Species Overview

  • Common names: Rankin’s Dragon, Lawson’s Dragon or Dwarf Bearded Dragon

  • Scientific name: Pogona henrylawsoni

  • Origin: Central and Western Queensland, Australia (semi-arid grasslands and rocky outcrops)

  • Lifespan: 8–12 years in captivity

  • Adult size: 25–30 cm (10–12 inches) — smaller than a beardie

  • Temperament: Friendly, inquisitive, and docile; excellent for beginners

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

Housing and Enclosure Setup

Enclosure Size

  • Juveniles: Minimum 3ft vivarium

  • Adults: Minimum 3x2x2ft vivarium

  • Secure front-opening vivarium with good airflow.

  • Provide climbing opportunities and horizontal space for basking.

Substrate

  • Washed play sand–soil mix or reptile-safe sand/lignocel substrate.

  • Depth 5–8 cm to allow natural digging.

  • Avoid calcium sand or walnut shells.

Furnishings & Enrichment

  • Provide multiple hides (warm and cool ends).

  • Basking rocks, cork bark, and climbing branches.

  • Include a shallow water bowl and feeding dish.

  • Décor should be sturdy and stable.

  • Try to avoid any hammocks, as their toes can get stuck in them.

Temperature, Lighting & Humidity

Temperature Gradient

  • Basking spot 42–45°C with an overhead bulb

  • Warm end 32–35°C

  • Cool end 24–28°C

  • Night 18–20°C

  • Use a dimming thermostat or pulse stat, depending on which heat source you're using.

  • Check temperatures with digital thermometers daily.

Lighting

  • Provide a 10–12 % UVB tube covering at least two-thirds of the enclosure length.

  • Replace UVB bulbs every 12 months (or per manufacturer’s instructions).

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

  • Bright visible lighting encourages natural behaviour and appetite.

Humidity

  • Keep humidity around 30–40 %.

  • Good ventilation is vital.

  • Provide a slightly humid hide if shedding becomes difficult.

Diet & Feeding

Diet Composition

  • Omnivorous: a mixture of live insects, leafy greens and vegetables.

  • Juveniles: ~70 % insects, 30 % greens.

  • Adults: ~70 % greens, 30 % insects.

Insect Options

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

  • Gut-load insects with nutritious foods 24 hours before feeding.

  • Dust insects with:

    • Calcium powder: 5× per week

    • Multivitamin supplement: 1× per week

Greens & Vegetables

  • Dandelion leaves, watercress, rocket, mustard greens, squash and bell pepper are great options.

  • Avoid iceberg lettuce, spinach or any citrus fruit.

  • Please contact us for our healthy salad list.

Feeding Frequency

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

  • Juveniles: A daily mix of insects and varied greens

  • Adults: 5× per week mixed diet

  • Remove uneaten insects after 10 minutes.

  • Provide fresh greens daily.

Water & Hydration

  • Provide fresh water daily in a shallow dish.

  • Some individuals prefer to lick droplets or bathe occasionally.

  • They get the vast majority of their hydration from their salad.

Handling & Behaviour

  • Rankin’s dragons are calm and sociable, suitable for gentle handling.

  • Support the whole body and avoid sudden movements; they tend to wave their tails around if they don’t feel supported enough.

  • Avoid handling after feeding or during shedding.

  • Respond well to short, regular handling sessions.

Cleaning & Hygiene

  • Daily: Spot clean, remove waste, check water and food bowls.

  • Weekly: Wipe down enclosure with F10 disinfectant, clean decor.

  • Monthly: Full substrate change, deep clean vivarium and steam clean surfaces.

Health & Welfare Monitoring

Common Health Issues

  • Metabolic Bone Disease: Soft jaw and tremors. They need vet care; check UVB and calcium intake

  • Impaction: (chronic constipation) No stool and lethargy. Check/adjust their diet, substrate and heat source.

  • Respiratory Infection: Wheezing, open-mouth breathing and sometimes excess mucus. You should double-check their temperatures and make a vet appointment.

  • Parasites: Weight loss and diarrhoea. They need a faecal exam.

  • Retained Shed: Tight skin around the toes and tail. Give them a “baby warm” bath to help loosen it.