend getting a minimum 120 gallon (48"L x 24"W x 24"H) tank for an adult to ensure the bearded dragon has ample space to move around and exercise comfortably. This will also decrease the risks of health problems due to cramped quarters. Baby bearded dragons may be kept in a smaller tank that is 40 gallons (36"L x 18"W x 18"H). However, this is only suitable for a short period of time as they will be fully grown in 12 to 18 months. The enclosure should have a secure lid to prevent escape and should be furnished with a basking spot, a cool side, and various climbing structures.

Substrate

Choosing the proper substrate depends on your experience and confidence level. If you are new to owning a bearded dragon we recommend using tile, non-adhesive shelving liner, or paper towels to begin with. These items are easy to clean and should not pose a risk of impaction if ingested by your dragon. If you are a more seasoned reptile owner, and your husbandry is on point, then loose substrates such as sand mixed with organic soil. This allows for a more natural burrowing behavior, but it is crucial to ensure that the dragon does not ingest it in large quantities.

NOTE: Never use calcium sand, crushed walnuts, or colored sand as these substrates have a much greater risk of causing an internal impaction.

Lighting/Heating

Bearded dragons require both UVB and UVA lighting, as well as a basking lamp to maintain proper temperatures. UVB light is crucial for calcium absorption and prevents metabolic bone disease. Maintaining adequate temperatures is important, and we recommend using a digital thermometer in the tank to keep track of heat and humidity.

Temperature Gradient: Maintaining a proper temperature gradient is essential. The basking spot should reach around 100-110°F, while the cool side should be around 75-85°F. This allows them to thermoregulate, moving between warm and cool areas as needed.

Humidity: The ideal humidity range for a bearded dragon is between 20% and 40%. You should aim to keep the humidity closer to the lower end of this range.

Basking Platform

Having a platform for your dragon to lay on while Basking is critical. Using slate will allow you to build up various heights to the source of the heat so that your Dragon may be able to adequately warm themselves.

NOTE: Hammocks are not a sufficient item to use for basking!! Your basking spot needs to be solid. Heat Rocks are also not good for dragons.

Basking Bulb

Providing adequate basking temperatures is vital to your new dragon. There are many factors that come into play to ensure this accomplished from the wattage of your heat bulb to the ambient room temperature and even the style of enclosure you choose. We recommend starting with a 125 watt Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp. The light fixture you use should have a dimmer in conjunction with your basking bulb.

Note: Keep an eye on your dragon if it is not basking. This could mean that your enclosure could be too hot or too cold if your dragon is constantly basking and never leaving its basking spot.

UVB Bulb

A linear fluorescent UVB and fixture are imperative pieces you need in your enclosure. Your UVB fixture should span half the length of your enclosure. We use and recommend Arcadia T-5 12% bulbs and fixtures.

NOTE: Only have the UVB cover half the enclosure. Coil UVB are not good and should never be used!

Cool Side

Having a cool side on the opposite end of your enclosure is also a requirement as it allows your dragon to be able to cool down and relax. We recommend a cave style cover or some other structure that will allow your dragon to be in the shade to cool off.

Light Schedule

Consistency in thermals for your dragon is key to ensure a long and healthy life. Ideally a routine of when the heat lights are turned on and off should be the same every day. Some owners will purchase a mechanical timer and set it for a 12 hour on/off light schedule.

Food & Nutrition

Diet

Bearded dragons are omnivores, consuming a mix of insects, vegetables, and fruits.

Adults eat 70-80% leafy greens (dandelion greens, collard greens, mustard greens), 20-30% vegetables (squash, sweet potatoes, carrots), and 2-5% fruit (melon). Young dragons require a higher proportion of insects and shoule eat 50-60% insects (crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms) and 40-50% leafy greens and vegetables.

Gut Loading

When preparing insects for your bearded dragon, it is important to "gut load" them with nutritious vegetables and fruits. This ensure the insects are packed with vitamins and minerals when your dragon consumes them.

Supplements

Dusting insects with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements is crucial, especially for young dragons, to prevent metabolic bone disease.

Hydration

Fresh water should always be available. Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and soaking.

Enrichment

Enrichment

Bearded dragons are intelligent and curious. Providing a variety of enrichment items like climbing stones, branches, and even dig boxes can stimulate their minds and prevent boredom.

Note: We do not recommend hammocks as there have been occurrences of the animals toes getting stuck which can result in it being torn off.

Behavior & Handling

Body Language

Understanding and learning to read your dragon's body language is essential. A puffed-out beard can indicate stress or defensiveness, while arm waving is often a sign of submission.

Gentle Handling: While generally docile, it's important to handle bearded dragons gently and support their body. Avoid sudden movements and always approach them from the front.

NOTE: Always wash your hands before and after handling your bearded dragon.

Lifespan & Health

Lifespan & Health

With proper care, bearded dragons can live for 10-15 years or even longer. Regular veterinary checkups are essential to ensure their health and well-being. Common health issues in bearded dragons include metabolic bone disease, parasites, and respiratory infections.

Monitor your bearded dragon for signs of illness, such as lethargy, appetite loss, or skin problems. Provide a clean and stress-free environment to help prevent health problems.

Exams & Health Routine

Regular fecal exams are important to check for parasites like pinworms or coccidia. These can be easily treated with medication if caught early.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) is a common and serious condition caused by calcium deficiency. Symptoms include lethargy, tremors, and bone deformities. Ensuring proper UVB lighting and calcium supplementation is crucial for prevention.

Additional Considerations

Brumation

Bearded dragons may go through a period of dormancy called brumation, typically during the colder months. They may eat less, become less active, and sleep more.

Socialization

Keeping more than one bearded dragon together is generally considered very difficult because they are naturally solitary and territorial creatures, making it highly likely they will fight and injure each other. Even if they are the same sex, most experts recommend keeping only one bearded dragon per enclosure.

Conclusion

Conclusion

Bearded dragons make fascinating and rewarding pets. Their gentle nature, intriguing behaviors, and relatively straightforward care requirements make them an excellent choice for reptile enthusiasts. However, it is crucial to research their needs thoroughly and commit to providing proper care before bringing one home. With proper care and attention, a bearded dragon can be a cherished companion for many years. By understanding these aspects of bearded dragon care in greater detail, you can provide your pet with a happy, healthy, and enriching life.