Herp Public Library

Bearded Dragon FAQ

This is a group of Frequently Asked Questions about Bearded Dragons. If you'd like see something added to this page, Email us at contrib@acmepet.com
  • Scientific Name
  • Size
  • Feeding
  • Handling
  • Reproduction
  • History of the name
  • Description
  • Housing
  • Cage Temperature
  • Water
  • Life Span
  • Bearded Dragon Links
  • Scientific Name

    Pogona vitticeps

    Size

    - How large does a bearded dragon get? -

    Bearded dragons can grow to approximately 18 to 24 inches in length within 18 to 24 months.

    Feeding

    - What should I feed a bearded dragon? -

    Bearded dragons are primarily insectivorous (about 70% of thier diet should be crickets and other invertabrates). They will also eat vegetables, but should stay away from those with high vitamin A or phosphorous contents. The dragon's food needs to be dusted at least 3-5 times a week (daily for sub adult dragons) with a Phosphorous-free Calcium powder such as Rep-Cal with D3. Multi-Vitamin powders such as Herptivite, should be used instead of Calcium once or twice a week. Pinky mice can also be offered to adults periodically.

    Handling

    - How friendly are bearded dragons? -

    Bearded dragons are extremely tame. Some adults in the wild will even allow themselves to be picked up without a fight.

    Reproduction

    - Are bearded dragons bred in captivitity? -

    Yes. Australia allows little exportation of its wildlife, bearded dragons are exclusively captive bred.

    History of the name

    - How did bearded dragons get their name? -

    When threatened, a bearded dragon will puff out its throat, resembling a spiky beard.

    Description

    - What do they look like? -

    Bearded dragons are squat-bodied lizards with medium-length tails and small spikes all over their body. The spikes are not sharp, but make them appear threatening.

    Housing

    - What kind of cage should I keep them in? -

    Young lizards should be kept in a 10 to 15 gallon terrarium. Adult dragons can be housed in pairs in a 50 gallon terrarium. Ultraviolet lighting is also extremely important to the health of a dragon.

    Temperature

    - How warm should the enclosure be kept? -

    The ideal temperature is about 88 to 92 degrees F. However, the enclosure should also have a basking area that is in the 105 degree F range.

    Water

    - How should water be offered? -

    Water should be offered three times a week in a shallow dish or pan. Keep in mind, however, that dragons rarely drink from pools of water in the wild, instead getting water from drops of dew on the leaves of plants or from moisture contained within leaves or other food sources.

    Lifespan

    - How long can I expect a bearded dragon to live? -

    Life span in captivity is anywhere from 4 to 10 years.


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