Written by Madeline Smith, Reptile Care Writer at Zen Habitats

Published: September 11, 2024 · Last Reviewed: May 5, 2026

Bearded Dragon Essential Care Information

General Information

• Native Area: Eastern and Central Australian deserts, scrublands, and dry forests
• Mostly terrestrial, but skilled climbers.
• Lifespan: 10-15 years in captivity with proper care.  
• Typical Temperament: Interactive and Quirky
• Care Level: Intermediate 

Physical Traits   

•  Length: 18 - 24” 
•  Color: grayish tan, beige, orange (other colors available in captivity).
•  Spiky scales with a throat can expand and darken, which resembles a beard

Enclosure Setup

  - Size: Minimum 4' x 2' x 2' (48”L x 24”W x 24”H - 120 gallons), front-opening, mesh top with 3 opaque sides preferred. 

  - Solitary: Not a social species, can be extremely territorial. House one animal per enclosure.

Lighting, Temperatures & Humidity

Lighting Schedule: 12 hour on / 12 hour off. 

• UVB Light: Required. 22” ZooMed 10.0 / Arcadia 12% T5 UVB placed 7 - 11” (over mesh) or mounted 12 - 18” (under mesh) above basking area. Replace every 6 - 12 months per manufacturer recommendation. 

- Full-spectrum LED recommended (6500K) - Arcadia Jungle Dawn

Heat: 150W / 2x 75W PAR38 halogen flood bulb on a lamp dimming switch.

• Basking Surface Temperature: 105-115°F

• Basking Ambient Temperature: 90 - 100ºƒ 

• Cool Side: 70 - 85ºƒ. 
• Night Drop (Recommended): 72 - 78ºƒ. 

Humidity: Maintain 30-60% gradient. Use a digital probe hygrometer to monitor.  

Substrate (Bedding)

  - Use a sandy soil mix with top soil, play sand, and excavator clay, at least 4” deep or a solid substrate option with low VOC - Zen Mat.

  - Spot clean loose substrate as needed; replace completely every 4-6 months.  

Decorations

  - Provide hiding spots and climbing opportunities (cork hollows/flats, hammocks, wood, plants, ledges, dig box if on solid substrate).  

Diet

  - Omnivorous: Need a mix of animal- and plant-based foods.  

  - Vegetables: Romaine, collard greens, cactus pad, spring mix, arugula, chard, and more.  

  - Insects: Dubia roaches, silkworms, black soldier fly larvae, crickets, superworms, and more. 

  - Fruit: Small amounts, sparingly due to high sugar and water content. Avoid citrus.  

  - Hydration: Mist salad greens, offer a water bowl with a dripper for surface agitation

  Feeding Frequency

    - Hatchlings (0-6 months): Insects 2x/day as many as they will consume, offer vegetables daily.  

    - Juveniles (6-12 months): Insects 1x/day, vegetables daily.  

    - Adults (>12 months): Insects 2-3x/week, vegetables daily.  

Supplements: 

  - Pure calcium (no D3) : with nearly every meal

  - Calcium WITH D3 : every few meals 

  - Multi-vitamin a few times per week 

Handling Tips:

  - Begin from reaching under, rather than grabbing from above. 

  - Support all four feet.

  - Use slow, calm movements. 

  - Handle close to the ground for no more than 5-10 minutes at first.

By following these guidelines, you can provide a healthy environment for your bearded dragon!

Want to learn even more? Check out our Complete Bearded Dragon Zen Guide - Over 90 Pages of Curated Care Information!