The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is one of the types of lizards that have become more popular as pets in recent decades, currently being the most recognized species of the genus of pogonas. Due to their small size, docile character and high sociability, bearded dragons are usually easier to handle and care for than other larger and more territorial lizards, such as iguanas.
In addition, bearded dragons require relatively simple care to maintain their good he alth and well-being, so they may be recommended even for less experienced or 'first trip' guardians. If you are thinking of adopting a lizard of this species as a pet, we invite you to continue reading this article on our site, where we will show you the main care of the bearded dragon or Pogona vitticeps.
How to prepare the terrarium for bearded dragon?
If you have decided to adopt a bearded dragon, one of the first steps you should take is to prepare your home to receive your new companion and offer optimal conditions for its developmentphysical and cognitive, since he will spend most of his days there.
Bearded dragons do not usually exceed 60 cm in length in adulthood, weighing about 400 to 450 grams. The males are somewhat larger than the females and have bumps on both sides of their tails, which makes it easy to differentiate the individuals of each sex in this species. Despite its small size, the bearded dragon is active, fast moving and loves to climb. Therefore, you will need to purchase a bearded dragon terrarium of at least 200 liters, with minimum dimensions of 100 cm long x 40 cm high x 40 cm deep, for a single individual. Thus, if you intend to create a pair of pogonas, the minimum dimensions are 130 cm long x 50 high and 50 deep. It is very important that the terrarium has its own lid to prevent the lizards from escaping, especially during your absence.
After choosing the ideal terrarium for your bearded dragon, it's time to enrich it with elements that help recreate the natural habitat of these pogonas and stimulate their physical and mental activity. In addition to leaving a feeder and a drinker at your disposal, you can also add branches, artificial plants, stones and caves or small shelters, giving your lizard the possibility not only to exercise and have fun, but also to have a place safe and warm place to rest.
In addition, you will also need to choose the most suitable place to place your pogona's terrarium. Of course, your lizard should not be left exposed to the elements, as it could easily get sick. It is best to locate your terrarium in a room that has good natural light and can be easily ventilated, as this will facilitate the maintenance of an optimal temperature in the terrarium and facilitate home hygiene.
When preparing the terrarium for your dragon, we also advise you to spread a good bed of sand or dry soil on the bottom, before placing the branches, plants and other accessories. Next, we will talk more about the optimal temperature and humidity conditions in a bearded dragon terrarium.
Optimal conditions for a bearded dragon terrarium
Bearded dragons are native to the deserts and dry forests of Oceania, more precisely Australia. These lizards are very comfortable on the ground or in the sand and need the heat to survive, but they are also used to a wide range of temperatures, as temperatures in the desert they can vary between 30 ºC and 40 ºC during the day, and reach up to 4 ºC or 5 ºC at night.
In this way, within the care of the bearded dragon we must keep the temperature in mind. Thus, the optimal temperatures of the environment of a pogona should be kept between 24 ºC and 35 ºC, and it is important that the terrarium has a warmer and more illuminated area, and another fresher. To do this, you will need to position a ultraviolet light lamp (UVB) with a maximum value of 10.0, at one of the ends or corners of your lizard's terrarium. Artificial lighting is essential, not only to keep the environment warm, but also to provide the amount of radiation the bearded dragon needs to synthesize vitamin D, absorb calcium, and maintain good he alth.
Generally, it is recommended to leave the lamp on for 10-12 hours, always during the day and evening. During the nights, it is very important to turn off artificial lighting to allow the temperature to drop and the lizard to rest.
If you live in a region with very harsh winters, you should also pay attention to the environmental temperature of your home, preventing it from dropping below 24ºC. In very cold months, a good heating system can be your great ally, but remember to spray clean water at least twice a day in the house, to prevent the air from becoming too dry and causing respiratory or skin problems in your dragon.
Bearded Dragon Feeding
Bearded Dragons are omnivores and enjoy receiving a varied and fresh diet, incorporating animal protein, fruit and vegetables. In its natural habitat, the diet of the bearded dragon is very diverse, adapting excellently to the environmental conditions and the availability of food in its environment.
In stores specializing in exotic pets it is possible to find food for bearded dragons. The great advantage of this solution, in addition to its practicality, is that these products contain balanced proportions of all the essential nutrients for this species. However, it is not advisable to limit your bearded dragon's diet to only this type of industrialized product, and it is advisable to supplement its diet with fresh and natural foods
Although these lizards love vegetables, basing their diet on the consumption of plants, fruits and vegetables is a serious mistake that can lead to nutritional deficiencies and consequent he alth problems. Bearded dragons need to eat high-quality animal proteins and high biological value, to properly develop their muscle mass and maintain a stable metabolism.
The best sources of protein for a bearded dragon are:
- Crickets (you can evaluate the feasibility of creating your own cricket colony)
- Flies
- Worms
- The honey worms
- Snails
- Lobsters
Regarding vegetable products, the best fruits and vegetables for pogonas, as well as cereals, are:
- Apricot
- Alfafa
- Celery
- Cooked rice
- Chard
- Watercress
- Sweet potato
- Broccoli
- Borage
- Dandelion
- Jewish
- Lentils
- Soy
- Zucchini
- Pumpkin
- Thistle
- Cabbage
- Brussels sprouts
- Endive
- Endive
- Asparagus
- Green peas
- Kiwi
- Blackberries
- Raspberries
- Figs
- Mandarin
- Mango
- Corn
- Apple
- Cantaloupe
- Mulberry leaves
- Papaya
- Cucumber
- Pepper
- Banana
- Leek
- Radish
- Beetroot
- Cabbage
- Arugula
- Tomatoes
- Grapes
- Carrot
To provide the best nutrition for your bearded dragon, it is essential to consult a veterinarian specialized in this type of reptile. The professional will also be able to evaluate the need and benefits of administering certain supplements and vitamins in your lizard's diet in order to offer the most appropriate care for your Pogona vitticeps.
Bearded Dragon He alth Care
When provided with a positive environment and proper care, bearded dragons rarely get sick and can live up to 15 years in captivity. The most common he alth problems in these lizards are ectoparasite infestations (mainly ticks and mites), oral diseases and salmonella.
In general, the main cause of diseases in the bearded dragon is a poor hygiene of its terrarium and/or its environment. The accumulation of food waste and excrement favors the proliferation of bacteria, fungi, parasites and different pathogens in your pet's space. For this reason, an essential care for the he alth of the bearded dragon is to regularly clean its droppings and food remains, change its water daily and carry out a complete sanitization of the entire terrarium at least 2 times a month. You can use warm water and neutral soap to wash the terrarium, avoiding corrosive chemical products.
Nutritional deficiencies can also lead to numerous he alth problems in pogonas. An unbalanced diet weakens their immune system, leaving them exposed to various diseases. The consumption of forbidden foods and toxic plants can cause serious digestive disorders and poisoning. Therefore, we reinforce the need to offer complete and balanced nutrition in order to guarantee the best care for your bearded dragon. If you notice that your dragon's skin has changed color or texture, is dry or has cracks, you should know that these may be signs of calcium or vitamin deficiency, so you should quickly consult a specialized veterinarian.
On the other hand, it is essential to remember that the bearded dragon is sociable and needs to develop not only its physical abilities, but also its cognitive and emotional abilities. In addition to enriching his terrarium, you will need to set aside a special time of your day to interact with your pogona. Many more experienced keepers recommend always adopting pairs of bearded dragons, as they tend to live better when accompanied.
Last (and not least), we emphasize that reptiles can develop digestive, respiratory and ophthalmological problems asymptomatically, or without presenting visible signs of disease. Therefore, he alth care for a bearded dragon should include preventive visits to the vet every 6 months.
