Bearded Dragon Care Sheet

Bearded Dragon Care Sheet

General Information

• Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps
• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Size: 45-60 cm (18-24 inches)

Housing

• Tank Size: Minimum 120 x 60 x 60 cm (48 x 24 x 24 inches) for an adult dragon. Juveniles can start in a 75 x 45 x 45 cm (30 x 18 x 18 inches) tank.
• Substrate: Suitable substrates include paper towels, non-adhesive shelf liner, or a soil/sand mix. Avoid loose substrates for juveniles to prevent impaction.

Heating

• Temperature Gradient:
  • Basking Spot: 38-42°C (100-107°F)
  • Cool Side: 24-29°C (75-85°F)
• Night Temperature: Should not drop below 18°C (65°F)
• Heating: Use a basking lamp to create a hot spot and ceramic heat emitters (CHE) if necessary, both controlled by a thermostat.

Lighting

• Lighting: Bearded dragons require UVB lighting for proper calcium metabolism. Use a full-spectrum UVB bulb.
• Photoperiod: Provide 12-14 hours of light and 10-12 hours of darkness.

Humidity

• Humidity Level: 30-40%. Maintain proper ventilation to avoid respiratory issues.

Diet

• Staple Foods:
  • Vegetables: Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, squash, bell peppers.
  • Insects: Crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms, and morio worms (as treats).
  • Fruits: Occasionally offer fruits like berries, melons, and apples (in moderation).
• Supplementation: Dust insects with calcium powder daily and multivitamins once a week.
• Feeding Frequency:
  • Juveniles: Feed insects daily and vegetables several times a week.
  • Adults: Feed vegetables daily and insects 2-3 times a week.

Water

• Water: Provide a shallow dish of fresh water daily and mist vegetables to ensure hydration. Offer occasional baths for hydration and shedding.

Handling

• Handling Frequency: Handle your dragon regularly to build trust. Be gentle and support their entire body.
• Support: Always support their entire body, especially the abdomen and tail, to make them feel secure.

Health

• Shedding: Bearded dragons shed in patches. Provide a rough surface and occasional baths to aid in shedding.
• Signs of Illness: Loss of appetite, lethargy, weight loss, abnormal feces, respiratory issues, or visible parasites. Consult a reptile veterinarian if any signs are noticed.

Cleaning

• Spot Cleaning: Daily removal of feces and uneaten food.
• Deep Cleaning: Monthly deep clean of the entire enclosure, including changing the substrate and disinfecting the tank and decor.

Enrichment

• Climbing Opportunities: Provide branches, rocks, and reptile-safe decor to encourage natural behaviors.
• Hide Variety: Offer multiple hides with different textures and materials.

Common Bearded Dragon Morphs

• Normal (Wild Type): Typical tan and brown pattern.
• Leatherback: Smooth scales, resulting in a softer texture.
• Silkback: Completely scaleless, requiring extra care for skin hydration and protection.
• Hypo: Lighter coloration with reduced black pigment.
• Translucent: Semi-transparent skin, giving a slightly blue appearance.
• Dunner: Unique scale pattern and coloration.

Special Care for Certain Morphs

Some bearded dragon morphs require different care to suit their needs:

• Silkback Morphs: Require more frequent hydration and care to prevent skin damage due to their lack of scales.
• Translucent Morphs: May require additional monitoring for any unusual health issues related to their unique skin.

By following these guidelines and being mindful of specific morph needs, you can ensure a healthy and happy life for your bearded dragon. Regular observation and proper care are key to their well-being.