Bearded Dragons make a fantastic pet as they are generally known for their calm and gentle demeaner. They are one of a few reptiles that actually enjoy being handled and have a lot of personality as they are active during the day. They love a good cuddle and a scratch under the chin. They can live for 10-15 years or more in captivity and can grow an average of 30-50cm.

Enclosure:

A minimum 120 cm long by 60 cm high by 60 cm deep is the recommend size terrarium for a full size Bearded Dragon and there must be plenty of ventilation.

The enclosure needs to be separated in 2 different zones, one side hot, the other cold. A heat lamp will provide the heat needed for the Bearded Dragon to bask and using a UVB light during the day imitates the sun, another crucial part to the health of any Bearded Dragon and enclosure. Having a heat mat on the ‘hot’ side will provide added heat and can be turned on and off as required. The recommended temperature should be no more than 38-42⁰C in the basking zone, and in the cool end 22-26⁰C so a thermometer is required to maintain this. Having a rock or cave for them to bask on is important and will also provide them with the option to move away from the heat if required. They should always have access to a hiding place on both the warm and cool side of their habitat. Providing your Bearded Dragon with an enclosure that replicates their natural habitat as closely as possible is the best way to encourage the expression of normal behaviours. 

Substrate:

We recommend a natural desert sand with no added dyes or chemicals; this helps to create a natural and attractive desert environment and is an excellent heat conductor. This also stimulates natural digging and burrowing behaviour.

Food:

Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, meaning their diet should contain both plant and animal matter. We feed Spike our resident pet blueberries, capsicum, cucumber, bananas, dandelions which are his favourite as well as live mealworms, crickets and locusts. Bearded Dragons also enjoy Repashy Beardy Buffet 85g and Hikari Dragon Delite. They always need a fresh source of water even if you notice them not drinking from it. Adult Breaded Dragons need to be fed in the mornings to allow them to fully digest their food and baby Bearded Dragons need to be fed twice a day.

Brumation:

Bearded Dragons goes through a process of Brumation during the colder months which is a natural energy saving process. This is similar to hibernation. During this time, Bearded Dragons will usually reduce the amount that they eat and increase the time spent sleeping. It is important to monitor your Beardie during this time, but this is nothing to worry about. In New Zealand, brumation is usually during June, July, and August. During this time, it is really important that you DO NO not feed your Beardie, DO NOT disturb or try to play with them and have clean, fresh water readily available for them if they need it.

Recommeded Products:

Reptile One RTF-1200HT Glass Hinged Door Terrarium

Reptile One Heat Lamp Holder Ceramic Screw Fitting 150W

Reptile One Heat Lamp Day Light E27 Screw Fitting 100W

Arcadia LumenIZE ProT5 Smart UVB Kit Desert 12% 24W

Reptile One Heat Mat 14W

Substrate Sand

Food

Caves, hides, water bowl, food bowl, decorations

To see all products needed for your Beardies click here Frogs and Reptiles