A Bearded Dragon Introduction

The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is naturally found in Australian outback and with several other related species.
 
They are often seen climbing rock faces and outcrops as well as fallen trees, the bearded dragon enjoys basking in the Australian sun but will retreat during the hottest part of the day into its burrow.

The bearded dragons habitat in the wild range extends across most of Australia. They typically prefer to stick to warm, arid areas including deserts, subtropical woodlands, savannas and scrub lands.

Housing

A bearded dragon can be kept in a escape proof glass or wooden enclosure.
A baby/juvenile will require 1 mtr long enclosure and adults at least a 1.5mtr long enclosure.
The enclosure should have good ventilation and glass sliding doors, the ventilation will allow heat to escape from the cool side to help maintain a heat gradient.
For very young juvenile dragon more decor is added so there is not too much open space, this can be removed as the dragon gets older.

Heating

The bearded dragon requires a basking temperature of around 100-110 Degrees Fahrenheit during the day.
It is best to provide heat over 1/3 of the enclosure and have a cool end at 80 Degrees Fahrenheit.

To achieve the temperature at the basking area we attached a strong basking lamp to the ceiling of the enclosure which is controller by a dimming thermostat.
It is also possible to choose an appropriate basking lamp and adjust the height of the lamp fixture until you get the correct basking area temperature,
The basking lamp is left on for 10-12 hours per day.

At night all the lights should go off and the enclosure should be kept completely dark, this will ensure the dragon keeps a clear day night cycle.

During the night the temperature would not normally get any cooler than 80 Fahrenheit in the bearded dragons burrow.
To maintain the evening temperature we would suggest a ceramic heater attached to an appropriate dimmer thermostat , set this to 80 Fahrenheit, the thermostat will ensure the heater only is turned on when the temperature drops below 90 Fahrenheit. This would mean under normal conditions it would not be active during the day the the basking lamps will keep the temperature above 80 Fahrenheit.

At least one thermometer gauge is required to double check any temperature.

UVB Lighting

The bearded dragon requires full spectrum and UVB lighting.
They are a basking species therefore require intense UVB lighting, a 10-14% UVB tube running 2/3rd the length of the enclosure.
For which strength of tube you require it depends of how high the enclosure is, see the below diagram.
Whichever lamp is chosen we would advise mounting it to the ceiling of the enclosure close to the back wall at the opposite side to the basking area.
Several hides should be provided giving partial of full shade so the bearded dragon can us them.

Decorations, Hides & Substrate

Beech chips and aspen are a popular floor covering but as with all loose substrate there is a risk of ingestion. Some keeps may prefer a more natural looking substrate such as sand / soil / clay mixes. Humidity should be kept at 40%.

Dry wood decorations or pieces of rock/slate and be used to make a platform for the bearded dragon can climb on to get closer to the heat produce in the basking area. The decor should not allow the dragon to reach or come into contact with the basking lamp.
The basking areas temperature must be checked to make sure they are not too low or too high.
At time the dragon may not want UV and needs shade, caves, cork bark tubes or flats, or any other decor that provides a shady spot is acceptable.

Water & Food

The bearded dragon is omnivorous and will eat a varied diet of vegetables and insects.
Livedfood :- Commercially available live food such as crickets, worms, locusts,
wax worms & cockroaches are readily accepted. Gut load the live food before feeding.
The grubs and worms are fatty so should be offered in moderation as a treat.
Vegetables:- Green leafy salad leaves such as water cress, dandelion leaves, kurly kale and flower mixes.
Specialist powered dry foods are also available.
Feed daily for babies and every other day for adults.
A water bowl is provided at the cool side of the enclosure, it will help raise the humidity which will help with loose the dragons skin when shedding.

Supplements

Calcium powder with D3 and a balanced multi-vitamin with D3.

Handling

Babies may go off their food if handled every day. Adults will tolerate more handling, within reason.

Cleaning

Bearded dragon like all pets require a clean environment to be live happily.
Spot clean daily removing feacal matter and any uneaten food.
Change water daily. Strip out and change substrates every four weeks.
When cleaning the enclosure you should remove all animals and decor as well as bedding. Spray down the enclosure with a reptile safe disinfectant and even for at least 30 seconds, specific instruction can be found on the products packaging.
Decor and fake plants can be cleaning in the same way.
Rinse thoroughly with water and dry thoroughly before replacing back in the enclosure.

Summary Of Recommended Supplies

Glass, wood or plastic vivarium — around 1m long for a baby, 1.5m for an adult
Floor coverings such as Aspen and beech chip are popular.
Ceramic Heater with thermostat.
Temperature gauges.
Full spectrum and UVB lighting
Appropriate multi-vitamin supplements
Water and food bowl.
Hides and climbing decor.