Bearded dragon: lifespan, size, diet and care

How big it is

An adult is up to 61 cm (24 in) long.

Zoomed ×2: here you see the man up to 95 cm (37 in) off the ground

1Bichon Frise29 cm (11 in) tall2Maltese25 cm (10 in) tall3Bearded dragonlong 61 cm (24 in)4Cockatiellong 35 cm (14 in)5Ferretlong (head and body) 50 cm (20 in)

1. Bichon Frise29 cm (11 in) tall
2. Maltese25 cm (10 in) tall
3. Bearded dragonlong 61 cm (24 in)
4. Cockatiellong 35 cm (14 in)
5. Ferretlong (head and body) 50 cm (20 in)

All the pets next to a person

Before it arrives

• A vivarium at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm (48 × 24 × 24 in; long, high, wide) for one adult, ventilated and secure
• A guarded heat lamp with a thermostat: basking spot at 38–42 °C (100–108 °F), cool end at 22–26 °C (72–79 °F), and two thermometers
• A high-output UVB tube (10–12%) up to half the vivarium's length, fitted inside (glass blocks UVB), and a 12-hour timer
• A heater that gives no light for the night, if the room drops below 20–22 °C (68–72 °F)
• A hide at each end, plus rocks and sturdy branches to climb
• A safe floor: rough tiles or slate, or reptile carpet (paper towels for babies); no gravel, corncob or cat litter
• A large shallow water dish, live insects, leafy greens and calcium powder
• Set up and run the vivarium for at least a week before it arrives

Its home: temperature and light

Basking spot

38–42 °C (100–108 °F)

Cool side

22–26 °C (72–79 °F)

At night

20–22 °C (68–72 °F)

Humidity

30–40%

Light

12 hours a day

UVB lamp

needed

What it eats and how often

insects no bigger than its mouth, plus greens; adults about 60% greens. In the morning

• Babies: every day, 2–3 meals a day
• Juveniles: every day, 1 meal a day
• Adults: every day, 1 meal a day

In the morning. When young, about 65% insects and 35% greens; when grown (over 30 cm, about 12 in), about 40% insects and 60% greens. Insects no bigger than its mouth, that is, no longer than the space between its eyes; for adults 3–4 times a week. Mixed leafy greens (dandelion, arugula, watercress), very little fruit, no spinach. Remove leftovers every day.

Vaccines and checkups

The care calendar

What to do, from the most frequent to the least.

• every dayGreens and insectsFresh greens every day, in the morning; dusted insects: twice a day for babies, 3–4 times a week for adults.
• every dayFresh waterA large, shallow dish of clean water, changed every day: it drinks little, but needs it there.
• every weekMultivitamin on the foodCalcium on the insects every day, the multivitamin once a week.
• every monthFull clean of the terrariumRemove droppings as you see them.
• every 6 monthsUVB lampIt still gives light after the UVB has run out: replace it when the brand says (fluorescent tubes usually every 6 months).
• every yearYearly check-upWith a reptile vet.

Call the vet right away if…

If you see one of these signs, call your vet now: don’t wait for it to pass.

• Twitching, swollen legs or face, or trouble walking or climbing
• Loses weight, even during brumation
• Poor appetite outside of brumation
• Brings up food after eating
• Diarrhea or no droppings, together with weight loss

Ate something dangerous? What to do now