Western New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
© 2001 - 2002 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommend that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of interest.
Common Name:
Bearded Dragon Latin Name: Pogona vitticeps
Native to:
Australia Size Range: 6-24 inches
Life Span:
5-15 years
General Appearance
: Medium sized lizard with a large triangular shaped bead, flattened body and a tail
measuring half the length of the animal. Gray, brown or reddish brown color with small spiny
scales covering the body with longer scales from the back of the head. When threatened a bearded
dragon will puff out its throat resembling a spiky beard. There are many different designer phases
available that can produce different coloration
Housing Requirements:
Enclosure:
Hatchlings can be kept in a 20-gallon aquarium for a few months. Adults will need a
50-gallon aquarium or larger sized cage if more than one lizard is housed. Branches and
rocks are needed for climbing and basking. A screen top is needed for ventilation. Do not
house two adult males together. You can also use a screened enclosure or custom built
enclosure.
Temperature
: Day: 80º - 85º F.
Night: 68º - 75º F
Basking: 95º - 105º F.
A heat lamp should be positioned over one end of the tank to produce the basking spot.
Use thermometers or temperature gun to measure temperature.
Heat/Light:
Incandescent bulbs, ceramic emitter, or heat panels can be used for the basking spot.
Full spectrum lighting should be provided using one of the fluorescent bulbs made for
reptiles that produce both UVA and UVB wavelengths. A mercury vapor bulb which
provides heat and light may also be used. Twelve hours of daylight can be provided
through the use of timers
Substrates:
Caribbean play sand is cheap, fairly easy to clean and creates a desert looking
environment. However, use caution with hatchlings as some people feel it may cause
impaction. Newspaper, Astroturf , paper towels, alfalfa pellets, and vitamin sand can also
be used.
Environment:
Desert habitat
Diet:
Bearded Dragons are omnivores. They need both animal and plant material in their diet. Crickets,
locusts, cockroaches, mealworms, waxworms, silkworms, butterworms, red worms, earthworms,
superworms with an occasional pinky will all be relished by your bearded dragon. You should use
caution NOT to feed fireflys as they are toxic to Bearded Dragons. Vegetables that you can offer
included greens (turnip, kale, romaine, dandelion, endive, escarole, mustard, and collard), green
Western New York Herpetological Society
www.wnyherp.org
© 2001 - 2002 by Western New York Herpetological Society
This document is for guidance only and should not be used as the sole source of information. New information is being developed daily. It is recommend that a
concerted effort be made to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the animals of interest.
beans, squash, peas, sweet potato, chicory, watercress, red bell pepper, and cilantro. Fruits can be
offered about 1-2 time a week (too much can cause diarrhea) such as blueberries, strawberries,
raspberries, cantaloupe, mango, kiwi, and grapes. Commercially made food is also available for
your bearded dragon. Fresh water should always be provided. Some bearded dragons like to be
misted and lap up the water that way. Powdered vitamin/mineral supplement may be offered 1-2
times a week.
Maintenance:
Fresh water should be offered daily. If using newsprint then clean as needed. Wood
shavings should be spot cleaned as needed. Periodically, the enclosure should be disinfected. A
5% bleach solution makes an excellent disinfectant. Be sure to rinse the enclosure thoroughly after
disinfecting. As always, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after handling your bearded
dragon or any cage accessories.
Other References or Recommended Readings:
de Vosjoli, Philippe and Robert Mailloux. General Care and Maintenance of Bearded Dragons
Palika, Liz . Your Bearded Dragon’s Life
www.beardeddragon.org
Bearded Dragons and Other Creatures <http://www.dachiu.com/>