Caring for Bearded Dragons - Timberline (2024)

FAQs

How do you take care of a bearded dragon for beginners? ›

As a hatchling (less than 2 months old), they will eat 2-3 times a day. As juveniles, young bearded dragons should eat every day and have a balanced diet of leafy greens and insects. Feed your pets greens every day and insects every other day. In their adult stage, a Bearded Dragon should be fed daily.

Bearded dragons are really very simple to take care of – just supply an appropriate habitat, feed them the right foods, keep them and their home clean, and interact with them as much as possible. That's really it in a nutshell!

Humidity - Bearded dragons need their humidity levels to stay between 20-30%. A reptile water dish, habitat fogger or mister can be used to increase humidity in their tank. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels. Lighting - Use UVB light bulbs to mimic a 12 hour day and night cycle.

It's a smart idea to provide your beardie not only with a shallow and sturdy dish of water, but also with regular mistings. If you mist your lizard's enclosure and vegetables, you might be able to promote increased hydration. Never allow your bearded dragon's living environment to get overly wet, however.

Regular handling helps bearded dragons get used to people, so you should handle your beardie daily. Doing so also minimizes stress during regular care, such as bathing or tank cleaning. They are generally gentle and easy to hold.

How Often Should They Eat? Young bearded dragons will eat more often than adults. They need all of that extra energy while they grow. A bearded dragon that's less than 18 months old might eat 2-5 times a day, whereas an adult bearded dragon only eats 1 time a day.

Appropriate animal-based protein sources include grasshoppers, gut-loaded (i.e., fed nutritious food that is then passed on to the lizard) or calcium-dusted crickets and mealworms, spiders, wax worms (occasionally, as they are high fat), silk worms (occasionally), tofu, moths, slugs, and earthworms.

Their lifespan is usually 10 to 15 years or more, so they're quite a commitment. It's important to replicate their natural habitat as best you can. Learn more about how to care for your bearded dragon and how to keep them healthy and happy.

Unlike lizards who are active at night, bearded dragons are awake during the day. They often like to climb branches and sit on logs to bask in the sun. As a result, they make great pets for people who want to interact with their pets during waking hours.

Not cleaning your dragon's enclosure regularly and not removing these daily can lead to health problems such as parasites, upper respiratory infections and also fungal growth. It's best practice to spot clean your beardie's enclosure daily and to do a full substrate change and disinfect every three months.

How long should I wait to hold my bearded dragon after getting it? ›

Hold Bearded Dragons Until They're at least 6-inches Long

As a rule of thumb, you'll want to avoid any unnecessary handling until your bearded dragon is about 6 inches long or so. By this time, they're usually sturdier and less likely to become injured during handling sessions.

You don't want to start handling it right off the bat, because it needs to have a little time to adjust to the new surroundings. Wait about two or three weeks after you bring the baby bearded dragon home before you start the interactions. Start off by lightly petting the baby on the top of its head and down the back.

Every dragon needs a basking spot, and this spot should be between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Other parts of the tank should be cooler so your dragon can regulate body temperature as needed. Nighttime temperatures. At night, the entire tank should range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

If your home drops below 15°C (59°F), as mentioned above, then some supplementary overnight heating is required to keep your Bearded dragon warm, although if your home remains above this, then you do not need to provide heating overnight.

As a general rule, bath time three times a week should be sufficient to keep your dragon clean and hydrated. If your dragon absolutely hates baths, then once a week may be a reasonable goal. If your dragon can't get enough bath time, you may want to do it more frequently, maybe even once a day.

Turtles, tortoises, bearded dragons, iguanas, and chameleons are some common examples of reptiles that need UVB light. This helps prevent animals from developing hypocalcemia (or lack of calcium). UVB lights should be kept on during the day and turned off at night and should be used along with calcium supplements.

Juvenile and adult Bearded Dragon diets

You only need to give your dragon insects two or three times a week, with vegetation everyday. Remember, adult Beardies don't need too many insects and animal matter otherwise they'll become obese.

An enclosure or tank that's too small for it can stress a bearded dragon out. Another bearded dragon, even if they're not housed together, may be interpreted as competition for a bearded dragon and cause stress.

You can hold a bearded dragon for as long as it will tolerate being held. Start with 15 minutes once a day and as it gets used to being handled, you can hold it longer. Some dragons enjoy being held several times a day for several hours. When the beardie becomes restless, it is time to put him back.

Bearded Dragon Diet Plan

The best bearded dragon diet for your pet will likely be a diverse one. Since they are omnivores, they eat both plants and animals and can dine on a wide range of food, from live mealworms, kingworms and crickets to greens such as parsley and kale and vegetables like pepper and sweet potato.

What human foods can bearded dragons eat? ›

The following list of insects, vegetables and fruits are good choices to include in your bearded dragon's diet: Dubia roaches, earthworms, crickets and superworms. Apples, blueberries, peaches, strawberries and watermelon. Cabbage, carrots, collard greens, kale, pumpkin and sweet potato.

There are numerous plants, fruits and vegetables that are safe and healthy for bearded dragons to eat, but some favorites include squash, collard greens, bell peppers, mustard greens and seedless watermelon. Of course, it's best to mix up your bearded dragon's diet every once in a while.

Avoid vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and romaine as too much can be harmful, or they offer limited nutritional value. Bearded dragons will also eat fruits like apples, strawberries, watermelon, and peaches. Aside from delicious fruits and vegetables, dragons will eat just about any insect that moves.

You may be surprised to hear that dragons actually enjoy eating the banana peel as well as the fruit, and it adds a little extra nutrition to the treat. So you can slice the banana up with the peel and place the pieces in your dragon's food bowl alone or with some other fruits and veggies in a colorful, healthy salad.

Keeping your beardie's nails trimmed neatly or clipped is very important for comfortable and safe handling. Their nails grow fast, so regular clipping (once a month) is necessary to prevent scratching or them getting their nails caught on something and damaged.

Bearded Dragons should be fed three times per day and given as many insects as they will consume in 10 to 15 mins. After the feeding time is done it is best to remove as many remaining insects as possible. A typical juvenile can eat 20 to 50 insects each day.

Due to the above, loose, sand substrate still provides a more natural environment for a Bearded dragon, and for this reason, we recommend it for your Bearded dragon's substrate over other substrate types.

It's A Sign of Aggression. Bearded dragons are generally calm and docile lizards. However, if they feel threatened, angry, or afraid, they may open their mouths as part of an aggressive stance. When an animal feels threatened or afraid, it will go into a fight or flight response.

Depending on your dragon, stress marks may look like dark lines, ovals, or spots, or your dragon's entire beard may be black even while it is not expanded. Sometimes, the stress marks will be found on your dragon's limbs in addition to her belly. If you notice stress marks on your bearded dragon, don't panic.

You may even find your bearded dragon scratching at the glass from time to time. This behavior is generally associated with restlessness and boredom. As a bearded dragon owner you want to keep your reptile friend entertained and have fun with him as well.

How can I tell if my bearded dragon is stressed? ›

Their eyes close when they're near you

It's a safety instinct in all prey animals, and is why it isn't recommended to stare directly at them if trying to make them feel at ease. If your Bearded Dragon closes their eyes around you, that's a sign of deep trust and safety when around you.

Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs that can spread to you and make you sick. Always take steps to stay healthy around your bearded dragon. Bearded dragons can carry Salmonella germs in their droppings even if they look healthy and clean.

Usually, this happens when people handle reptiles or amphibians or their droppings and then accidentally touch their mouths or forget to wash their hands before eating or drinking. It is important to thoroughly wash your hands immediately after contact because the germs can easily spread to other people or things.

Bearded Dragons are the only known reptile to show affection for their human companions, which is why they make great exotic pets if a reptile is the kind of animal you are looking for.

One very important note: Don't approach your bearded dragon directly from above. Bearded dragons have sensory receptors on the top of their head because in the wild their predators attack from above. If you try to grab a bearded dragon from directly above, they will interpret this as a predator attack.

Yes, Bearded Dragons Feel!

Bearded dragons can become attached to their owners and perhaps other animals. Many pet owners tell stories of their bearded dragon's affection from seeking attention to cuddling up (article on bearded dragon cuddles).

Your bearded dragon cage also needs a lid. The only option here is a screen lid. Glass and plastic covers make it much harder to control the humidity, which can be unhealthy for your beardie. Make sure your screen cover is sturdy enough to handle the weight of your tank's lights!

Since bearded dragons are naturally solitary creatures, they do not get lonely if placed alone in a cage or left for some time away from their keeper. They much prefer having their food and heat to themselves rather than sharing it with another bearded dragon.

Bearded Dragons Need a Water Bowl. Bearded dragons need a water bowl to be shallow and kept clean. Even if your bearded dragon doesn't drink from the water bowl or dish, it is likely that it will just lay or stand in it at times.

Should I dry my bearded dragon after a bath? ›

Drying. Let your beardie soak for about 15 – 20 minutes. Once bath time is over, gently pat your pet dry with a soft sowel. This is very important!

Bearded dragons can drink tap water; however, it is a good idea to use one of the commercially available dechlorinating products to treat the water. There are chloramines and chlorine in the water that you want to remove as well as unwanted minerals present in the water.

Bearded dragons can eat carrots once or twice a week, but not every day. Carrots aren't on the menu in bearded dragons' natural habitat (Australian deserts), but they do offer some great nutritional benefits: Vitamin A and beta carotene, which promote healthy skin, a healthy immune system, and good vision.

Bearded dragons are very good beginner pets, but that means they're extremely popular and common among reptile owners.

Every dragon needs a basking spot, and this spot should be between 95 and 110 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Other parts of the tank should be cooler so your dragon can regulate body temperature as needed. Nighttime temperatures. At night, the entire tank should range from 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Bearded dragons make a great pet for children and adults on the go. The main aspect of their care is getting the environment right. Once you have the correct setup with the right UVB and temperatures they are incredibly easy animals to care for.

Beardies recognize and respond to their owners' voices and touch and are usually even-tempered. They can be great pets for someone who wants a reptile who likes to be held and taken out of his cage.

Due to the above, loose, sand substrate still provides a more natural environment for a Bearded dragon, and for this reason, we recommend it for your Bearded dragon's substrate over other substrate types.

In the wild, Bearded Dragons mainly eat animals, they make up about 75% of their diet and can include crickets, cockroaches, worms and even small creatures such as mice however mice aren't fed to bearded dragons kept as pets. Greens, vegetables and limited fruit make up the other 20% to 25% of their diet.

As a general rule, bath time three times a week should be sufficient to keep your dragon clean and hydrated. If your dragon absolutely hates baths, then once a week may be a reasonable goal. If your dragon can't get enough bath time, you may want to do it more frequently, maybe even once a day.

What are the cons of having a bearded dragon? ›

Don't kiss or snuggle your bearded dragon, and don't eat or drink around it. This can spread Salmonella germs to your mouth and make you sick. Keep your bearded dragon out of your kitchen and other areas where you eat, store, or prepare food.

Glass Terrariums

Glass tanks are a classic. They offer high visibility and are easy to disinfect. They are not as prone to scratching as plastic tanks. However, for adult bearded dragons, you will need quite a large cage, with the ideal volume being 120 gallons ( ~450 liters).

Too much light.

This can happen if there is too much light in the terrarium. Bearded dragons sleep best in complete darkness.

Bigger is better but is also more to manage. More than one bearded dragon can be kept in a cage (as long as it is big enough and the animals get along), but only one adult male should be present, as adult males housed together may fight. Adult females housed together also may become aggressive.