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- Scientific Name
- Pogona vitticeps
- Common Name Origin
- Called “bearded” dragons because they puff out their throat “beard,” which darkens when stressed or displaying.
- Size & Lifespan
- 16–24 in.; 8–12+ years.
- Native Range
- Central Australia — arid deserts, scrublands, woodlands.
- Behaviors
- Head-bobbing, arm-waving, basking, burrowing, climbing.
- Social
- Solitary; only together for breeding.
- Activity
- Diurnal.
- Why They Look This Way
- Spikes and beard for defense; wide body for heat absorption; strong limbs for digging and climbing.
Fun Facts
- Can “run” on two legs.
- Change beard color during mood shifts.
- Known as one of the most docile reptiles in the world.
Enclosure
- Ideal Size
- Adult: 4 ft x 2 ft x 2 ft minimum (120 gal); bigger is better. Juveniles: 40 gal minimum.
- Substrate
- Cypress mulch only if kept dry; best options are tile, reptile carpet, paper, or bioactive mix.
- Temperatures:
- Basking
- 100–110°F
- Cool Side
- 75–85°F
- Night
- 65–75°F
- Humidity
- 30–40%
- UVB
- Required (T5 HO 10.0 or Arcadia 12%).
- Tolerance:
- Cold
- Under 60°F = unsafe; may brumate but should stay warm indoors.
- Heat
- Over 115°F can be fatal.
Diet and Hydration
Weekly Feeding Schedule (Adult)
- Daily salad in the morning (collard greens, mustard greens, squash).
- Insects 2–3 times per week (5–10 appropriately sized crickets, dubia roaches, or BSFL).
- Occasional treats once per week (berries, hornworms).
Weekly Feeding Schedule (Juvenile)
- Insects daily (2–3 small feedings).
- Salad offered daily.
Food Categories
- Staples
- Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, squash, dubia roaches, BSFL.
- Treats
- Berries, melons, hornworms, superworms.
- No Feed/Toxic
- Avocado, fireflies, rhubarb, spinach, iceberg lettuce.
- Hydration
- Provide a shallow water dish; mist greens lightly. Offer weekly soaks if hydration seems low.
- Supplements
- Calcium with D3 3–4x per week for juveniles, 2–3x per week for adults. Multivitamin once a week.
- Behavior Notes
- Some dragons prefer hand-feeding greens as they like movement; many eat less during brumation.
Health
Common risks include
- Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) from poor UVB/calcium.
- Parasites (pinworms, coccidia).
- Respiratory Infections from low temps/high humidity.
- Impaction from loose substrate or oversized bugs.
Handling
- Extremely docile; good for beginners.
- May stress if handled too much as juveniles but adults tame well.
- Support chest and belly; allow legs to rest on hand or arm.
- Avoid sudden movements or grabbing from above (predator behavior).
- Great for shows
- calm, safe, rarely bite, easy for kids to hold.
Requirements for Show Animals
- Friendly
- Yes, bearded dragons are extremely handleable.
- Not Messy
- Rarely poop when warm and well-fed; controllable.
- Can Do 5+ Shows: Yes, calm energy and easy to travel with.
- Can Be Boxed for a Day
- Yes, as long as temperature is safe.
More Lizards
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Ackie Monitor
Varanus acanthurus — “Spiny-Tailed Monitor,” named for the ring of sharp tail spines used for defense.
Lizards
Blue Tongue Skink
Scientific Name: Tiliqua scincoides (most common species in captivity, though several regional species exist).
Lizards
Cuban Rock Iguana
Scientific Name: Cyclura nubila Name Meaning: “Cyclura” refers to “circular tail” (their thick, ringed tail).
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