Bearded Dragon
About: In the wild, Beardies can be found climbing trees or dwelling on the ground in Australia. They are known for being very docile. There are eight different breeds of Dragons, all native to Australia. The domesticated dragons here in America are from the desert parts of Australia, known for their extreme heat and light. Some other breeds of dragons are known to live in sub-tropical climates, ocean shore, woodlands, and scrublands as well.
Housing: Beardies require lots of room to roam!
Temperature: Being native to the deserts, they are used to a dry hot climate. Their sunbathing side of their enclosure should range from between 95-110 degrees F. Their warm side should be between 80-85 degrees F while their cool side of their enclosure should range between 77-80 degrees F. At nighttime, it can go down to 60-75 degrees F.
Lighting: Beardies are diurnal, just like humans. They are awake during the warmth of the day and asleep during the cooler times of the day (night). They should have lighting that reflects the natural cycle of day/night.
Diet: The misconception is that bearded dragons only eat insects. That’s not true! Their main diet should consist of fresh veggies! Adult beardies only should have insects a few times a week.
Weekly Diet Example for Adult Beardie (18+ months):
”Treat” Insects: Butterworms, Hornworms, Mealworms, Superworms, Waxworms
Safe Fruits (1x/week): Apples, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries (no pit), Grapes, Honeydew, Kiwi, Mango, Pear, Plums, Pineapples, Raspberries, Strawberries, Starfruit, Watermelon
Shedding:
Housing: Beardies require lots of room to roam!
Temperature: Being native to the deserts, they are used to a dry hot climate. Their sunbathing side of their enclosure should range from between 95-110 degrees F. Their warm side should be between 80-85 degrees F while their cool side of their enclosure should range between 77-80 degrees F. At nighttime, it can go down to 60-75 degrees F.
Lighting: Beardies are diurnal, just like humans. They are awake during the warmth of the day and asleep during the cooler times of the day (night). They should have lighting that reflects the natural cycle of day/night.
Diet: The misconception is that bearded dragons only eat insects. That’s not true! Their main diet should consist of fresh veggies! Adult beardies only should have insects a few times a week.
Weekly Diet Example for Adult Beardie (18+ months):
- Roughly half cup of mixed veggies daily (Always dice their food up! No piece fed should be longer than the space between their eyes).
- Variety of 8-10 insects 1-3 times a week
- 1 tablespoon of fruit once a week (at most)
- Daily: Acorn squash, Arugula, Butternut squash, Cactus pads, Clover, Collard greens, Cassava, Dandelion greens, Dijon mustard, Endive, Escarole, Frilled mustard, Horseradish mustard, Hubbard squash, Mustard greens, Parsnip, Scallop squash, Snap peas, Spaghetti squash, Summer squash, Turnip greens, Watercress
- Limited 1-2x/week: Alfalfa sprouts, Asparagus, Basil, Bell peppers, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Bok Choy, Cabbage (red/green), Carrots, Cilantro, Celery leaves, Cauliflower, Coriander, Cucumber, Fennel, Green beans, Kale, Kohlrabi, Lemongrass, Mint, Oregano, Okra, Pea Sprouts, Pumpkin, Radicchio, Radish, Rosemary, Swiss Chard, Spinach, Thyme, Turnip, Yams, Zucchini
”Treat” Insects: Butterworms, Hornworms, Mealworms, Superworms, Waxworms
Safe Fruits (1x/week): Apples, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Cherries (no pit), Grapes, Honeydew, Kiwi, Mango, Pear, Plums, Pineapples, Raspberries, Strawberries, Starfruit, Watermelon
Shedding:
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