Bearded Dragon
Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps
Common Name Origin: Called “bearded” dragons because they puff out their throat “beard,” which darkens when stressed or displaying.
Size & Lifespan: 16–24 in.; 8–12+ years.
Native Range: Central Australia — arid deserts, scrublands, woodlands.
Behaviors: Head-bobbing, arm-waving, basking, burrowing, climbing.
Social: Solitary; only together for breeding.
Activity: Diurnal.
Why They Look This Way: Spikes and beard for defense; wide body for heat absorption; strong limbs for digging and climbing.
Fun Facts:
Can “run” on two legs.
Change beard color during mood shifts.
Known as one of the most docile reptiles in the world.
ENCLOSURE
Ideal Size: Adult: 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft minimum (120 gal); bigger is better. Juveniles: 40 gal minimum.
Substrate: Cypress mulch only if kept dry; best options are tile, reptile carpet, paper, or bioactive mix.
Temperatures:
Basking: 100–110°F
Cool Side: 75–85°F
Night: 65–75°F
Humidity: 30–40%
UVB: Required (T5 HO 10.0 or Arcadia 12%).
Tolerance:
Cold: Under 60°F = unsafe; may brumate but should stay warm indoors.
Heat: Over 115°F can be fatal.
DIET AND HYDRATION
Weekly Feeding Schedule (Adult):
• Daily salad in the morning (collard greens, mustard greens, squash).
• Insects 2–3 times per week (5–10 appropriately sized crickets, dubia roaches, or BSFL).
• Occasional treats once per week (berries, hornworms).
Weekly Feeding Schedule (Juvenile):
• Insects daily (2–3 small feedings).
• Salad offered daily.
Food Categories:
Staples: Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, squash, dubia roaches, BSFL.
Treats: Berries, melons, hornworms, superworms.
No Feed/Toxic: Avocado, fireflies, rhubarb, spinach, iceberg lettuce.
Hydration: Provide a shallow water dish; mist greens lightly. Offer weekly soaks if hydration seems low.
Supplements: Calcium with D3 3–4x per week for juveniles, 2–3x per week for adults. Multivitamin once a week.
Behavior Notes: Some dragons prefer hand-feeding greens as they like movement; many eat less during brumation.
HEALTH
Common risks include:
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) from poor UVB/calcium.
Parasites (pinworms, coccidia).
Respiratory Infections from low temps/high humidity.
Impaction from loose substrate or oversized bugs.
HANDLING
Extremely docile; good for beginners.
May stress if handled too much as juveniles but adults tame well.
Support chest and belly; allow legs to rest on hand or arm.
Avoid sudden movements or grabbing from above (predator behavior).
Great for shows: calm, safe, rarely bite, easy for kids to hold.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SHOW ANIMALS
Friendly: Yes, bearded dragons are extremely handleable.
Not Messy: Rarely poop when warm and well-fed; controllable.
Can Do 5+ Shows: Yes, calm energy and easy to travel with.
Can Be Boxed for a Day: Yes, as long as temperature is safe.