Take care of your bearded dragon
Bearded dragons, or ‘beardies’, are one of the most common lizards in captivity in the UK. Their lifespan is usually 10 to 15 years or more, so they are quite reliable. It is important to reproduce their natural habitat as best as possible.
Learn more about caring for your bearded dragon and how to keep them healthy and happy.
Vivarium is suitable for your bearded dragon
This sturdy looking lizard can grow up to about 45cm including their long tail, so they need enough space to roam. An aquarium 120 cm long x 60 cm high x 60 cm wide is the minimum size you need for an adult dragon.
Make sure it’s safe, well-ventilated, and made of sturdy, easy-to-clean materials. There are many different furniture for bearded dragons. If using sand, use reptile-safe sand and avoid ‘calcium sand’, as this sand is very dangerous for reptiles if accidentally ingested.
It’s important to add accessories to your beard tank, such as rocks and twigs to climb on. You can also help your beard feel safe by making sure they have some good hiding areas.
Temperature and light
Bearded dragons need an aquarium that ranges from hotter temperatures (38 to 42°C) to cooler temperatures (22 to 26°C). In addition, you will need to provide a 10 to 12 percent fluorescent UV tube on the hot end, to prevent your beard from getting metabolic bone disease. It is essential to keep humidity low – use a hygrometer to measure this humidity at the cool end.
For more on heat and light, download our bearded dragon care booklet.
What do bearded dragons eat?
Australian dragons eat live insects and vegetables. They need a variety of safe plants and vegetables, as well as the right supplements. You can learn more about your bearded dragon’s feeding, supplements and water needs in our bearded dragon care leaflet.
Bearded dragon health – hair loss and bruising
Beardies shed their skin in large patches. There is no rule as to how often this happens, but young dragons shed more hair than older dragons. Shedding problems can often be remedied by improving their environment, but always seek the advice of a reptile veterinarian if you experience any problems.
During colder seasons it is normal for bearded dragons to slow down, sleep more and eat less. It’s a bit like hibernation, but for lizards it’s called brumation. They shouldn’t lose weight or stop eating altogether, so keep a close eye on them and contact your veterinarian if they lose weight.
