Bearded Dragon Care Sheet
BeginnerComplete care guide for Bearded Dragon. Follow these guidelines to provide optimal husbandry and health for your pet.
Overview
Australian lizards, diurnal and interactive. Large, docile, and engaging pets. Require proper UVB lighting and care. Great for dedicated keepers.
Enclosure
Juveniles: 40-gallon breeder. Adults: 75-gallon minimum (48" x 24" x 24"). Provide branches, rocks, hides. Use tile or aspen substrate.
Temperature
Basking spot: 95-110°F. Cool side: 75-85°F. 12-14 hour light cycle. Use ceramic heat lamp and thermostat.
Humidity
Low (30-40%). Excessive humidity causes respiratory issues. Provide water dish. Mist occasionally.
Lighting
UVB 3.0 ESSENTIAL for metabolic bone disease prevention. 10-12 hours daily, 6-12 inches from basking spot. Replace every 6-12 months.
Diet
Juveniles: 80% insects, 20% vegetables. Adults: 20% insects, 80% vegetables. Crickets, roaches, mealworms. Collards, mustard greens, squash. Dust insects with calcium 3-4x/week.
Handling
Highly interactive, enjoy 1-2 daily sessions of 10-15 minutes. Head bobbing and beard puffing when content. Support body.
Health
Watch for metabolic bone disease, impaction, respiratory infections. Regular vet exams crucial. Can live 10-15 years.
Shipping Note
Require careful handling due to stress sensitivity. Well-insulated ventilated containers. Heat packs maintain 75-85°F during transport.