Bearded Dragons Guide for Beginners: Care Essentials
Along with leopard geckos, bearded dragons are among the easiest lizards to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Known for their robust nature, calm temperament, and distinctive personality, these lizards grow up to 55 to 60 centimetres and can live up to ten years. They are suitable companions for both older children and adults.
Bearded dragons are diurnal, active during the day and resting at night. They can be housed individually or in small all-female groups. However, sexing young dragons can be challenging until they mature. If you keep a male with females, be prepared for possible breeding and eggs.
Setting Up Suitable Housing and Equipment
Native to Australia’s hot, arid deserts, bearded dragons require carefully controlled housing conditions. Their vivarium should have regulated temperature and humidity to mimic their natural environment. Ultraviolet B (UVB) lighting is essential for 12 to 14 hours daily to help them synthesise vitamin D3 and absorb calcium, vital for preventing metabolic bone disease and deformities.
A minimum tank size of 90 centimetres is recommended for a single adult dragon, with larger tanks needed for pairs or groups. A basking area under a spotlight or heat lamp should reach about 95°F (around 35°C) to replicate natural sunlight, while the cooler areas should be about 75°F (24°C) to allow your dragon to thermoregulate effectively.
The vivarium should have a sand substrate, basking rocks, and shelters such as ornaments or plastic plants to provide hiding places and security. Proper ventilation is vital to prevent dampness and excessive humidity.
Essential equipment checklist:
- Vivarium tank with secure lid
- UVB and heat lamps with appropriate reflectors
- Thermometer to monitor temperatures
- Reptile-safe substrate such as sand
- Basking rocks and hiding places
- Food and water dishes
- Vitamin and calcium supplements
- Gut loading food for feeder insects
- Pet-safe disinfectant for tank maintenance
Feeding Your Bearded Dragon: Balanced Diet Guidance
Bearded dragons are omnivores with unique dietary needs. Juveniles require a protein-rich diet predominantly composed of insects, while adults need increased vegetables and fruits alongside insects.
Vegetables suitable for daily feeding include escarole, kale, parsley, dandelion leaves, broccoli, peas, and carrots. Fruits such as kiwi, melon, papaya, apples, and bananas serve as occasional treats but should be limited due to sugar content.
Live insects like crickets, mealworms, and locusts should be healthy and gut-loaded (fed nutritious food) before feeding to your dragon. Feed adults insects every other day and provide a variety of vegetables daily. For juveniles, daily insect feeding is important to support growth.
Health and Care Tips for Long-Term Wellbeing
Generally hardy, bearded dragons benefit greatly from clean, well-maintained environments. Regular cleaning of the vivarium, removing droppings, and monthly substrate changes help maintain good health. Avoid changing the enclosure too frequently, as dragons prefer stable environments.
Shedding occurs gradually in patches and dull, patchy skin is a normal sign of this process. Patience during shedding ensures your dragon replaces its skin healthily.
Handling Bearded Dragons with Confidence
Regular, gentle handling from a young age can make your bearded dragon comfortable and sociable. Support their body securely and avoid sudden movements to reduce stress. While they seldom bite, nervous dragons may scratch when trying to escape; always handle with care.
Salmonella Awareness and Hygiene
Bearded dragons, like most reptiles, commonly carry salmonella bacteria. It is recommended that young children, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems avoid handling. Always wash hands thoroughly after touching your dragon or equipment and keep the vivarium clean to minimise risk.
