Common Name :- Bearded Dragon

Classification/Latin name :- Pagona Vitticeps

Size :- 18-23in, 45-58cm

Distribution :- Southeastern Australia

Natural Habitat:-

Arid and semiarid desert and grassland

Description and sexing:-

A heavily bodied lizard with a triangular head. They have a crest of spines across the back of the head and along both sides of the body. The beard, after which these lizards are named, is composed of large conical scales which are puffed out to show annoyance or excitement. This area is black when puffed out creating an effective display. Dorsel colour varies between individuals, from brown to red as does the patterning. There are many different colour and pattern varieties available. They are a difficult lizard to sex when young, head shape and vent width being the most obvious sexual differences, with males having a wider head and vent.

Enclosure size:-

A 4ft(120cm) vivarium is suitable for 1-2 adults. It is recommended that you buy the full size enclosure from day 1 as these lizards grow very quickly and it is dificult to set up a smaller enclosure correctly, from a temperature point of view.

Heating and temperature:-

Bearded dragons require a hot spot of 90-100 degrees fahrenheit at one end of their enclosure during the day, so the easiest way to set them up is to use a basking lamp for heating and a heatmat which goes at the same end. The lamp is turned off at night but the mat stays on permanently. This allows the night time temperature drop which would occur in the wild.These lizards require bright lighting to ensure good appetites and health, hence the use of basking lamps as a heat source. They also require UV so a UV flourescent tube should be used for 12 hours a day to coincide with the basking lamp.

Lighting and day length:-

These lizards require bright lighting to ensure good appetites and health, hence the use of basking lamps as a heat source. They also require UV so a UV flourescent tube should be used for 12 hours a day to coincide with the basking lamp.

Humidity:-

A low humidity is required for beardeds, approximately 50%. However when young it is advisable to spray them twice a day directly, as they will drink off themselves reducing the risk of dehydration.

Substrate and decoration:-

For the first 12months it is recommended to use a digestible calcium based sand as substrate. This is a very safe substrate and proves beneficial when eaten. DO NOT use bird or play sand for young beardeds as both have been known to cause impactation of the gut, which will kill the lizard. As adults a number of substrates are suitable, including dry bark chip, beech chip, corn chip and play sand as the risks are much reduced, the larger the lizard. Beardeds require raised areas to perch and bask upon aswell as hides. Cork bark is an ideal hide as it is light, rocks are heavy so if these are used make sure the lizard cannot dig under them as they may move and could trap or cause injury.

Feeding and vitamins:-

As young, 90% of the bearded diet should be small insects which are no longer than the head of the lizard is wide. Crickets or locusts are ideal, with waxworms and other insects as a treat. The larger the bearded, the more salad it should be offered. Initially when young, salad will only occassionally be sampled but it MUST be offered regularly, otherwise it will never fully get used to eating it, reducing its lifespan and general health. As an adult 90% of the diet will be salad and 10% insects. A good quality powdered vitamin and calcium powder designed for insectiverous reptiles should be lightly dusted on all insects and salad to ensure a healthy development.

Possible problems:-

Beardeds are hardy animals and ensuring that the setup is correct and vitamins are used on the correct diet, any problems will be virtually eliminated. In winter most adults and some young beardeds will go into a state of semi hibernation called brumation. During this period their appetite will reduce and they will spend a lot of time hiding. Don't worry, this is natural. If your bearded does this, shorten the day length to approximately 8hours and reduce the temperature in the tank to about 5 degrees centigrade. After 2 months raise the temperature back up again and your lizard will return to normal. While in brumation offer less food less often but keep an eye on your dragons weight and leave it to get on with its natural behaviour.

Handling:-

Beardeds are generally easy to tame and seem to really enjoy being handled, even hatchlings. With a little encouragement get them to jump onto your hand and as they get older allow them to roam for short periods whilst uder supervision, in a room. Ensure that there are no cats or dogs present to reduce the risk of mishaps. Adult beardeds will usually sit on your shoulder quite happily, showing little inclination to move off. A superb handling animal and full of character.

Breeding and egg incubation:-

See our egg incubation caresheet HERE

Further reading:-