Essential care information for new and existing owners.
Life expectancy for bearded dragons is typically 10-15 years with proper care.
Habitat
Bearded dragons need a large enclosure to stay healthy and active. An adult dragon should have a minimum tank size of 4ft x 2ft x 2ft (120 x 60 x 60 cm), though bigger is always better.
In the wild, they roam across large areas in Australia. A small enclosure can lead to:
- Stress and boredom
- Lack of exercise (leading to obesity)
- Poor temperature regulation
A properly sized enclosure allows them to:
- Move freely and explore
- Create a temperature gradient (hot and cool side)
- Exhibit natural behaviours like climbing and basking
Diet
A balanced diet is essential for a bearded dragon’s health and should include a mix of live insects, leafy greens, and vegetables.
Insects (Protein):
- Crickets, locusts, and dubia roaches
- Mealworms and waxworms (only as occasional treats)
- Feed insects appropriate to the dragon’s size , usually smaller than the space between their eyes
Vegetables & Greens:
- Spring greens, kale, rocket, and dandelion leaves
- Grated carrot, bell peppers, and squash
- Avoid iceberg lettuce (low nutrition)
Feeding Ratios:
- Juveniles: mostly insects (70–80%) with some greens
- Adults: mostly greens (70–80%) with fewer insects
Supplements:
- Calcium powder (dust insects 3–5 times per week)
- Vitamin supplements (1–2 times per week)
Fresh water should always be available, even if they don’t drink from a bowl often.
Temperature & Lighting
Basking area: 38–42°C
Cool area: 22–26°C
UVB lighting is essential for calcium absorption.
- Use a 10–12% UVB tube
- Replace every 6–12 months
- Cover most of enclosure
Hydration & Soaking
- Shallow, lukewarm water
- 10–15 minutes
- 1–3 times per week
Helps with hydration, shedding, and digestion.
