Bearded dragons are among the most popular pet reptiles in the U.S.—and for good reason. They’re personable, hardy, relatively easy to care for, and full of quirky behaviors that make them fun to watch. Whether your beardie is doing the “arm wave” or soaking up rays on their basking rock, one thing is clear: they’ve got personality.
But while bearded dragons as pets are beginner-friendly, they still need a well-thought-out setup and daily care to thrive. This guide walks you through everything you need to know about caring for a bearded dragon, from habitat and diet to handling and health.
What is a Bearded Dragon?
A bearded dragon is a type of lizard native to the arid regions of Australia, known for the spiky “beard” under its chin that puffs up when it’s excited or stressed. These reptiles are popular pets thanks to their calm temperament, manageable size, and unique behaviors. Bearded dragons are diurnal (active during the day), omnivorous, and surprisingly social for a lizard, often forming strong bonds with their human caretakers.
Bearded Dragon Quick Facts
- Scientific name: Pogona vitticeps
- Lifespan: 8–12 years (with proper care)
- Size: 16–24 inches long (including tail)
- Native habitat: Arid deserts and woodlands of Australia
- Temperament: Docile, curious, and friendly
- Activity level: Diurnal (awake during the day, sleep at night)
Housing Your Pet Bearded Dragon
Enclosure Size
- Baby dragons (0–6 months): 20-gallon tank minimum
- Juveniles/Adults: 40–120 gallons; 75 gallons is ideal for most adults
Go big when you can—your dragon will use the space!
Tank Setup Must-Haves
- Basking area with rocks or branches
- Cool zone with hiding spots
- Substrate: Reptile carpet, tile, or paper towels for safety. Avoid loose sand for young dragons to prevent impaction.
- Decor: Branches, caves, basking logs, and hammocks—they love to climb and lounge!
Choosing the right bearded dragon tank size.
Lighting and Heating
Proper heat and lighting are non-negotiable. Bearded dragons are cold-blooded and rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature.
- UVB lighting: Required 10–12 hours a day. Use a full-spectrum reptile bulb (not a household bulb!) and replace it every 6 months, even if it still lights up.
- Basking temp: 95–110°F for adults, up to 110°F for babies
- Cool side temp: 75–85°F
- Night temp: No heat source needed unless your home drops below 65°F. If it does, use a ceramic heat emitter (no light).
Use a digital thermometer with probes to monitor both ends of the tank.
What Do Bearded Dragons Eat?
Beardies are omnivores, which means they eat both plants and protein. Their diet should shift as they age.
Baby Bearded Dragons (0–6 months)
- Protein: 70–80% insects (crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae)
- Veggies: 20–30%
- Feeding frequency: 2–3 times a day
Juveniles (6–18 months)
- Gradually shift to 50/50 mix of insects and veggies
- Still feed daily, but less often as they age
Adults (18+ months)
- Veggies: 70–80% of diet
- Protein: 20–30% insects
- Feeding frequency: Once daily or every other day
Safe Veggies and Greens
- Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens
- Squash, bell peppers, carrots (sparingly)
- Occasional fruits: strawberries, blueberries, mango, banana
Avoid spinach, iceberg lettuce, and high-oxalate foods.
Supplementation
- Calcium with D3: 4–5x/week for babies, 3x/week for adults
- Multivitamin: 1–2x/week
Dust their food (especially insects) with these supplements.
Hydration and Bathing
Bearded dragons often won’t drink from a bowl, so hydration takes some creativity.
- Offer fresh greens daily—they get moisture from food.
- Mist them lightly a few times a week (especially babies).
- Give a shallow warm bath 1–2 times a week. Most beardies love a soak!
Baths help with hydration, shedding, and digestion.
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Spot-clean daily: Remove poop and uneaten food
- Full clean: Every 2–4 weeks. Replace substrate and disinfect enclosure using reptile-safe cleaner or a 10% bleach solution (rinse thoroughly).
- UVB bulb: Replace every 6 months even if it still looks functional.
Handling and Socialization
Bearded dragons are generally chill lizards and often enjoy gentle handling.
Tips for Bonding and Handling
- Start slow. Let them get used to your hand in the enclosure.
- Always support their belly and legs when you pick them up.
- Avoid grabbing from above—their natural predators attack from above, so this can be scary!
- Don’t handle during shedding or right after meals.
Once your dragon is comfortable, they may even nap on you. (Some people let their beardies watch TV with them!)
Common Health Issues
Even with perfect care, beardies can still run into issues. Knowing what to look for can make a huge difference.
Health Issue |
Symptoms |
Prevention |
| Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) | Lethargy, twitching, soft bones, swollen limbs | Provide UVB lighting and calcium supplements |
| Impaction | No poop for days, lethargy, bloating | Avoid loose substrate, don’t feed insects too large |
| Respiratory Infection | Wheezing, mucus, gaping mouth | Maintain proper temps and humidity |
| Parasites | Runny stools, weight loss | Keep enclosure clean, regular vet checkups |
If something feels off, consult a reptile-savvy vet ASAP.
Brumation: Bearded Dragon Hibernation
Adult bearded dragons often go through a semi-hibernation state called brumation, typically during the cooler months. They become sluggish, eat less (or not at all), and sleep more.
This is natural! Don’t panic—but always rule out illness first, especially if your beardie is under a year old.
Are Bearded Dragons Good Pets?
Choose a bearded dragon if:
✅ You want a friendly reptile that enjoys interaction
✅ You can commit to daily feeding and cleaning
✅ You’re ready to invest in the proper setup from day one
Skip the beardie if:
🚫 You’re not comfortable with live insects
🚫 You want a pet you can leave unattended for long periods
🚫 You aren’t up for maintaining heat, UVB lighting, and regular supplements
Final Thoughts: The Joy of Owning a Beardie
Bearded dragons might not fetch your slippers or purr on your lap, but they’re incredibly rewarding companions. With the right care, they can become confident, interactive pets that brighten your day with their curious gazes and silly antics.
They’re low-key enough for apartment living but engaging enough for kids (with supervision). Whether you’re a first-time reptile owner or adding to your scaly squad, a beardie can be a fantastic addition to the family.
