Email: mark@ameyzoo.co.uk

Bearded Dragon care sheet

by Mark Amey

Scientific Name: Distribution: Size:

Pogona barbatus  Australia  12 inches

Natural Habitat

Inhabits the desert scrublands of Australia. When kept in captivity, the adults require a 60 gallon size terrarium or aquarium.

Behavior

Most will become tame with regular handling. Males can become territorial, so separate from other males. Docile and friendly and easy to handle.

Captive Environment

Use full spectrum lighting 12-14 hours per day. Provide a rocky basking area with crevices and caves. Also provide a hot spot at one end of the enclosure. Use reptile heating source for 24-hour heat, controlled by a thermostat.

Temperature

Day temperature should be gradient from 85-100 degrees F. Maintain night temperature range between 70-78 degrees F.

Humidity

This species requires only low levels of humidity.

Water Requirements

Use only a small water bowl for drinking.

Nutritional Requirements

This species is an omnivore (eats both meat and plants). Feeds on small mammals such as pink baby mice and dusted crickets. Also enjoys dark greens (collard, mustard, turnip, dandelions). Feed beets, spinach, cabbage, and/or kale in small amounts. Supplement leafy diet with (squash, sprouts, and zucchini).

Note:  The current market value (lots of captive bred babies) make these an affordable and likeable pet.