Bearded dragons are curious, handleable lizards from the hot, bright Australian outback. That means they need a big, warm, well-lit home. Here's how to set one up properly.
Vivarium
Adult bearded dragons need a large vivarium with plenty of floor space so they can move between hot and cool areas. Add a sturdy basking platform, a hide and safe décor for climbing.
Heat
Provide a hot basking spot at one end and a cooler end, with a thermostat for safety and thermometers to check. Turn heat and light off at night on a timer to mimic a natural day.
UVB lighting
Bearded dragons need strong UVB to use calcium properly. Use a high-output T5 UVB tube suited to desert species across most of the vivarium, and replace it as the manufacturer advises because UVB output drops over time even while the lamp still lights.
 Arcadia T5, D3+ Dragon T5 Lamp, 14% UVB 39 Watts, 86.5cm (34in) |
 Arcadia Mercury Vapour D3 Basking Lamp 160w |
 Bearded Dragon Accessory Kit |
 PR Basking Spot Lamp 150w ES |
Diet and supplements
Young dragons eat a lot of live insects; adults eat more greens and veg. Dust food with a reptile calcium and vitamin supplement as directed.
Visit us to see what's in on our reptiles for sale in Cornwall page, and compare with our leopard gecko set-up checklist.
This guide is general information only. If your pet seems unwell, stops eating or you are unsure about a treatment or dose, please speak to a reptile-experienced vet.
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