Bearded Dragons are among some of the most popular reptiles in the reptile keeping hobby. Their interesting behaviours and docile nature make them an excellent pet for any first time reptile hobbyists. Many different colours and patterns are becoming available making the Bearded Dragon a great choice for any level reptile keeper. This species originates from Australia, typically reaching a size of 30 to 50 cm. They reach sexual maturity between 8 to 12 months of age and have a life span ranging up to 15 years.
Habitat
Adult Bearded Dragons require a minimum floor space of 120cm x 60cm with adequate height for climbing and with high and low ventilation louvres for airflow to lower humidity levels. Provide plenty of hiding and basking places. Thick Branches make excellent choices for climbing and rocks for basking as they can hold temperatures longer. A Cave hide should be provided at the cool side of your tank for dragons at all times and during brumation.
Heating
In a 120cm x 60cm enclosure, a single Heat Lamp is required. This heat lamp will provide a basking spot for your dragon and also keep the ambient temperatures in the enclosure at the recommended temperatures.
Daytime Terrarium Temperatures should range between 27 to 30 Degrees on the hot side & 22 to 26 Degrees on the cool side. This can be measured via a dual or 2 x single digital thermometers. With a Basking Spot Temperature range of 39 to 42 Degrees measured via an infrared thermometer pointed at the basking rocks surface. It is also important your basking source is placed in a position that encourages your dragon to be close to your UVB source & should be between 20-30cm away from the top of the basking rock if possible. No light should be on at night for your dragon.
Night time Temperatures should range anywhere between 12 Degrees to 24 Degrees depending on the season. These low ranges can be completely fine for a healthy grown bearded dragon, but younger smaller dragons and sick dragons should be kept warmer at night as determined by a veterinary professional. If night temps do run too cold (below 10*) a Ceramic Heat Emitter can be used to keep temperature higher and not produce light for proper circadian rhythm.
Control of the heating can be controlled simply by a dual dimming thermostat, which will allow you to set your desired ambient daytime and night time temperatures, which will automatically run the globe as needed.
UVB Lighting
Ultra Violet B lighting, (UVB) and heat are essential for Bearded Dragons to process calcium in captivity. Without UVB lighting Bearded Dragons will develop serious health problems such as Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). UVB lighting should be left on for 12 hours per day and turned off at night. UVB light sources should be replaced every 6-12 months depending on the manufacturer’s instructions. UVB Tubes should cover half of the enclosure and be positioned near the heat globe to promote the dragon to bask beneath & always follow manufacturer’s directions in terms of height positioning for correct UVB ranges.
Substrate
Bearded Dragons live in arid, sandy places in the wild and will do well on a variety of sand-type substrates in captivity. Desert Sand should be spot cleaned daily, kept free from water and completely swapped out once every 2-3 months. Impaction can occur if substrates are unclean, always wet or are larger substrates that can’t be digested causing major health risks.
Nutrition
Bearded Dragons are omnivorous reptiles that change their diet throughout their lives. Juveniles will need to be fed approximately 80% insect protein and 20% veggies & salads when they are young before transitioning to approximately 20% insect protein and 80% veggies & salads once they are adult. It is also recommended to keep a bowl of water in the enclosure which is changed daily for hydration.
Insects should also be lightly dusted before feeding with a calcium supplement to promote optimal health. A suitable list of insects to feed once to twice a day are: Crickets, Woodies, BSFL and occasionally Mealworms.
Fresh salads should also be available in a feeding bowl for the dragons to eat as they please daily. There is no need to dust salads & veggies with calcium supplements. A suitable list of salads & veggies include: Rocket, Alfalfa Sprouts, Dandelion Leaves & Flower Head (Organic), Endive, Radicchio, Squash, Chinese Cabbage, Watercress, Bok Choy, Choy Sum, Parsnip, Turnip, Snap Peas, Carrot, Carrot Tops, Sweet Potato, Pumpkin, Okra plus more. Please be aware there are certain fruits and salads that can be toxic to dragons so always do your research first.
When feeding your dragon, please feed within the hour window. This means never feed within 1 hour from when the lights turn on and before they turn off. Your Bearded Dragon needs light to process food and can become sick if food is not digested efficiently.
NOTES:
- Please refrain from using Red Lights on Bearded Dragons due to damage to their third eyes.
- Please refrain from using underbelly heat sources as they cannot regulate temperatures this way.
- Please refrain from using Coil UV bulbs and only use T5 UV globes for UV Sources.
- Outdoor Enclosures can be a great natural environment for you little friend.
- Always remember to wash and sanitise your hands before and after handling your Beardy and clean the enclosure out weekly with a suitable cage sanitation product.
