Bearded dragons are the family pet of the reptile world, active, social, and unafraid of human contact. The catch: they need real equipment. Skimping on UVB or heat with a beardie is the difference between a 10-year companion and a 2-year tragedy.
Enclosure & Setup
4×2×2 ft minimum for an adult. Larger is always better. Solid substrate, tile, slate, or bioactive desert mix. Branches and rocks for climbing and basking.
Heat, Lighting & Humidity
Basking spot: 100–110°F (yes, hot). Cool side: 75–85°F. High-output T5 UVB across most of the enclosure, non-negotiable. Replace UVB tubes every 12 months even if they still glow.
Diet & Feeding
Babies: 80% insects (crickets, discoids, hornworms), 20% greens. Adults flip: 80% greens (collard, mustard, dandelion), 20% insects. Dust insects with calcium + multivitamin. Avoid kale, spinach, iceberg lettuce.
Handling & Temperament
Once acclimated (give them a week), beardies are exceptionally handleable. Support the body fully and let them walk onto your hand rather than grabbing.
A coil UVB bulb is not adequate UVB. Use a T5 linear tube spanning most of the enclosure, replaced annually. This is the single most important husbandry rule.
Common Issues To Watch For
MBD from insufficient UVB is the #1 killer of beardies. Parasites in wild-caught animals (always buy captive-bred). Obesity from too many fatty insects. Atadenovirus (ADV), quarantine new arrivals.
