Bearded Dragon
Friendly, alert and full of character, Bearded Dragons need high-quality UVB, carefully controlled heat and a varied, age-appropriate diet to thrive.
Information checked against the source below: August 2026
Enclosure
An adult needs a vivarium of at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm, with good ventilation and room for a full heat-and-light gradient. Provide a secure basking platform, shaded retreat, climbing branches, rocks and a hide. Bearded Dragons should generally be housed alone.
Heating & lighting
Create a hot end of 38–42°C and a cool end of 22–26°C. Do not allow night temperatures to fall below 20–22°C. Control heat sources with the correct thermostat and check temperatures daily. Provide 10–12% high-output UVB, creating a basking-zone UVI of 3.0–5.0 that falls to zero in shade. Replace lamps according to the manufacturer.
Humidity
Aim for 30–40% humidity and measure it with a reliable digital hygrometer. Strong ventilation is essential. Provide clean water every day and remove wet substrate promptly rather than keeping the enclosure humid.
Substrate & enrichment
Use a safe substrate and provide opportunities to climb, bask, hide and dig. Avoid calci-sand, bark or wood chips, crushed walnut and corn-cob granules. Keep heavy branches and rocks stable so they cannot move or collapse.
Feeding & water
Bearded Dragons are omnivores. Offer safe leafy greens and appropriately sized live insects; the balance changes with age. Gut-load feeder insects and use calcium or vitamin supplements exactly as directed by the product manufacturer or your reptile vet. Remove uneaten live food and provide fresh drinking water daily.
Handling
Allow a new dragon to settle before regular handling. Scoop from underneath, support the whole body and keep early sessions short. Never pull the tail. Wash hands before and after contact, and supervise children closely.
When to call a reptile vet
Seek prompt advice for reduced appetite with weight loss, weakness, tremors, a soft or swollen jaw, limb swelling, diarrhoea, persistent dark colour, breathing changes, burns, eye problems or unusual inactivity. Arrange preventive health checks with a reptile-experienced vet.
Source
Care figures and husbandry guidance have been checked against the RSPCA Bearded Dragon care guide.
This page provides general husbandry information and is not a substitute for advice from a qualified reptile vet.