Bearded Dragon – Pogona vitticeps
Bearded Dragons are one of the most widely kept pet reptiles in the UK, valued for their calm temperament, engaging behaviour, and suitability for keepers who are willing to provide a correctly set up enclosure. This care sheet outlines the essential principles required to maintain a healthy, thriving Bearded Dragon, based on modern husbandry standards rather than outdated shortcuts.
At a Glance
Natural History & Behaviour
In the wild, Bearded Dragons inhabit arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, including scrubland, woodlands, and rocky outcrops.
They are opportunistic baskers, frequently positioning themselves on rocks, logs, and low branches to absorb heat and UVB from the sun.
This natural behaviour explains many of their captive requirements: they rely on overhead heat, strong UVB exposure, and clear temperature gradients to regulate their metabolism, digestion, and overall health. Bearded Dragons are also highly visual animals and benefit from environments that allow exploration, climbing, and varied basking zones.
Understanding how they live in nature is key to providing effective captive care.
Enclosure & Environment
Enclosure Size
Bearded Dragons are active, terrestrial lizards that require space to thermoregulate and move naturally.
- Juveniles: Smaller enclosures can be used temporarily, but frequent upgrades are often required.
- Adults: A minimum enclosure size of 120 × 60 × 60 cm (4 × 2 × 2 ft) is recommended. Larger enclosures are always beneficial where space allows.
Front-opening vivariums are strongly preferred, as they reduce stress and make routine maintenance easier.
Layout & Substrate
A well-designed enclosure should provide:
- A clear hot basking zone
- A cooler retreat area
- Visual barriers and shelter
- Opportunities for climbing and burrowing
Substrate choice should prioritise hygiene, safety, and the animal’s natural behaviours. Loose substrates can be appropriate when husbandry and temperatures are correct, while solid substrates may be preferable for younger animals or quarantine setups.
Heating & Lighting
Correct heating and lighting are the foundation of Bearded Dragon care.
Temperature Requirements
- Basking spot: 38–42 °C
- Warm side ambient: 30–32 °C
- Cool side ambient: 22–26 °C
- Night-time: May drop to 16–20 °C if the room allows
Temperatures should always be controlled using a thermostat and measured with reliable digital thermometers.
Recommended Equipment Types
- Overhead basking heat source view suitable basking heat lamps →
- Dimming thermostat
- T5 UVB lighting system
(Equipment selection should be based on enclosure size, layout, and local room temperatures.)
Lighting & UVB
Bearded Dragons require high-output UVB lighting to synthesise vitamin D3 and properly metabolise calcium. UVB lighting should:
- Be provided via a T5 UVB fluorescent system see recommended systems →
- Run the majority of the enclosure length
- Be positioned at the manufacturer’s recommended distance
- Be replaced at appropriate intervals, even if the lamp still appears bright
Heat mats are not suitable as a primary heat source for Bearded Dragons and should be avoided.
Diet & Supplements
Bearded Dragons are omnivorous and require a varied, balanced diet.
Juveniles
- Daily access to fresh leafy greens
- Appropriately sized live insects offered several times per week
Adults
- Fresh greens offered daily
- Live insects reduced in frequency but still offered regularly
Staple greens may include dark leafy vegetables, while insects should be gut-loaded and appropriately sized.
Supplements
Calcium and vitamin supplementation play a vital role in skeletal health:
- Calcium: Lightly dusted on insects several times per week
- Multivitamin: Used less frequently according to manufacturer guidance
Correct UVB exposure is essential — supplements alone cannot compensate for inadequate lighting.
Health, Hygiene and Handling
Cleaning Routine
- Daily: Remove waste, refresh water
- Weekly: Clean bowls and spot-clean enclosure
- Monthly: Deep clean enclosure and décor using reptile-safe disinfectants. suitable F10 veterinary disinfectants →
Good hygiene protects both the animal and the keeper.
Handling
Bearded Dragons generally tolerate gentle handling but all interaction should be calm and brief. Support the body fully and avoid sudden movements.
Excessive handling can be stressful, particularly for juveniles.
When to Seek Veterinary Advice
Contact a qualified reptile veterinarian if you observe:
- Persistent loss of appetite
- Lethargy or weakness
- Abnormal posture or movement
- Retained shed or swelling
- Unusual discolouration or discharge
Early intervention is always preferable.
Further Reading
Why Calcium Is Important For Reptiles → Understand the role of calcium supplementation and the vitamin D₃ cycle in supporting reptile bone health and long-term wellbeing.
Understanding UVB Lighting for Reptiles → A clear explanation of UVB lighting, intensity levels, and how UVB supports reptile health in captivity.
Understanding Full Spectrum Lighting for Reptiles → Learn how full spectrum lighting supports natural behaviour, activity patterns, and overall wellbeing in reptiles.
The Light and Shade Method → Learn about the importance of providing reptiles with a correct thermal gradient alongside appropriate UVB and full spectrum lighting.
Choosing The Correct Thermostat → With multiple types of thermostats available, this guide explains the differences and helps you select the most suitable option for controlling reptile environments.
Final Note
A Bearded Dragon kept with correct heating, lighting, diet, and space will reward its keeper with years of engaging behaviour and excellent health.
Investing time in understanding their needs from the outset is the single most important factor in successful long-term care.
