Bearded Dragon
(Pogona vitticeps)

Bearded dragons are a medium sized lizard from Australia with a large triangular shaped bead, flattened body and a tail measuring half the length of the bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are gray, brown or reddish brown color with small spiny scales covering the body with longer scales from the back of the head. When threatened a bearded dragon will puff out its throat resembling a spiky beard.

Difficulty

NOVICE to MODERATE: Because of their excellent temperment and moderate size, bearded dragons can make a good beginner pet. They do require specialized lighting however.

Requirements

An enclosure, such as:

• Glass or acrylic aquarium (20 gallons to 50 gallons or larger, depending on the size and number of bearded dragons kept) with a secure lid with clamps

Substrate, such as:

• Newspaper
• Sand
• Indoor/Outdoor carpeting

A heating element, such as:

• UV producing bulb
• Incandescent heat bulb
• Ceramic infrared heat emitters

Enclosure

Hatchling bearded dragons can be kept in a 20-gallon aquarium for a few months. Adult bearded dragons will need a 50-gallon aquarium or larger sized cage if more than one bearded dragon is kept in the enclosure. Branches and rocks are needed for climbing and to provide basking areas. A secured screen top is needed for ventilation. Do not house two adult male bearded dragons together as they are territorial and will fight for space in the enclosure.

Substrate

The substrate or bedding that you use is one of the most important parts of your bearded dragon's home, since your bearded dragon will be spending much of its time on it. Silicate free play sand can be used for adult bearded dragons, but should be avoided for hatchlings to avoid and impaction of the digestive tract due to accidental ingestion of the sand. Indoor/Outdoor carpeting can also be used as an effective substrate for your bearded dragon. Be sure to have at least two identical pieces so that you can simply place the clean piece of carpeting in the enclosure while you rinse and disenfect the soiled piece. You can then allow the newly cleaned piece of carpeting to dry for the next days use. It's important to note that you should completely rinse the carpet after cleaning it to be sure there is no residual chemicals remaining on the carpet that could irritate your bearded dragon. Other substrates such as newspaper or paper towels can also be used. If using naturalistic substrates be sure to clean it often to prevent mold and bacteria growth.

Heating and Light

Bearded dragons should have daytime temperatures of 80°F to 85°F with a 95°F to 105°F basking area under a spotlight. Nightime temperatures should be 70°F to 75°F. Bearded dragons require UV light for proper metabolic and bone development. This can be provided with fluorecent bulbs or mercury vapor spot lights which also provide heat. A spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures. We do not recommend the use of any kind of heat rocks as they can often lead to burns on your bearded dragon.

Diet

Bearded Dragons are omnivores and they need both animal and plant material in their diet. Crickets, locusts, cockroaches, mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, butterworms, red worms, earthworms, superworms with an occasional pinky will all be relished by your bearded dragon. You should use caution NOT to feed fireflys as they are toxic to Bearded Dragons. Vegetables that you can offer your bearded dragon include greens (turnip, kale, romaine, dandelion, endive, escarole, mustard, and collard), green beans, squash, peas, sweet potato, chicory, watercress, red bell pepper, and cilantro. Fruits can be limited to once or twice a week since too much can cause your bearded dragon to have diarrhea. Fruits that can be given are blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cantaloupe, mango, kiwi, and grapes. You can also try some of the comercially prepared diets for bearded dragons. Fresh water should always be provided. Some bearded dragons like to be misted and lap up the water that way. Powdered vitamin/mineral supplement may be offered once or twice a week.