Bearded Dragon Breed Guide

The Bearded Dragon is one of the most common reptile pets. The Bearded Dragon is a medium-sized, stocky lizard of the Agamidae family, with a large, triangle-shaped head and prominent spines along their sides and skin of the throat that have developed into spiny points. The spines around the throat form a sort of shield that looks like a beard hence their name Bearded Dragons. Bearded Dragons come in a variety of colours, and can shift colour depending on mood – similar to chameleons.

Bearded Dragons are social and docile animals, even in the wild. Bearded Dragons are rarely aggressive; they appear to enjoy human company although the juveniles may be skittish.One behavioral trait that makes Bearded Dragons so appealing is their arm waving. Hatchling Bearded Dragons will sometimes sit and raise one of their forelimbs above their head, and then slowly lower it back down. While the real reason for this waving is related to introducing themselves as non-threatening to other Bearded Dragons, it can appear as if they are waving “Hello” to you. Other appealing behavioral traits of Bearded Dragons include head bobbing and stacking (one dragon perching atop another). Bearded Dragons are territorial and two males may fight when caged together, a male and female Bearded Dragon can generally be kept together if over 2 years old. Bearded Dragons are semi-arboreal and like to perch a little bit off the ground.

Bearded Dragons like to climb so lots of branches and logs will allow them to be active.

Bearded Dragons are omnivores, they eat a combination of insects, pinky mice (for adults) and greens and vegetables. They also need calcium supplements in their diets. Hatchlings need calcium supplements daily whereas adult Bearded Dragons only need them 3-5 times per week. Hatchlings also need a greater proportion of vegetables whereas older Bearded Dragons can have more insects and even mice.

Bearded Dragons have very specific housing needs; the information in this Bearded Dragon Breed Guide is really just an overview. A Bearded Dragon needs a 122 x 33 cm/46 gallon tank minimum per Bearded Dragon with a secure screen top cover. Their house should be well-ventilated, yet able to retain heat. Overcrowding can lead to aggression and stress in Bearded Dragons. They need a substrate of washed play sand, paper or indoor-outdoor carpet. Half logs, branches and sturdy rocks that allow the Bearded Dragon to climb and hide are essential. The temperature of the Bearded Dragon’s house is key, a temperature gradient is required both horizontally and vertically, as Bearded Dragons need specific varied temperatures at certain times. They also need UV light for their health. A Bearded Dragon’s house needs to be cleaned daily. 

Bearded Dragons are very healthy. The main problem is a calcium/vitamin D3 deficiency resulting from lack of UV light. Occasionally they may suffer from respiratory infections, pseudomona, gastroenteric infections, coccidia and egg-binding. Mites and internal parasites may also be a problem. Some may suffer from partial paralysis associated with hind leg extension.

10 Years

Central Australia