Frilled Dragons (Chlamydosaurus kingii) are captivating reptiles known for their dramatic frill display and curious nature. To help them thrive in captivity, it’s crucial to replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. This care guide will walk you through the essentials of Frilled Dragon husbandry—including enclosure setup, lighting, temperature, humidity, and handling best practices.
🦎 Enclosure Setup: Space and Structure Matter
Frilled Dragons are arboreal, meaning they love to climb. Their habitat should be vertically oriented and spacious.
- Minimum enclosure size for adults:
4 ft (H) × 3 ft (W) × 2 ft (D)
Bigger is always better. - Juveniles can start in smaller enclosures (e.g., 36″ × 18″ × 18″) but will quickly outgrow them.
- Enclosure type:
Glass or PVC terrariums with front-opening doors and good ventilation. - Substrate:
- Coconut fiber, cypress mulch, or a soil mix
- Spot clean daily, replace substrate monthly
- Furniture & decor:
- Sturdy vertical branches and vines
- Artificial or live foliage for cover
- Elevated basking platforms
☀️ Lighting & Heating: Mimic the Sun
Frilled Dragons are diurnal and need high-quality lighting for both heat and UVB exposure.
- Basking temperature: 100–110°F (38–43°C)
- Ambient daytime temp: 80–90°F (26–32°C)
- Nighttime temp: No lower than 70°F (21°C)
- Lighting setup:
- UVB bulb (10.0 T5 HO or Mercury Vapor): 12 hours/day
- Basking bulb: Use a dome fixture with a ceramic socket
- Tip: Replace UVB bulbs every 6–12 months depending on brand.
💦 Humidity & Hydration
Humidity is crucial but should be balanced—too much moisture leads to mold or respiratory issues.
- Ideal humidity: 60–70%
- Misting: 1–2× per day manually or via automatic misting system
- Water dish: Optional—many drink water droplets off leaves or enclosure walls
- Tip: Use a digital hygrometer to monitor levels.
🍽️ Diet and Feeding Schedule
Frilled Dragons are primarily insectivores.
- Staple feeders:
- Crickets, dubia roaches, hornworms, silkworms
- All insects should be gut-loaded
- Occasional treats:
- Waxworms, superworms, pinkie mice (adult only), soft fruits
- Supplements:
- Calcium + D3: 3× weekly
- Multivitamin: 1× weekly
- Feeding schedule:
- Juveniles: Daily
- Adults: Every other day
🤲 Handling & Taming Tips
Although they look fierce when flaring their frills, Frilled Dragons can become quite calm with consistent, gentle handling.
- Start slow, avoid grabbing from above
- Let them crawl onto your hand
- Use a calm voice and quiet environment
- Warning signs of stress:
- Frill display, open mouth, tail twitching, or hiding for long periods
⚠️ Health Watch: Common Issues
| Symptom | Possible Cause |
|---|---|
| Lethargy | Low temperatures or illness |
| Shedding problems | Low humidity |
| Not eating | Stress, poor lighting, or incorrect enclosure |
🛑 Always consult a reptile vet if behavior or appearance changes suddenly.
Summary: Frilled Dragon Care Essentials
| Care Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Enclosure | Tall, minimum 4 ft high |
| Lighting | UVB + basking bulb |
| Temperature | 100°F basking, 80–90°F ambient |
| Humidity | 60–70%, mist daily |
| Diet | Insects + supplements |
| Handling | Gentle and consistent |
With the right care, Frilled Dragons can live long, healthy lives and offer years of enjoyment.