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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: Front-opening enclosures (Like PVC with front sliders) are strongly preferred. Bearded Dragons do not understand glass and will constantly rub their noses against it (“glass surfing”), which causes stress and injury.
  • Decor: Provide multiple basking areas (one on the warm side and one on the cool side), sturdy climbimg branches or basking rocks. You may also add Safe live or artificial plants.
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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 thermometers with probe to measure temperatures at the basking spot and the cool side.
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Lighting (UVB is Mandatory)

  • Without proper UVB lighting, bearded dragons can develope (MBD) Metabolic Bone Disease, 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).
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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. 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).
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very generous with her time and answered my calls questioning feeding. This was a positive experience and recommend this seller.

Steve
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