Bearded Dragons: Owning

What do I need to know about bearded dragons?

Bearded dragons are small- to medium-sized lizards. The inland or central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is the species most commonly kept as a pet. It comes from the arid to semi-arid areas of central and eastern Australia and is commonly bred in captivity in the United States and Canada. This handout focuses on that species.

Owners often refer to their pets as “beardies.” They are attractive, heavy-bodied lizards with flattened trunks and broad triangular heads. They have a spiny pouch, or “beard,” under their chin that can expand and turn black when they are ill, threatened, or mating. A series of spines runs along the sides of the body, from the head to the base of the tail. Healthy adults can reach 18 to 22 inches (45 to 56 cm) from the tip of the nose to the end of the tail.

Bearded dragons come in a wide variety of colors and skin textures. Color variations range from tan and dark brown to bright orange. A variation known as a “leatherback” has smoother scales and fewer spines on the head and sides. Young bearded dragons climb more often; adults spend more time on the ground but may climb to bask or search for prey. With proper care, captive bearded dragons can live about 7 to 12 years.

Do bearded dragons make good pets?

Bearded dragons are often curious, docile, and responsive to their owners. Many become accustomed to gentle handling. They eat a varied diet and can make great pets if cared for properly. They need an enclosure with suitable heat and UVB lighting, as well as regular feeding and cleaning. Learn about these needs before bringing one home. Bearded dragons may be suitable pets for older children if they are properly supervised.

A bearded dragon is usually best housed alone. Dragons kept together may compete for food or basking space and may fight, even if they have previously appeared to get along.

What kind of housing does a bearded dragon need?

Bearded dragons need enough space to move between warmer and cooler areas. They also need a basking area and appropriate UVB lighting. The enclosure’s temperature, lighting, and setup affect their ability to stay healthy. Ask a veterinarian familiar with reptiles to review your setup.

What does a bearded dragon eat?

Bearded dragons are omnivorous, requiring both plant- and animal-based foods as part of their diet. The animal-based portion of the diet may include a variety of appropriately sized insects, such as crickets and dubia roaches. Ask your veterinarian which insects to offer and how often. As bearded dragons mature, leafy greens become a larger part of their diet, and adult dragons should consume most of their nutrition from leafy greens.

What makes bearded dragons unique?

Bearded dragons have several behaviors and physical features that owners may enjoy observing:

• Bearded dragons exhibit a behavior called “arm waving.” They slowly lift one front leg and then lower it again. A slow head bob may accompany the wave. These movements are thought to be forms of communication.
• Their skin is covered with scales and is usually shed in patches as they grow, unlike snakes, which usually shed their skin in one piece.
• Bearded dragons explore their surroundings by flicking out their tongues and touching objects with them. This helps them gather information about their environment.
• Like other reptiles, bearded dragons depend on warmth from their environment to regulate their body temperature. 
• Bearded dragons have a cloaca: an internal chamber where the digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems meet. Waste leaves the body through an opening called the vent.
• Unlike mammals, bearded dragons do not have a diaphragm separating the chest and abdomen. Muscles between their ribs help them breathe.
• Male bearded dragons have two reproductive organs called hemipenes. They are located on either side of the vent.

Determining the sex of a bearded dragon under three months of age is difficult. In adults, males tend to have larger heads and more prominent femoral pores (used for scent marking) on the undersides of their thighs. Male bearded dragons are slightly larger than female bearded dragons, with larger heads and darker “beards.”

How do I choose a bearded dragon?

Most owners buy bearded dragons from breeders or pet stores. They breed well in captivity and are widely available. Choose a young, captive-bred animal when possible, and ask the seller about the dragon’s age, diet, and health history. Older, wild-caught animals may be harder to tame, may harbor parasites, and may suffer from the stress of captivity. Look for the following signs when choosing a bearded dragon:

• Avoid lizards that appear skinny, have loose skin or sunken eyes, or appear inactive or lethargic.
• A healthy bearded dragon is usually aware, active, and alert as evidenced by the front legs pushing the chest and head upright and high.
• The tail near the back legs should be round and full, rather than sunken and bony.
• The vent should be clean and free of wetness or stool.
• Check for obvious discharge or swelling around the mouth. Cloudy mucus, material that looks like cottage cheese, or red or bruised gums may indicate a health problem. Ask the seller about any concerns and have a reptile veterinarian examine the dragon’s mouth.
• Ask the seller whether a health guarantee is available and whether it requires a veterinary examination within a particular time. 

What veterinary care does my bearded dragon need?

Arrange an examination with a veterinarian familiar with reptiles soon after bringing your bearded dragon home. If there is a health guarantee, check its deadline; it may require an examination within 48 hours.

A thorough physical examination includes determining the animal's weight and assessing the mouth, eyes, body condition, and overall alertness. Your veterinarian will also check for physical abnormalities and review your dragon’s diet, enclosure, heat, and lighting. A microscopic examination of a fecal sample may be recommended to check for gastrointestinal parasites. Many bearded dragons, including those bred in captivity, may have pinworms or other intestinal parasites. Your veterinarian will advise whether treatment is needed.