Looking After a Bearded Dragon: Bearded dragons (Pogona) are among the most popular pet reptiles, known for their friendly nature, manageable size, and fascinating behaviors. However, looking after a bearded dragon requires dedication and knowledge. To ensure your bearded dragon thrives, follow these 10 foolproof care rules that cover everything from diet to habitat and health maintenance.

10 Foolproof Care Rules for Bearded Dragons

Rule Number	Care Rule	Description
1	Provide a Spacious Enclosure	A tank of at least 40-75 gallons is essential for comfort and activity.
2	Maintain Proper Temperature & Lighting	UVB lighting and a temperature gradient are crucial for their health.
3	Offer a Balanced Diet	A mix of insects, greens, and occasional fruits ensures proper nutrition.
4	Ensure Proper Hydration	Misting and occasional baths help with hydration.
5	Handle with Care	Regular, gentle handling helps build trust and reduces stress.
6	Keep Their Habitat Clean	Regular tank cleaning prevents infections and ensures hygiene.
7	Monitor Their Health	Watch for signs of illness like lethargy, weight loss, or color changes.
8	Encourage Natural Behaviors	Providing climbing areas and hiding spots enriches their environment.
9	Prevent Parasites and Diseases	Regular vet visits and clean habitats reduce health risks.
10	Socialization and Mental Stimulation	Interacting with them daily keeps them engaged and stress-free.

1. Provide a Spacious Enclosure: Looking After a Bearded Dragon

A properly sized enclosure is one of the most critical factors in looking after a bearded dragon. Hatchlings can start in a 20-gallon tank, but adults require at least a 40-75 gallon terrarium. The enclosure should include:

• A secure lid to prevent escapes.
• A basking area and a cool zone to allow thermoregulation.
• Substrate choices like reptile carpet, tile, or paper towels to prevent impaction.

2. Maintain Proper Temperature & Lighting

Bearded dragons are cold-blooded, relying on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Their habitat should have:

• A basking area at 95-110°F for adults and up to 115°F for babies.
• A cooler side at around 75-85°F.
• UVB lighting for calcium absorption and to prevent metabolic bone disease.
• Lights should be on for 10-12 hours a day to mimic their natural habitat.

3. Offer a Balanced Diet: Looking After a Bearded Dragon

Looking after a bearded dragon means feeding them a varied and balanced diet. Their diet should include:

• Insects (crickets, dubia roaches, mealworms) for protein.
• Leafy greens (collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens).
• Vegetables (squash, bell peppers, carrots) and occasional fruits (strawberries, blueberries).
• Avoid toxic foods like avocado, rhubarb, and citrus.

4. Ensure Proper Hydration

Although bearded dragons get most of their hydration from food, they still require:

• A small water dish to drink from occasionally.
• Misting to provide light hydration and aid in shedding.
• Bathing (once a week) to help keep them hydrated and clean.

5. Handle with Care: Looking After a Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons enjoy human interaction, but improper handling can cause stress. When handling them:

• Support their entire body, including their belly and tail.
• Avoid grabbing them from above, as this can be perceived as a threat.
• Handle them frequently to build trust, but never force them.

6. Keep Their Habitat Clean

A dirty enclosure can lead to bacterial infections and respiratory issues. Maintain cleanliness by:

• Spot-cleaning daily to remove waste and uneaten food.
• Deep cleaning the enclosure with reptile-safe disinfectants weekly.
• Replacing substrate regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.

7. Monitor Their Health: Looking After a Bearded Dragon

A healthy bearded dragon is active, alert, and has a good appetite. Watch for signs of illness, such as:

• Lethargy and lack of movement.
• Swollen limbs or difficulty walking.
• Runny or discolored stool (a sign of parasites).
• Loss of appetite or drastic weight loss.
• If you notice any of these, consult a reptile vet immediately.

8. Encourage Natural Behaviors

Providing enrichment helps keep your bearded dragon mentally stimulated. Ways to encourage natural behaviors include:

• Adding climbing branches and basking rocks.
• Providing hiding spots for security.
• Letting them explore outside their enclosure under supervision.

9. Prevent Parasites and Diseases: Looking After a Bearded Dragon

Parasites and infections are common in bearded dragons if their environment isn’t clean. Prevent diseases by:

• Quarantining new dragons before introducing them to existing ones.
• Keeping the habitat dry and clean to prevent mold growth.
• Regular vet checkups to screen for parasites and infections.

10. Socialization and Mental Stimulation

Looking after a bearded dragon isn’t just about physical care; they also need mental stimulation. Engage with them by:

• Talking to them regularly.
• Allowing them safe supervised exploration outside their tank.
• Using toys and feeding puzzles to keep them entertained.

FAQs on Looking After a Bearded Dragon

Question	Answer
How often should I feed my bearded dragon?	Juveniles eat twice daily, while adults eat once a day or every other day.
Can bearded dragons eat fruits?	Yes, but only occasionally as a treat. Safe fruits include strawberries, mangoes, and blueberries.
Do bearded dragons need a heat lamp at night?	No, unless the temperature drops below 65°F. Use a ceramic heat emitter if needed.
How can I tell if my bearded dragon is happy?	A happy dragon is active, alert, eats well, and basks regularly. Waving or glass surfing may indicate stress.
Why is my bearded dragon turning black?	Black coloration can indicate stress, cold temperatures, or illness. Ensure proper heat and check for signs of distress.
How often should I bathe my bearded dragon?	Once a week is enough to help with hydration and shedding.
What is the lifespan of a bearded dragon?	With proper care, they can live 10-15 years.
Can I keep two bearded dragons together?	It’s not recommended, as they are territorial and may fight.
How do I know if my bearded dragon is sick?	Signs include loss of appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and abnormal stool. Consult a vet if needed.
Do bearded dragons recognize their owners?	Yes! They can recognize voices, scents, and even show signs of affection.

Conclusion of Looking After a Bearded Dragon

Looking after a bearded dragon is a rewarding experience when you follow these 10 foolproof care rules. By ensuring a proper enclosure, diet, hygiene, and socialization, your pet will thrive and live a long, healthy life. If you ever notice unusual behaviors, don’t hesitate to consult a reptile specialist.

Would you like more detailed care tips? Drop a comment below and share your experience with your bearded dragon! 🦎