BEARDED DRAGON - ASSORTED FANCY (Pogona vitticeps)

BEARDED DRAGON – ASSORTED FANCY (Pogona vitticeps)

Full Description

Here’s a complete and up-to-date Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) care guide, ideal for beginners and experienced reptile keepers alike:

Overview

  • Species: Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

  • Lifespan: 8–12 years in captivity (up to 15+ with optimal care)

  • Adult Size: 18–24 inches

  • Temperament: Docile, friendly, great for handling

  • Activity: Diurnal (active during the day)

Enclosure

Tank Size

Age Minimum Tank Size
Hatchling (<6 months) 20–40 gallons
Juvenile (6–12 months) 40–75 gallons
Adult (12+ months) Minimum 75 gallons (4’x2’x2’) — 120 gallons recommended

Substrate

  • Best: Reptile carpet, ceramic tile, or non-adhesive shelf liner

  • Avoid: Loose substrates like calcium sand, play sand, or wood chips (risk of impaction)

Décor

  • Basking platform

  • Branches for climbing

  • Hides (warm and cool side)

  • Food/water dishes

️ Heating & Lighting

Basking Spot: 100–110°F (38–43°C)

Cool Side: 75–85°F (24–29°C)

Night Temperature: 65–75°F (18–24°C)

UVB Lighting

  • Use a T5 HO linear UVB bulb (e.g., Arcadia 12%, Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0)

  • Replace every 6–12 months (UVB output diminishes before bulb burns out)

  • Mount inside the enclosure for best effectiveness

  • Provide 12 hours of daylight (UVB + basking light)

Humidity & Hydration

  • Ideal humidity: 30–40%

  • Use a hygrometer to monitor

  • Provide a shallow water dish (optional; not all will drink from it)

  • Bathe 1–2x/week to aid hydration and shedding

Diet & Feeding

Omnivore Diet: Insects + Vegetables

Age Insects Veggies
0–6 mo 2–3x/day (high protein) Small amount daily
6–12 mo 1–2x/day Daily, increasing
12+ mo 3–5x/week Daily (main portion)

Insects

  • Staples: Dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae, crickets

  • Occasional treats: Waxworms, mealworms, hornworms

Always gut-load insects and dust with supplements.

Greens & Veggies

  • Staples: Collard, mustard, dandelion greens

  • Others: Squash, bell peppers, carrots (in moderation)

  • Avoid: Spinach, iceberg lettuce, avocado

Supplements

  • Calcium w/ D3: 3–5x/week for juveniles, 2–3x/week for adults

  • Multivitamin: 1–2x/week

Common Health Issues

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by lack of UVB or calcium

  • Impaction: From ingesting loose substrate or oversized insects

  • Respiratory Infections: Caused by high humidity or cold temps

  • Parasites: Can occur from feeder insects or poor hygiene

Handling & Enrichment

  • Handle gently and regularly to maintain tameness

  • Always support the body and never grab by the tail

  • Enrichment: climbing branches, supervised exploration, feeding variety

✅ Supplies Checklist

  • 75+ gallon tank

  • UVB tube light (T5 HO) + fixture

  • Basking bulb + fixture

  • Digital thermometer and hygrometer

  • Safe substrate

  • Calcium and vitamin supplements

  • Climbing décor and hides

  • Food dish, water dish

  • Live feeders & greens

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