Bearded Dragon Care SheetDeveloped with and approved by a qualified veterinarian. Show
Table of Contents
OverviewPogona vitticeps Perhaps the most popular pet lizard, bearded dragons are originally from the deserts of central Australia. "Bearded" refers to the extendable flap of skin under their chin that turns black when they are stressed, displaying dominance or being territorial. They are usually even-tempered, docile, easy to tame, bond closely with their caretakers and are generally hardy when cared for properly. Typical bearded dragon appearance & behavior
Characteristics
HabitatHabitat sizeBearded dragons need an appropriately sized and shaped habitat to accommodate their normal behaviors and exercise. It should have a screened top to help prevent escape while allowing proper ventilation. A 20- gallon tank is a good beginner size for a baby bearded dragon. Bearded dragons will reach adult size in one year under ideal conditions; upgrade habitat size as your reptile grows. If more than one bearded dragon is housed in a habitat, more space will be necessary. Building your habitat
Cleaning your habitatThoroughly clean and disinfect water and food bowls daily. The habitat should be spot-cleaned daily to remove droppings and discarded food. Thoroughly clean the habitat at least once a week:
What do bearded dragons eat?Bearded dragons are omnivores (requiring both plant and animal matter). A well-balanced juvenile bearded dragon diet consists of:
Things to remember when feeding your bearded dragon:
CareBearded dragons regularly shed their skin; ensure humidity of habitat is at appropriate level to allow proper shedding. To facilitate shedding, soak lizard in warm water in a large container that allows the bearded dragon to immerse their entire body while keeping their head out of water, or provide a shed box, a hide box with moist sphagnum moss. Be sure to replace the water in the soaking dish often to keep it clean and change the moss frequently to prevent mold from developing. Where to buyBearded dragons are available for purchase at your local Petco location. Please call ahead to check availability. Habitat matesMale bearded dragons are territorial and should be housed separately. Males and females housed together will likely breed, and females should not be housed with males until they are at least 2 years old or they may have difficulty laying eggs. Do not house different reptile species together. HealthSigns of a healthy bearded dragon
Red flags (If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian.)
Common bearded dragon health issues
FAQs
Additional care sheets
Notes & sourcesAsk a Pet Care Center employee about Petco's selection of products available for the care and happiness of your new pet. All products carry a 100% money-back guarantee. Because all reptiles are potential carriers of infectious diseases such as salmonella, always wash your hands before and after handling your reptile or habitat contents to help prevent the potential spread of disease. Pregnant women, children under the age of 5, senior citizens and people with weakened immune systems should contact their physicians before purchasing or caring for reptiles and should consider having a pet other than a reptile. Go to the Centers for Disease Control at cdc.gov/healthypets for more information about reptiles and disease. The information on this Care Sheet is not a substitute for veterinary care. If you need additional information, please contact your veterinarian as appropriate. How long do bearded dragons live from PetSmart?Bearded Dragon Basics:
Bearded dragons make great pets for anyone who loves reptiles. They're perfect for beginners. They can grow up to 24” long and live an average of 10 years.
How long do pet store bearded dragons live?Their lifespan is usually 10 to 15 years or more, so they're quite a commitment. It's important to replicate their natural habitat as best you can. Learn more about how to care for your bearded dragon and how to keep them healthy and happy.
Are bearded dragons hard to keep alive?Bearded dragons are really very simple to take care of – just supply an appropriate habitat, feed them the right foods, keep them and their home clean, and interact with them as much as possible. That's really it in a nutshell!
Should I get a bearded dragon from PetSmart?First off – try to stay away from the large commercial chains such as Petco and PetSmart. They often buy from very large operations with very low standards for husbandry and genetics.
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