/

Bearded Dragon Care Sheet

Written by
Published on
January 3, 2024 at 3:03:00 PM PST January 3, 2024 at 3:03:00 PM PSTrd, January 3, 2024 at 3:03:00 PM PST
Care Sheet

Overview

The Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is a reptile species native to Australia.

These creatures have gained popularity as pets due to their docile nature, unique appearance, and relatively easy care requirements. Popular types of morphs include Leatherback, Zero and Dunner.

Bearded Dragons are a semi-arboreal species so enjoy burrowing in substrate but in their natural habitat will also be seen in trees to gain a better view of their surroundings.

Scientific Name:Pogona vitticeps
Origin:Central Australia
Ease of Care:Beginner
Potential Adult Size:18 to 22 inches
Average Life Span:15 years
Behaviour:Diurnal
Diet:Omnivore
Handling:Beginner

Top Tips

  • A Vivarium is best suited for Bearded Dragons
  • Vary your Bearded Dragons food to keep it stimulated
  • Use a sand scoop when spot cleaning

Running Costs

  • Average Cost: 37p Per Day
  • Average kW per day: 1.315


Calculations are based on using the recommended timings, heating, and lighting provided throughout the care sheet, and the Electricity unit rate of 28p per kWh.

Essential Equipment

Vivarium

Heat Bulb

UV Tube

Dimming Thermostat (high range)

Bearded Dragon Bedding

Water bowl

Housing

Hatchling/Juvenile -
HabiStat Standard Vivarium 36x24x24” (HV3624)

Adult -
HabiStat Standard Vivarium 48x24x24” (HV4824)
HabiStat Standard Vivarium 60x24x24” (HV6024)
HabiStat Standard Vivarium 72x24x24” (HV7224)

Environment

Terrestrial Vivarium Setup

Enclosure Readings

  • Hot Spot: 38-40⁰C (100-104⁰F)
  • Background Temp: 23⁰C-30⁰C (73⁰F-86⁰F)
  • Night-Time Temp: 16⁰C-23⁰C (61⁰F-74⁰F)
  • Humidity: 30%-40%
  • UVI: 4-6

Click here to download our data monitoring sheet designed to assist you in monitoring the correct temperatures for your Bearded Drgaon.

Heating

Heating

Bearded Dragons are a diurnal species and require a suitable light and heat gradient in the enclosure to simulate a complete 24-hour period.

The HabiStat Bearded Dragon Accessory Kit (HSBDAK) provides all the light, heat, and safety elements for the enclosure in one handy kit.

Using the Arcadia Pro Ceramic Lamp Holder & Bracket (RADCHP) with the HabiStat Heat Bulb (HBB100) running through the HabiStat Dimming Thermostat (HTDWHR).

Dimming thermostats are designed to regulate temperatures using a thermostat probe (also known as a sensor). Correct placement of the probe is critical to avoid overheating and injury to the animal.

Check temperatures regularly, using a reliable dual thermometer and hygrometer to ensure that there are no extreme fluctuations.

Substrate & Decoration

Personal choice will dictate how you decorate your enclosure, but we recommend the following as a guide:

Diet & Water

Ensure a Bearded Dragon has a varied diet, with a mixture of insects and Greens.

Young/Juvenile - A small bowl of Greens, daily. Several appropriately sized feeders 2 to 3 times per week such as:
- Crickets: 3rd
- Locust: Small Hopper
- Calci Worms

Adult - A small bowl of Greens, daily. Several appropriately sized feeders per week such as:
- Crickets: Large
- Locust: 3rd Hopper
- Dubia Roaches – Medium

Always provide a source of fresh water. The HabiStat Sandstone Water Dish (HRSSCM) will provide a safe and sturdy option.

To maintain and regulate humidity within the enclosure, mist as required.

Health & Hygiene

We recommend the following cleaning routine to keep your animal healthy and happy:

WaterSubstrateEnclosure
DailyChange old water for fresh waterSpot cleanCheck vents on enclosure are not blocked and allow air to pass through freely
WeeklyDisinfect water bowl or dishAgitate substrate to prevent any bacterial build-up and remove any dirty substrateWipe down glass and walls with a reptile safe disinfectant
MonthlyTake out old substrate and replace with new substrateWipe down inside the enclosure and disinfect décor with a reptile safe disinfectant

Daily Maintenance

WaterChange old water for fresh water
SubstrateSpot Clean
EnclosureCheck vents on enclosure are not blocked and allow air to pass through freely

Weekly Maintenance

WaterDisinfect water bowl or dish
SubstrateAgitate substrate to prevent any bacterial build-up and remove any dirty substrate
EnclosureWipe down glass and walls with a reptile safe disinfectant

Monthly Maintenance

WaterN/A
SubstrateTake out old substrate and replace with new substrate
EnclosureWipe down inside the enclosure and disinfect décor with a reptile safe disinfectant

Always wash your hands, surfaces and equipment with warm water and disinfectant immediately before and after handling the animal, any live-food, enclosure, and any other equipment using HabiStat Anti-Bac Spray (HABS) for any surface, and Hand Sanitiser (HABG) for hand hygiene.

Handling & care

While this species is generally placid and will tolerate gentle handling, this can at times be very stressful for the animal, so any handling should only be done in short periods.

Things to look out for that will need veterinary assistance:

  • Skin shedding problems (retained shed)
  • Eyes discolouration or not opening
  • Going off food
  • Egg laying
  • Loose bowel movements


Should your animal display any signs of distress, changes in regular behaviour, or anything visually different, please seek help from your Reptile Veterinarian.

Additional Information

  • This species will benefit from a deep substrate to burrow in.
  • A varied diet is essential for the species.
  • Females of the species will eventually lay eggs. This can happen from 9 months old and upwards but can take several years, so it’s best to be prepared with care for both pre and post egg laying.

Downloads

/