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Below is a care sheet for Bearded Dragons, check out our other lizard care sheets by clicking on the appropriate paw:

Chameleon

CARING FOR YOUR NEW BEARDED DRAGON

Pet Rating System:  1= Lowest   5 = Highest

Bearded Dragon	1	2	3	4	5
Ease Of Care
Temperament
Intelligence
Cost of Upkeep
Lifespan

Overall Rating: 

Bearded Dragons are easy to care for requiring weekly cage cleanings.  They have a good temperament and are easily tamed, enjoying time on your hand or shoulder.  Bearded Dragons do show some recognition of owners and training.  Their cost of upkeep is relatively low requiring inexpensive crickets and veggies as food.  They are generally hardy not requiring many trips to the vet.  A bearded dragons lifespan is an average of about 10 years.

Essential Care Items:

Aquarium

Water Bowl

Food Bowl

Food

Substrate

Thermometer

Decorations

Under-tank heater

Basking Lamp

Full-Spectrum Lighting

Vitamins/Calcium Powder

Housing - A water proof enclosure such as an aquarium or plastic terrarium work best.  The minimum size of an aquarium should be about 40-50 gallons.  Bearded dragons as adults, with a lifespan of around 10 years, can reach about 2 feet long and need ample room to move about their enclosure.  Be sure to have an escape proof screen mesh for a cover on the aquarium.   The bottom of the aquarium should be lined with a substrate consisting of sand or half sand and half bark.  The sand should be about 2 inches deep.  The substrate should be sifted through daily for potty material and completely changed as needed when dirty.  Provide a water bowl for drinking, soaking and cooling off.  You will need to change this daily if your lizard is an avid soaker.  Shallow food bowls are necessary for holding food so your dragon does not ingest sand.

Food - Your bearded dragon will eat a variety of different foods.  The mainstay of a dragon's diet should be insects such as crickets and mealworms.  Crickets should be fed to your dragon at least every other day.  You should supplement your dragon's diet with leafy greens and finely chopped vegetables.  When feeding your dragon crickets, be sure to coat your crickets in a vitamin and calcium  powder.  This is easily accomplished by misting the crickets and dusting them with the vitamin powder.  You can use this vitamin powder at least twice per week.   If you dragon does not receive enough calcium, he could become susceptible to bone malformations.

Heating and Lighting - It is very important to have appropriate heating and lighting for the health of your dragon.  Bearded dragons are basking reptiles and need to have a hot area for basking usually around 95 degrees.  This can be provided with a basking light outside the aquarium focused on a rock or branch in the aquarium.  In addition, you will need to provide an under-tank heater to provide heat for your dragon during the night hours (your dragon is a diurnal active during the day) when all the lights are off.   It is also important that you provide a full-spectrum light which can help your dragon absorb much needed calcium.  This process in nature is when the Vitamin D provided by the sun helps a bearded dragon absorb more calcium.   Your dragon will benefit from exposure to the sun once per week for an hour or so (making sure that he has access to shade).  Your dragon will also appreciate having access to a cool area in his aquarium away from any heat source.  If you notice he is spending a lot of time away from the heat, try moving the basking light a little further away and, vice versa, if you notice he is spending a lot of time basking he may need more heat, try moving the basking light closer.

Decorations - Bearded dragons like to climb and have a variety of height levels in their aquarium.  You can provide this by putting in branches, log shelter, rocks for basking, and plants.

Handling - As with most reptiles, the more you handle them, the more tame they become.  You should take care not to drop your dragon because this can cause serious injury.  Although your dragon may enjoy being pet around neck and chin, try to limit the amount of petting so that you do not damage their skin.  With consistent contact, your dragon will soon learn to sit quietly on your arm or shoulder.  A dragon who displays an open mouth is using this as a threat and may be ready to bite. 

Bearded Dragon Links:

http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html

http://www.bio.miami.edu/ktosney/file/BDcare.html

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DISCLAIMER:  The information contained in this website is not intended to be a substitute for Veterinary Care.  If you have any questions or problems, always consult with your Veterinarian.