Questions answered to help in making an informed choice when purchasing a new Bearded Dragon as well as general care issues.

Behaviour / Bearded Dragon Care / Health / Tips / Sexing / Brumation / Set Up / Bearded Dragon Species / Food / Links

How many Bearded Dragons

Two males should not be housed together due to fighting. Two females can be housed together. Do not house males and females together year around due to the stress this would cause the female and thus reducing her lifespan due to breeding and the stress this causes. Bearded Dragons do not need a partner.

Enclosure Size

I recommend at least a 40 gallon enclosure for one Beardie and a 70 gallon for two Bearded Dragons. Whilst a baby dragon will be happy in a 20 or 30 gallon tank you will soon have to replace it anyway, therefore buy big to start off with. Height is more important than length although a minimum of 36" length is recomended.

Beardie Size

Bearded Dragons grow to an average of 24” with males typically being bigger than females.

Lifespan

Five to ten years in captivity with proper housing, care and diet. Breeding a female Bearded Dragon will shorten their lifespan. Some Bearded Dragons have been known to live beyond ten years but like humans are all different

Substrate

Bearded Dragons up to one year of age should have paper towels or newspaper as substrate. Note when using paper towels or newspaper provide a hide box. Once a Bearded Dragon is over one year of age I recommend play sand which needs to be sifted and spot cleaned regularly and completely replaced every few months. Do not use calci-sand which is likely to be eat causing impaction which can be fatal.

Over Feeding

It is very hard to over feed a Bearded Dragon in the first year of its life, but this can be done with adults and should be avoided. The main issue is food size (see food size below)

Food Size

Crickets should be no bigger than the gap between your Bearded Dragons eyes. Giant mealworms should only be fed to fully grown adults and small mealworms to Bearded Dragons over one year and only a few a week should be offered.

Drinking Water

Bearded Dragons get all the moisture needed from their diet. A small dish can be provided or use a spray bottle or an eyedropper and drip water on their nose. If they are thirsty, they will lap it up although they will probably do this anyway. Soaking your Bearded Dragon will also keep them hydrated this will also help with the shedding of skin.

Bulging Eye's

The real reason for this is not known you don’t need to worry though as this is another weird Bearded Dragon behaviour.

Won’t Eat Greens

Baby Beardies will rarely eat greens, keep offering them daily and eventually they should start to eat them. Greens can make up a large part of an adult Bearded Dragons diet

Under Tank Heaters

Do not use under tank heaters they have been known to cause burns if a Bearded Dragon digs down and lay's over it which can be fatal

Bearded Dragon Diet

Baby Bearded Dragons should be fed crickets only, at around six months start to offer a small amount of greens, once an adult greens can be offered as an increased part of the diet if your Bearded Dragon is happy to eat them, as each dragon is different.

Shedding Skin

Allow skin to come off naturally as removing the skin can damage the new skin underneath. Try soaking your Bearded Dragon in warm water for a few minutes, this will help in removing the old skin.

Mealworms

Mealworms are hard to digest due to the level of chittin content, so only feed a few per week to Bearded Dragons over one year old. Once a fully grown adult a few giant mealworms can be offered although again only once or twice a week. Mealworms should not be used as a staple food, crickets should form a large part of a Bearded Dragons diet being a staple food item.

Taking Bearded Dragons Outside

Bearded Dragons can be taken outside, I recommend purchasing a reptarium or build a secure enclosure and let them lay out in the sun. Ensure you provide a shaded area for a retreat if your Beardie becomes too hot.

Bathing Bearded Dragons

It is recommended to bath a Bearded Dragon every two weeks being particulary careful with babies. Always provide something for your Bearded Dragon to grab hold of as this will make them feel more secure. Bathing will also aid in the shedding of skin.

Yellow Eggs

Female Bearded Dragons will occasionally become gravid and lay yellow/orange eggs despite not being pregnant just remove and dispose of these at once. If your Bearded Dragon is pregnant and lays eggs again remove any eggs that are moldy or smell, see the Breeding page for more information