Species Overview

  • Common name: Bearded Dragon

  • Scientific name: Pogona vitticeps

  • Origin: Central Australia – arid desert and scrubland regions

  • Lifespan: 10–15 years in captivity

  • Adult size: 16–24 inches (including tail)

  • Temperament: Generally calm, friendly and tolerant of handling.

  • Activity: Diurnal (active during the day), semi-arboreal baskers.

Housing and Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

  • Minimum 4x2x2ft vivarium as they grow quite quickly (Saves you money in the long run)

  • Secure front-opening vivarium with good ventilation and easy access for cleaning.

Substrate

  • Recommended: Washed play sand–soil mix, reptile-safe sand or hemp.

  • Avoid calci-sand, carpet and walnut shells!

  • Provide a digging depth of 5–8 cm for natural behaviour.

Furnishings & Enrichment

  • Solid basking platform and branch under the heat source.

  • Cool hide at the opposite end.

  • Flat rocks, cork bark and climbing decor.

  • Ensure all decor is stable and can’t collapse.

  • Also avoid any hammocks.

  • Include a shallow water dish (not too large – dragons prefer low humidity).

Temperature, Lighting & Humidity

Temperature Gradient

  • Basking spot 42–45°C Use thermostat-controlled basking bulb

  • Warm end 32–40°C

  • Cool end 24–28°C

  • Night 20–22°C (natural night drop) No light; or a ceramic heat emitter if necessary.

  • Always use thermometers at both ends of the enclosure.

  • Dimming thermostats are required to prevent overheating.

Lighting

  • Full-spectrum UVB 10–12 % covering at least two-thirds of the vivarium length.

  • Replace UVB tube every 12 months (or per manufacturer’s guidelines).

  • Maintain a 12 h light / 12 h dark cycle.

  • Provide bright visible light to encourage natural behaviour.

Humidity

  • Maintain 30–40 % humidity.

  • Good ventilation is essential; avoid misting.

Diet & Feeding

Diet Composition

  • Omnivorous species: balance of live insects, vegetables and occasional fruit.

  • Juveniles: 70 % insects, 30 % greens

  • Adults: 70 % greens, 30 % insects

Insects

  • Crickets, locusts, dubia roaches, mealworms (in moderation) and calci-worms.

  • Gut-load insects 24 h before feeding.

  • Dust with calcium 5× per week and multivitamin 1× per week.

Vegetables & Greens

  • Collard greens, dandelion leaves, rocket, watercress, mustard greens, squash, bell pepper.

  • Avoid iceberg lettuce and spinach.

  • Contact us for our healthy salad list.

Feeding Frequency

  • Hatchlings: (0–3 mo) 2–3× daily small insects

  • Juveniles: (3–12 mo) Once daily mix of insects/greens

  • Adults: 5 × per week mixed diet

  • Remove uneaten live food after 10 minutes to prevent bites.

  • Provide fresh salad daily.

Water & Hydration

  • Provide a shallow bowl of fresh water daily.

  • Bearded dragons may not drink visibly; they get the bulk of their hydration from greens.

Handling & Behaviour

  • Generally tolerant of handling: support body and tail fully.

  • Avoid handling immediately after eating or during shedding.

  • Observe for a black beard or head-bobbing (stress or dominance).

  • Short sessions daily help maintain tameness.

Cleaning & Hygiene

  • Daily: Remove waste, replace water, wipe dirty surfaces with F10.

  • Weekly: Spot clean substrate, wash decor and disinfect glass.

  • Monthly: Full substrate change and deep clean (F10 or steam clean).

Health & Welfare Monitoring

Common Health Issues

Metabolic Bone Disease: Soft jaw, tremors. This requires immediate vet care; check UVB & calcium.

Impaction: stool, lethargy; review substrate & hydration

Respiratory infection: Wheezing and mucus, review temps and book a vet visit.

Parasites: Weight loss, loose stools. They need a faecal exam

Retained shed: Tight skin on toes/tail, give them warm baths or a moist hide