Bearded Dragon Caresheet
General Overview
- Lifespan: 10-15 years (with proper care).
- Adult size: 16-24 inches from head to tail.
- Temperament: Generally Docile, curious and tolerant of handling.
- Activity Cycle: Active during the day.
Enclosure Habitat
Enclosure Size:
- Babies/Juveniles: 20-40 gallons.
- Adults: 40 to 120 gallon for physical and mental well-being.
- Enclosure Type: “We strongly recommend front-opening enclosures (like PVC with sliding doors). Bearded dragons do not understand glass. They may constantly rub their noses against it, a behavior called ‘glass surfing.’ This causes stress and injury.”
- Decor: Provide multiple basking areas (one on the warm side and one on the cool side), sturdy climbing branches or basking rocks. You may also add safe live or artificial plants.
Temperature & Heating
- Basking Spot: 95° – 105° F. Babies need the higher end for proper digestion and growth.
- Cool Side: 75° – 85° F.
- Nighttime Temperature: 65° – 75° F.
- Use a basking bulb that will put off enough heat to achieve the right temperatures for your enclosure.
- Avoid: Heat rocks (high burn risk), red/blue “night” bulbs (disrupts sleep cycles), and under-tank heaters (ineffective for basking species).
- Monitoring: Use a digital thermometer with probe to measure temperatures at the basking spot and the cool side.
Lighting (UVB is Mandatory)
- Without proper UVB lighting, bearded dragons can develop (MBD) Metabolic Bone Disease, this is a painful and fatal condition.
- Bulb Type: T5 HO (High Output) UVB tube, 10.0 or 12.0 strength (such as Zoo Med ReptiSun). Avoid coil/compact UVB bulbs, as they emit uneven, unreliable UV rays.
- Placement: The bulb should span 1/2 to 2/3 of the enclosure length. If the enclosure has a glass top, the UVB bulb must be placed inside the enclosure, as standard glass blocks the UVB rays. If using a mesh top, it can be placed on top.
- Lighting Period: Lights should be left on 10-12 hours per day, on a timer if possible.
- Replacement: Replace the UVB bulb every 6-12 months, even if the light still lights up, as UV output degrades over time.
Diet & Feeding
Bearded Dragons are omnivores, but their dietary ratio changes as they age. All insects should be gut-loaded before feeding.
Age Group
Diet Ratio
Feeding Frequency
Staple Insects
Staple Greens/Veggies
Baby (0-6 mo.)
80% Insects, 20% Greens
2-3 times daily
Roaches, Crickets, Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL)
Collard greens, Mustard greens, Dandelion greens
Juvenile (6-18 mo.)
50% Insects, 50% Greens
Once Daily
Same as above + occasional hornworms/silkworms
Add squash, bell peppers, green beans
Adult (18+ mo.)
20% Insects, 80% Greens
2-3 times per week
Same as above (portion-controlled to prevent obesity)
Large daily salad of varied dark leafy greens
Supplements:
- Calcium: Dust insects with a calcium powder (without D3) at almost every feeding for babies/juveniles, and 2–3 times a week for adults.
- Multivitamin: Once a week (e.g., Repashy Calcium Plus or Zoo Med Reptivite).
- Foods to AVOID: Iceberg lettuce (zero nutrition), spinach/kale (high oxalates bind calcium), avocado, rhubarb, onions, and fireflies (highly toxic).
Hydration:
- Water Bowl: Provide a shallow, sturdy water dish.
- Change water daily. (Note: Many bearded dragons do not recognize standing water and will not drink from a bowl. They prefer to drink from droplets).
- Misting: Lightly mist their greens and/or the enclosure walls 1–2 times a day to encourage drinking.
- Bathing: Give a warm, shallow bath (water no deeper than their elbows, 85°F–90°F) 2–3 times a week for 10–15 minutes.
- This promotes hydration and helps with shedding.
- Warning: Never leave them unattended.
Substrate:
Choosing the right substrate is critical to prevent impaction (a life-threatening intestinal blockage).
- Babies & Juveniles: Use solid substrates only. The best and safest options include reptile carpet, non-adhesive shelf liner, paper towels, or slate/stone tiles. Never use loose sand, walnut shells, or calcium sand for young dragons.
- Adults: Solid substrates remain the safest choice. If you wish to use a loose substrate for a mature adult such as play sand, always sift it to remove any pebbles or rock. You can also mix it with a fertilizer free topsoil.
Health & Handling
- Proper Handling: Always support the dragon’s entire body, including the hind legs and tail. Never pick them up by the tail (it can cause injury). Wash your hands before and after handling.
- Signs of a healthy Bearded Dragon: Bright clear eyes, active and good appetite.
- Red Flags: Sunken eyes or wrinkled skin (signs of dehydration).
Really happy with the dragon I received! He’s beautiful and friendly.
Got my dragon and immediately fell in love. Thanks once again
We purchased a red foot tortoise from dragons4you about 6 weeks ago and we could not be happier. They were very helpful with any questions I had and the delivery process went very smooth. The tortoise is very healthy, friendly and we are in love. I have nothing but amazing things to say about them. Thank you.