Bearded Dragon
Pogona vitticeps
A popular pet lizard known for its spiky appearance and friendly demeanor, native to the deserts of Australia.
Last updated: 3/16/2025
Overview
A popular pet lizard native to Australia, known for its docile nature and characteristic beard-like throat display.
Native Regions
Australia
Habitats
Deserts
Adult Length
18-24 inches
Adult Weight
10-20 ounces
Lifespan
8–12 years
For Beginners
Highly recommended
For Experienced Keepers
Suitable for all experience levels
Key Points
- › Docile and friendly
- › Requires UVB lighting
- › Omnivorous diet
Appearance & Behavior
Stout body, spiky beard, sandy to reddish coloration
Normal Behavior
Diurnal, enjoys basking, interactive
Social Behavior
Solitary but tolerates handling
Warning Signs
Lethargy, black beard, lack of appetite
Key Points
- › Very interactive species
- › Enjoys basking
Enclosure & Environment
Enclosure Size
Minimum 40-gallon tank for adults
Enclosure Type
Glass or PVC terrarium
Substrate
Tile, reptile carpet, or packed sand (for adults only)
Heating
Basking spot at 100-110°F, cool side around 75-85°F
Humidity
Keep low (30-40%)
Lighting
UVB lighting required
Décor & Enrichment
Branches, hides, basking rock
Cleaning & Maintenance
Spot clean daily, deep clean monthly
Key Points
- › Needs UVB lighting
- › Requires a large enclosure
Diet & Nutrition
Omnivorous diet of insects and vegetables
Food Types
Crickets, dubia roaches, leafy greens, vegetables
Feeding Schedule
Juveniles: 70% insects, 30% vegetables; Adults: 70% vegetables, 30% insects
Supplements
Calcium and vitamin D3
Hydration
Mist occasionally, provide fresh water
Preparation
Chop vegetables finely, gut-load insects
Common Mistakes
Feeding too much protein to adults
Key Points
- › Balanced diet is essential
- › Needs calcium supplementation
Handling
Very handleable and interactive
Techniques
Support the body with both hands
Do's & Don'ts
Do not grab by the tail, avoid rough handling
Taming
Easily tamed with regular interaction
Stress Signals
Black beard, glass surfing
Key Points
- › Enjoys human interaction
- › Handle gently
Health & Wellness
Common Health Issues
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)
Description
Caused by lack of calcium or UVB
Symptoms
Weak limbs, tremors, deformities
Prevention
Proper diet and UVB exposure
Treatment
Vet care and calcium supplementation
Impaction
Description
Digestive blockage from substrate or large food
Symptoms
Swollen belly, constipation
Prevention
Avoid loose substrate, provide proper diet
Treatment
Warm baths, vet care if severe
Preventative Care
Proper diet, UVB lighting, regular cleaning
Emergency Signs — seek vet care immediately
Severe lethargy, sunken eyes, weight loss
Key Points
- › Requires proper UVB exposure
- › Monitor for signs of illness
Breeding
Egg-laying species (oviparous)
Preparation
Provide a lay box with moist substrate
Breeding Process
Females lay 15-30 eggs per clutch
Egg Care
Incubate at 80-85°F with 70% humidity
Hatchling Care
Provide small insects and finely chopped greens
Key Points
- › Breeding is common in captivity
- › Proper incubation required