Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles due to their friendly nature and fascinating behaviors. However, as they reach full maturity, their care requirements evolve significantly. A full grown bearded dragon requires a carefully maintained habitat, a well-balanced diet, and proper handling to ensure a long and healthy life.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore 10 incredible care tips to help you provide the best life for your full grown bearded dragon. Whether you’re a first-time owner or an experienced reptile enthusiast, these tips will ensure your pet remains happy, healthy, and active.
Understanding a Full Grown Bearded Dragon
A full grown bearded dragon is typically between 18 to 24 inches long and weighs about 400 to 600 grams. They reach full size at 12 to 18 months and can live between 8 to 15 years with proper care.
Since adult dragons have different needs than juveniles, owners must adapt their care routines accordingly. Proper diet, habitat maintenance, and health monitoring are crucial for their well-being.
10 Incredible Care Tips for a Full Grown Bearded Dragon
Below is a detailed list of the best care tips to keep your full grown bearded dragon thriving.
Table: 10 Incredible Care Tips
| # | Care Tip | Why It’s Important |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Provide a Spacious Enclosure | Full grown bearded dragons need space to move and explore. |
| 2 | Maintain Proper Temperature & Lighting | Heat and UVB are essential for digestion and bone health. |
| 3 | Feed a Balanced, Nutritious Diet | A diet rich in greens and protein prevents health issues. |
| 4 | Keep Hydration Levels in Check | Regular hydration prevents dehydration and impaction. |
| 5 | Handle Your Dragon Gently & Regularly | Helps maintain trust and reduces stress. |
| 6 | Clean and Maintain the Enclosure | A clean habitat prevents bacteria and infections. |
| 7 | Provide Regular Vet Check-ups | Early detection of health issues increases lifespan. |
| 8 | Offer Safe, Engaging Enrichment | Toys, climbing branches, and safe items keep them active. |
| 9 | Watch for Signs of Illness | Early symptoms of sickness should be addressed immediately. |
| 10 | Respect Their Sleeping Schedule | Consistent light and dark cycles support their health. |
Now, let’s break down each care tip in detail.
1. Provide a Spacious Enclosure
A full grown bearded dragon requires a minimum 75-gallon tank, but a 100-gallon or larger enclosure is ideal. Unlike juveniles, adults need more room to explore and exercise.
- Ideal tank size: 75–120 gallons
- Substrate: Use reptile carpet, tile, or non-loose substrates to avoid impaction.
- Climbing accessories: Provide logs, rocks, and hides to encourage movement.
2. Maintain Proper Temperature & Lighting
Bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles, so they rely on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.
- Basking area: Maintain at 95-110°F.
- Cool side: Keep between 75-85°F.
- Nighttime: Should not drop below 65°F.
- UVB lighting: A 10-12 hour photoperiod with a UVB bulb is essential for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium absorption.
Replace UVB bulbs every 6 months to maintain effectiveness.
3. Feed a Balanced, Nutritious Diet
The diet of a full grown bearded dragon should be 80% plant-based and 20% protein.
Best Foods for Adult Bearded Dragons
✅ Greens: Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens.
✅ Vegetables: Squash, bell peppers, carrots, zucchini.
✅ Fruits (occasional treats): Blueberries, mango, papaya, apple.
✅ Protein (once or twice a week): Dubia roaches, crickets, mealworms (in moderation).
Avoid feeding too much spinach, iceberg lettuce, or avocado, as they can be harmful.
4. Keep Hydration Levels in Check
While bearded dragons get most of their water from food, hydration is still essential.
- Misting: Lightly mist your dragon once or twice a day.
- Water dish: Provide shallow, clean water.
- Bathing: Offer a lukewarm bath once a week to help with hydration and shedding.
5. Handle Your Dragon Gently & Regularly
Frequent handling builds trust and keeps your full grown bearded dragon comfortable with human interaction.
✅ Always support their body when lifting.
✅ Avoid sudden movements to prevent stress.
✅ Limit handling after meals to avoid digestion issues.
6. Clean and Maintain the Enclosure
A clean habitat prevents bacterial infections and ensures a healthy living environment.
- Daily: Remove uneaten food and spot-clean waste.
- Weekly: Wipe surfaces with reptile-safe disinfectant.
- Monthly: Deep-clean the entire enclosure, including decorations.
7. Provide Regular Vet Check-ups
Annual vet visits are crucial for detecting early health problems. Watch for signs of illness, such as:
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
- Swollen limbs
- Sunken eyes
- Irregular shedding
If any of these symptoms appear, consult a reptile vet immediately.
8. Offer Safe, Engaging Enrichment
To prevent boredom and encourage exercise, provide:
✅ Climbing branches
✅ Tunnels and hides
✅ Rotating toys
✅ Occasional supervised outdoor time
9. Watch for Signs of Illness
A full grown bearded dragon may develop illnesses if not cared for properly.
🚨 Common health issues:
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) – Due to lack of UVB and calcium.
- Impaction – Caused by improper diet or loose substrates.
- Respiratory infections – Result from incorrect humidity or low temperatures.
Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if any issues arise.
10. Respect Their Sleeping Schedule
Bearded dragons need a consistent light-dark cycle for good health.
- Lights on: 10-12 hours a day
- Lights off: 12-14 hours at night
- No bright lights at night to prevent stress
FAQs About Full Grown Bearded Dragons
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How big does a full grown bearded dragon get? | 18-24 inches in length and 400-600 grams in weight. |
| How often should I feed my full grown bearded dragon? | Feed daily with mostly greens and protein 1-2 times per week. |
| Do full grown bearded dragons need UVB light? | Yes, UVB light is essential for calcium absorption and bone health. |
| How often should I clean the enclosure? | Spot-clean daily, deep-clean monthly. |
| What temperature should the basking area be? | 95-110°F. |
| How can I tell if my bearded dragon is sick? | Look for signs like lethargy, loss of appetite, and irregular shedding. |
Conclusion
Caring for a full grown bearded dragon requires commitment and knowledge. By following these 10 incredible care tips, you can ensure a happy and healthy life for your reptile companion.
Got questions? Drop them in the comments and share this guide with other bearded dragon enthusiasts! 🦎✨
