Bearded Dragon Care Guide for Beginners: Tank, Diet & Handling Tips

🦎 Introduction

So you’re thinking about getting a Bearded Dragon? Great choice!

Beardies (as fans call them) are:

  • Friendly
  • Easy to handle
  • Diurnal (awake during the day)
  • Perfect for beginners

In this care guide, you’ll learn how to properly set up their enclosure, feed them a balanced diet, and interact with them safely.


🏡 Tank Setup Basics

📏 Minimum Tank Size

Age/Size Minimum Tank Size
Baby (0–5 mo.) 20–40 gallon
Juvenile 40–55 gallon
Adult (1+ year) 75–120 gallon (4 ft)

🧠 Pro Tip: Bigger is always better! A 4’x2’x2′ enclosure is ideal for adults.

🧱 Enclosure Must-Haves

  • Front-opening glass or PVC tank
  • Secure mesh top for airflow
  • Basking platform + hiding spots
  • Climbing branches / decor
  • Dry, non-loose substrate (e.g., tile or reptile carpet for beginners)


☀️ Lighting & Heating

Beardies are desert reptiles, and need both UVB and proper heat gradients.

🔥 Heat Zones

Zone Ideal Temp
Basking area 95–105°F (35–40°C)
Cool side 75–85°F (24–29°C)
Nighttime 65–75°F (18–24°C)

Use a basking bulb + a T5 HO UVB strip light.

  • UVB should cover at least 2/3 of the tank
  • Replace every 6–12 months


🥬 Feeding Guide

Bearded dragons are omnivores—they eat both insects and greens.

🔄 Diet by Age

Age Insects % Greens %
0–6 months 70% 30%
6–12 months 50% 50%
Adult (1+) 20% 80%

✅ Safe Foods

Insects (gut-loaded & dusted):

  • Dubia roaches
  • Crickets
  • Black soldier fly larvae
  • Hornworms (treat)

Greens & Veggies:

  • Collard, mustard, turnip greens
  • Squash, bell peppers
  • Dandelion leaves
  • Avoid spinach, iceberg lettuce


💊 Supplements

Beardies need calcium to prevent metabolic bone disease (MBD):

  • Calcium with D3: 4–5x/week (for indoor dragons)
  • Multivitamin powder: 1x/week
  • Always dust insects before feeding

🧼 Cleaning & Maintenance

Task Frequency
Spot clean poop Daily
Change water dish Daily
Deep clean tank Every 2–4 weeks
Replace UVB bulb Every 6–12 mo.

🖐️ Handling Tips

Bearded dragons are known for being calm and social!

Do:

  • Support their full body when lifting
  • Handle gently but confidently
  • Let them explore your hands or arms

Don’t:

  • Grab from above (they see it as predatory)
  • Chase or restrain tightly
  • Handle right after eating


❤️ Behavior & Bonding

Beardies show emotion through body language:

  • Head bob = dominance or alertness
  • Arm wave = submission
  • Beard darkening = stress or excitement
  • Glass surfing = boredom or tank issue

They can recognize their humans and enjoy attention—some even fall asleep on their owners!


✅ Pros & Cons Summary

Pros Cons
Friendly & interactive Large tank needed for adults
Easy to feed (variety) Requires UVB & heat setup
Good for kids & beginners Moderate upfront cost ($300–600)
Long lifespan (8–12 years) Can become lazy if under-stimulated

 

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