Complete Bearded Dragon Care

Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps), also commonly referred to as "Beardies" are a very poplar species of reptile, especially among children. This is in part due to their calm nature, relatively easy care, and easy availability. In this instructable we will go over all aspects of bearded dragon care, from hatchlings to large adults.

Step 1 About Bearded Dragons

Bearded Dragons are native to Australia and there are several different species, but for the most part any lizard from the genus Pogona is commonly called a Bearded Dragon. Bearded Dragons are large lizards, with adults reaching 18 to 26 inches (45-60 cm) from head to tail. An adult Bearded Dragon can weigh 300 grams (10.5 ounces) or more. Bearded Dragons have triangular heads, and flattened bodies.

Bearded Dragons are named for the distinctive pouch on the underside of their jaw, when threatened they will inhale air and puff up the pouch in order to appear larger.

In addition to the standard grey/brown color there are now many variations, known as color morphs, which range from deep reds and oranges to white.

Now that you know a little more about Bearded Dragons move on to the next step to learn where to learn where you can get one

Comments

[custom labels]

Purchasing a Bearded Dragon online has risks, but can be very rewarding. Finding a reputable store or breeder can be hard, but here are some things to look for
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[custom labels]

n addition to the standard grey/brown color there are now many variations, known as color morphs, which range from deep reds and oranges to white.
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[custom labels]

Bearded Dragons are large lizards, with adults reaching 18 to 26 inches (45-60 cm) from head to tail. An adult Bearded Dragon can weigh 300 grams (10.5 ounces) or more. Bearded Dragons have triangular heads, and flattened bodies.
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labels and stickers

[aideis]

That was a very very good care guide. It was filled with all the right information which is not always easy to find online!!! I wish I had found this before I got my beardie. A problem with people caring for bearded dragons is that they trust the pet stores and herp companies too much... Just because the heat rock & calcium sand packages show a picture of a dragon doesn't mean you should use it... When I got my bearded dragon I bought a bearded dragon set-up kit that came with a complete care guide. It was all garbage, the first few weeks of having a beardie were complete hell. First of all the kit was a 10 gallon tank which is too small to maintain proper temps, so we went out two days later and bought another tank. Secondly, it came with a basking light only so my beardie wasn't getting UVB and the handy dandy guide never mentioned it. Two weeks later our beardie had a broken wrist. The guide was useless, it made it seem so easy and I can't stand how it made it seem like beardies are great pets for small children. It isn't that beardies aren't great pets but children aren't great caregivers. Bearded dragons are very time consuming because they eat constantly and love attention. They need proper temps, humidity, lighting, and nutrition that a child could not maintain alone.

[makuro135]

I do agree that for little ones paper towels should be used since they can cause many accidents. However, for adults I think all substrates are fine if used properly.
Bearded Dragon Care

[flamesbane]

The point is: Why risk it?

Some links:
http://www.beardeddragon.org/articles/impaction/
http://www.draconian.com/dragons/bearded-dragon-care.php

[care-bearded-dragons]

Interesting guide. Good work overall

[clemsonguy1125]

Good Job, This is one of the best written care guides to any animal I have seen on instructables.

[pyro=fire]

how can i make my cage bigger without having to buy a new one please send me a personal message response

[paperninja]

is there any exception to insects? my mom is VERY paranoid that they will escape.

[flamesbane]

No, young bearded dragons must have protein in their diet, while some people successfully keep adult bearded dragons on a veggie only diet, young beardies need the protein in order to grow. If you are worried about crickets escaping (and believe me, they will) you could try another feeder insect, such as tropical roaches. Species such as B. lateralis and B. Dubia are excellent choices. These roaches have several advantages to crickets, -Low to No smell (crickets can have a horrible odor when kept in large numbers. -Breed eaisly (raise your own) -They cannot jump -B. dubia cannot fly -The cannot climb smooth surfaces -Cannot reproduce at temperatures below approx. 78° F. While the thought of roaches gives many people problems, they are a much better feeder than crickets. If you are interested in ordering some feeder roaches check out aaronpauling.com (I am a very satisfied costumer). He has the best prices on the web But to answer your question, there is no exception to feeding insects, if you cannot provide insects for a beardie you should consider another pet, such as a uromastyx.

[piruet]

I don't fully agree. But I do agree that for little ones paper towels should be used since they can cause many accidents. However, for adults I think all substrates are fine if used properly. I've heard and have had success stories by everything from sand to alfalfa. My beardies have been on zillas walnut shells for a loooooooong time. And nothing has ever happened. So I will only speak from personal and friends experience before ruling anything out.

[flamesbane]

Even healthy adults can become impacted on substrates that are easily swallowed. While you can keep bearded dragons on walnut shells, most experts do not recommend it. If you notice in my the post above I mention using sand and alfalfa, and both are fine if used properly. Thanks for the comments. ANY pelleted substrate can cause impaction and death.

References:
http://www.beardeddragon.org/articles/impaction/
http://www.draconian.com/dragons/bearded-dragon-care.php
http://www.kricketskritters.com/dragons/dragon-faqs/41-substrate-bedding.html

[piruet]

Very thorough guide. Though I disagreed with a few things, but overall good work.

[Mr. Squiggles]

these things seriously hate me

[iPodGuy]

This instructable is very well written and informative. Nice job! You also did a good job covering the various lighting and heating elements as well, but I was surprised to see no mention of using rheostats for people who choose to use ceramic rocks, heat emitters or basking-type lights.

[flamesbane]

Thanks for the comment, I had completely forgotten about heat control. The instructable has been changes to reflect this, along with addition of using thermostats. Again thanks for the comment!