CARE SHEET
Life Expectancy - 10-15 years with proper care
Native Land - Australia
Estimated Size - Average of 18” in length
HOUSING
Hatchlings can start out in a 20 gallon long tank, but will need to upgrade to a 40 gallon breeder tank (or larger) upon reaching 10” in length. Beardies are very active lizards and will make use of every inch of their enclosures. Babies that are still learning to hunt do better in slightly smaller enclosures so that they don’t over exert themselves chasing after prey.
HEATING AND LIGHTING
Bearded dragons have very specific heating and lighting needs. They MUST have UVB (10.0 or higher) lighting, a basking spot of115 degrees for hatchlings and 105 for adults and a temperature gradient that allows for a cool spot of about 85 degrees. Hatchling dragons should have 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness. Adults require only 12 hours of light per day. A timer is highly recommended to keep your dragon on a regular schedule. Night time temperature drops are fine, but if additional heat is needed in the winter time make sure to use a black light or ceramic heat emitter. Bearded dragons are diurnal and do not enjoy having their sleep disrupted by night lights.
SUBSTRATE
The best substrates are those that cannot be ingested. For hatchlings and adults alike, the best substrate is tile. Though many breeders will use paper towels and news print as well. Tile is simply the most attractive option.
DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
Suggested daily food items include: Collard Greens, Endive, Mustard Greens, Turnip Greens and Squash. Dragons also need a variety of feeder insects. As hatchlings, insects are the main diet, as adults live prey should only be fed as a side dish with a daily salad.
Hatchlings require that 75% of their daily intake be composed of protein. This is best achieved by feeding dubia nymphs, small crickets and other soft bodied prey such as wax worms. NEVER feed hatchlings chitinous prey such as mealworms. It can very easily lead to digestive issues and impaction. Hatchlings also require a very shallow dish of fresh water and/or several daily mistings. They also benefit from brief (10 minute) soaks in shallow, warm water several times weekly. Adult bearded dragons require that 75% of their daily diet be composed of salad. Variety is the key. They will also benefit from biweekly soaks in shallow, warm water so don’t forget bath time! Make sure to feed both hatchlings and adults calcium rich foods and supplement with vitamins and minerals regularly!
To learn more about our Bearded Dragons, please see our breeders page.
