Bearded dragons originate from the warm, arid regions of Australia. We must try to duplicate those conditions as much as possible when caring for our pet. This will go a long way towards providing a healthy and enriching home for our reptile friend.
A bearded dragon is a cold-blooded animal. A cold-blooded animal does not have the ability to regulate its own body temperature. Therefore, bearded dragons use external heat sources, such as the sun, to help provide body heat.
In the wild, bearded dragons receive heat and UV radiation from the sun. Rocks and wood items also provide some radiant heat after a long day in the sun.
It is important to maintain proper terrarium temperatures when caring for a bearded dragon as a pet. This means we must heat the bearded dragon terrarium similar to their native temperatures.
Here we will discuss the proper temperatures for a bearded dragon at each stage of its life.
Proper Temperatures for a Baby Bearded Dragon
A baby bearded dragon (hatchling to ~6 months old) has slightly different temperature requirements than an adult. Baby bearded dragons grow quickly which means their energy requirements are greater than an adult.
Establish an elevated basking area on one end of the terrarium with temperatures ranging between 95 to 110 degrees F.
On the opposite end of the enclosure, the temperatures should be slightly cooler and range between 80 to 90 degrees F.
A Quick Word On Temperature Gradients
The optimum temperatures within the enclosure should be a gradient featuring basking and cool zones for a bearded dragon. The warmest area being the basking area, and the cooler zone being on the other end of the terrarium. The area between these two areas should be between those temperatures.
A temperature gradient across the span of the terrarium is key. The differences in temperature within the enclosure provides a means for the bearded dragon to self-regulate its body temperature. This is crucial at every life stage – from baby to adult.
| Temperature Areas | Ideal Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Basking Area | 95°F - 110°F |
| Cool-down Area | 80°F - 90°F |
Proper Temperatures for a Juvenile Bearded Dragon
Juvenile bearded dragons require similar temperatures as a baby. The basking area can be slightly cooler, ranging from 95 to 105 degrees F.
The cooler area needs to be about 80 to 90 degrees F with juveniles as well.
| Temperature Areas | Ideal Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Basking Area | 95°F - 100°F |
| Cool-down Area | 80°F - 90°F |
Proper Temperatures for an Adult Bearded Dragon
Adult bearded dragons can have slightly cooler basking areas than juveniles and babies. The temperature for the basking area should be between 90 to 93 degrees for an adult bearded dragon.
Keep the cooler region of the enclosure at 80 to 90 degrees F, just as with babies and juveniles.
| Temperature Areas | Ideal Temperature Range |
|---|---|
| Basking Area | 90°F - 93°F |
| Cool-down Area | 80°F - 90°F |
Nighttime Temperatures
Allow the temperatures within the enclosure to drop anywhere between 70 and 75 degrees F for all stages of bearded dragons. Turn off the basking light once nightfall arrives so the temperatures lower, and the bearded dragon can rest. Repeating this process helps to establish important light cycles of daytime and nighttime for the bearded dragon.
If temperatures in the terrarium fall below 70 degrees F at night, add supplemental heat using heat pads or ceramic heat emitters.
Monitor The Proper Temperatures for a Bearded Dragon
Consistently monitor the temperatures within the terrarium in order to know the proper temperatures for the bearded dragon.
Use quality thermometers to accurately monitor the temperatures in the basking area and the cooler zones. Never guess the temperatures within the enclosure.
We recommend placing a minimum of two thermometers in the terrarium – one in the basking area and one on the opposite end where it is cooler.
In the basking area place the thermometer (or thermometer probe) near where the bearded dragon basks most frequently. This will provide temperature readings right where your bearded dragon hangs out most often.
Our Recommendations
We recommend the Exo Terra Thermo-Hygro Combo Digital Gauge. This thermometer features an easy-to-read digital screen for easy viewing. It has a long probe cord so you can get pinpoint readings on the temperatures wherever you like. It also measures humidity, which is another crucial reading to determine terrarium conditions.
The Zoo Med ReptiTemp Digital Infrared Thermometer is another handy tool we recommend for making quick snapshot checks of terrarium temperatures.
Simply point the device in the area you want to check, press the button, and it takes a quick reading of the temperature. A very quick way to check the terrarium conditions and to make sure the basking and cooler areas are just right.
Bearded Dragon Heating Options
