🦎 Bearded Dragon Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know About These Friendly Reptiles
Bearded Dragons are among the most popular reptile pets in the world — and for good reason! With their calm nature, fascinating behaviors, and easy-to-handle size, they make excellent companions for both beginner and experienced reptile keepers.
If you’re considering adopting a Bearded Dragon (or already have one), this guide covers everything you need to know — from their habitat setup and diet to handling, health, and enrichment.
🌍 What Is a Bearded Dragon?
Bearded Dragons (genus Pogona) are medium-sized lizards native to the dry, rocky regions of Australia. They earned their name from the “beard” under their throat, which can puff up and darken when they feel threatened or want to display dominance.
Most pet Bearded Dragons are Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps), known for their docile personality and adaptability in captivity.
🏡 Setting Up the Perfect Habitat
Bearded Dragons need a well-designed enclosure that mimics their natural desert environment.
Enclosure Size
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Juveniles: 20–40 gallon tank
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Adults: At least 75–120 gallon tank (bigger is always better)
Substrate (Floor Material)
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Safe options: Reptile carpet, newspaper, tile
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Avoid: Loose sand or gravel (can cause impaction if swallowed)
Heating & Lighting
Bearded Dragons are ectothermic (cold-blooded), meaning they rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature.
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Basking spot: 38–42°C (100–108°F)
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Cool side: 24–29°C (75–85°F)
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Nighttime: Should not drop below 18°C (65°F)
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UVB lighting: Essential for calcium absorption and bone health (12–14 hours per day)
Décor & Enrichment
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Branches, rocks, and hides for climbing and resting
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Hammocks or platforms for basking
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A shallow water dish for hydration and soaking
🥗 Bearded Dragon Diet
Bearded Dragons are omnivores, eating a mix of insects, greens, and vegetables. Their diet changes as they age.
For Juveniles (Under 1 Year)
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Insects (70%): Crickets, dubia roaches, small mealworms (gut-loaded and dusted with calcium)
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Veggies (30%): Collard greens, mustard greens, squash
For Adults (1 Year and Older)
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Veggies (70%): Kale, collards, bell peppers, carrots, dandelion greens
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Insects (30%): Dubia roaches, hornworms, occasional crickets
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Fruits (Occasional Treats): Blueberries, strawberries, mango, apple
⚠️ Avoid feeding: Fireflies, avocado, spinach, and iceberg lettuce — these can be toxic or provide little nutrition.
💧 Water & Hydration
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Mist vegetables lightly to provide extra water
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Offer a shallow water dish
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Some Bearded Dragons enjoy gentle misting or short lukewarm baths
👐 Handling & Bonding
One reason Bearded Dragons are so loved is their tame and friendly nature.
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Start handling them slowly and gently
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Always support their body, especially under the belly
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Avoid sudden movements or grabbing from above (predator instinct)
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With patience, they become very comfortable being held — some even enjoy sitting on shoulders!
🩺 Common Health Problems
Like all pets, Bearded Dragons can develop health issues if not cared for properly.
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Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) → From lack of UVB lighting or calcium deficiency
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Impaction → Caused by swallowing loose substrate or oversized food
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Respiratory Infections → From improper humidity or low temperatures
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Parasites → From contaminated food or dirty enclosures
👉 Regular vet checkups with a reptile specialist are highly recommended.
🧼 Cleaning & Maintenance
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Daily: Remove uneaten food and spot-clean waste
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Weekly: Clean water dish, wipe surfaces
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Monthly: Deep clean enclosure with reptile-safe disinfectant
🎉 Why Bearded Dragons Make Great Pets
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Docile, friendly, and easy to handle
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Active during the day (diurnal) — perfect for observing
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Manageable size (40–60 cm fully grown)
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Long lifespan (10–15 years with proper care)
Bearded Dragons are the perfect mix of low-maintenance yet interactive pets, making them great companions for families and reptile lovers alike.
✅ Final Thoughts
Bearded Dragons are more than just reptiles — they’re fascinating little personalities that can truly bond with their owners. With the right habitat, diet, and attention, your Bearded Dragon will thrive and bring joy for many years.
If you’re ready to dive into the world of reptile keeping, a Bearded Dragon might just be the smartest pet choice you’ll ever make! 🦎💚
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