Bearded Dragons

Diet: Bearded dragons will eat almost anything. This can cause many problems. Bearded Dragons are omnivorous animals, which means they naturally eat plants and insects. In captivity, they do best on a vegetarian diet. These animals need foods that are low in protein and phosphorous and high in calcium. Ideally, they should eat predominantly dark leafy greens (dandelion greens, chard, kale, mustard greens, arugula, endive, etc.). Fruit is not recommended because it is high in phosphorous and is very low in calcium. Also, insects are not recommended because they are high in protein and fat, and are generally low in calcium. Bearded Dragons love to eat insects, but they tend to grow too fast and usually become obese and have fatty liver disease. Vitamin supplements are not needed if the reptile is on a good diet. The lizards will grow slower on this diet, but they will be healthier and will live longer. Breeding Bearded Dragons do require some insects. We strongly recommend doing blood tests to make sure the animal is healthy and that the pet's blood calcium and phosphorous levels are normal.

Light: The right kind of light is very important to your lizard; its life depends on it. Lizards have high requirements for UV-B light. Ultra Violet B light is a component of sunlight. This type of light is absorbed by the skin and helps the body make vitamin D. This is important because the vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium from the diet. The UVB light from the sun will not travel through glass or plastic. We recommend taking your animal outside as often as possible, but always supervise and contain them. Also a UVB cage light is recommended since the pet spends most of its time inside. Many brands are available, but we have the most success with Vitalites and ZooMed Iguana Lights. These fluorescent lights need to be replaced every 6 -12 months because the amount of UVB produced declines over time. The florescent tube will continue to produce visible light, but no more UVB light. The light should be on for about 12 hour per day.

Temperature: All reptiles are ectothermic, which means they obtain their body temperature from their environment. All reptiles require a temperature gradient (a hot side and a cooler side). This allows the reptile to meet its optimal body temperature for normal food digestion and a healthy immune system. This is most easily accomplished with a heating pad and an overhead heat source like an infrared ceramic heat element. You should always have a movable thermometer to check the temperature in all areas of the cage. Also, check the temperature of the cage at night. Reptiles like the heat so make sure they will not be able to burn themselves. Heat rocks are not recommended. Also, reptiles should have areas to hide at both temperature ranges. The low end of the gradient should be in the low 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and the high end should be in the high 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

Water: Water is required for all living animals. A clean source of water should always be available. Check and clean frequently since most reptiles like to defecate and urinate in the water.

Hibernation: Bearded Dragons do not need to be hibernate.

Substrate: Use a substrate that is inexpensive and easy to clean. This is easy to accomplish with newspaper or bath towels. Clean the entire cage when the reptile defecates. void using wood chips and sand. They are difficult to clean and contain bacteria and fungus. Also, sand and wood chips can cause intestinal impactions if ingested.

Cage Size: Ideally the cage will be as large as you have space. At a minimum it needs to give the animal several hide areas and room to explore and stretch out. Remember that it is more difficult to maintain the proper temperature gradient in a larger cage.

Cage: The cage needs to be easy to clean, and have good ventilation. Glass aquariums or plastic reptile cages work the best. Wood cages are very difficult to clean.

Cage Furniture: The reptile should have multiple hiding areas, which can be accomplished with many materials. The furniture needs to be easy to remove and clean.

Cage Mates: Bearded dragons may fight to establish dominance. They can cause severe injury to each other. Also, the dominant Bearded Dragon may constantly stress the cage mate making it more susceptible to infection. Males are more likely to fight than females, so two males should not be housed together.

Humidity: Bearded Dragons do not have any special humidity requirements.

Common Medical Problems: Bacterial infections are common and can be due to many reasons. Usually, the owner notices a decrease in activity and eating or a growth (abscess) on the body.

Nutritional disorders are also very common. Diets high in protein can cause kidney failure. Diets low in calcium can cause soft bones which easily break. Also, low blood calcium can lead to twitching and seizures. The lack of UVB light can also cause low blood calcium. Obesity is common in pets fed insects and can lead to many health problems including liver disease and other organ failure.

Intestinal parasites are very common and can lead to many problems. The infection can be diagnosed by a fecal exam.

Always seek help from your local reptile veterinarian when there is any change in your pet's behavior. It is easier to treat and less expensive if the problem is caught early.