The bearded dragon, from the arid woodlands of central Australia, is a diurnal lizard that often recognises its keeper and basks openly.
Its boldness and expressive behaviour make it a popular pet, but its high heat and UVB demands mean it is neither cheap nor low-effort to keep well.
A full-grown beardie is a substantial animal needing a large, powerful setup.
Many are sold to unprepared owners in enclosures that are too small with inadequate lighting, which leads to chronic illness.
With correct husbandry they are interactive and relatively forgiving.
Housing
An adult needs a vivarium of at least 120x60x60cm, larger if possible, offering a strong thermal gradient.
Provide a basking surface of 38-42C under a halogen heat lamp at one end and a cool end around 24-26C, all on thermostats and timers.
Temperatures can fall to room temperature at night.
A high-output UVB source (such as a T5 12% tube) covering roughly two-thirds of the enclosure is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis and preventing metabolic bone disease; replace tubes on schedule as output fades.
Use a firm naturalistic substrate or tile, provide hides and basking branches, and spot-clean daily.
Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivores whose dietary balance shifts with age.
Juveniles eat mostly gut-loaded, calcium-dusted live insects such as locusts, dubia roaches and crickets, fed daily, plus finely chopped greens.
Adults eat predominantly leafy greens and vegetables, with insects a few times a week.
Offer a wide variety of dark leafy greens and avoid relying on lettuce, spinach or fruit.
Dust insects with calcium and a multivitamin appropriately.
Provide fresh water.
Obesity from over-feeding fatty insects and impaction are common, as is metabolic bone disease when UVB or calcium is neglected.
Health
Signs of health include bright eyes, an upright stance, strong grip and a good appetite.
Metabolic bone disease, caused by inadequate UVB or calcium, is common and shows as tremors, soft jaw, swollen limbs or a rubbery posture.
Impaction, parasites (notably coccidia) and respiratory infections also occur.
Brumation, a winter slow-down, is natural in adults but should be distinguished from illness, ideally with veterinary input.
Any lethargy, weight loss or unusual lumps warrants an exotics vet.
Regular faecal checks and correct lighting prevent most serious problems.
Temperament
Bearded dragons are typically calm, confident and among the more handleable reptiles, often tolerating regular interaction.
They communicate with arm-waving and head-bobbing and adapt well to routine, which makes them engaging pets.
They must be housed alone.
They are territorial and not social; cohabiting causes stress, dominance behaviour, food competition, injury and even cannibalism among juveniles.
Do not keep two together regardless of sex or size, even if they appear to tolerate each other at first.
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate
Intermediate