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Reptile Basic Care Guides

Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)

Care level: Beginner-Intermediate 

Temperament: Docile, however can become territorial when mishandled or during mating season 

Behavior: diurnal, semi-arboreal, solitary

Minimum enclosure size: 5×3×3′ (1.5×1×1m)

Basking spot temp (surface): 115-130°F (46-54°C), minimum, some will prefer hotter 

Cold side temp (air): 75-80°F (24-27°C)

Minimum/Nighttime temp: 55-75°F (12-24°C)

UVB: UVI 2.9-7.4/Ferguson zone 3 (e.g. Arcadia T5HO 12% at 14-16″ (36-41cm) away with no mesh or 8-12″ (20-31cm) away with typical mesh)

Humidity: 20-60% (30-40% is the preferred range)

Diet: Insects and plant matter (babies will eat more insects than adults do but should have access to plant matter and be encouraged to eat it)

Adult size: 16-24″ (40-60cm)

Wild Distribution: large range of habitats (desert, dry forests, scrublands) through the eastern half of south Australia to the southeastern Northern Territory

(Guide written with contributions by Offline#8045)


Additional Resources:

Reptifiles Guide – Bearded Dragon

Happy Dragons Guide – Bearded Dragon

Frances Baines Guide

Facebook Group: How Not to Slay the Dragon – Pogona vitticeps

ADW – Pogona vitticeps