Keeping Bearded Dragons: The Complete Guide for Beginners
A bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is one of the most popular reptile pets—and for good reason. They are social, active during the day, and accustomed to human contact. However, keeping a bearded dragon requires proper preparation. This guide provides everything you need to keep a healthy, happy bearded dragon.
What is a bearded dragon?
The bearded dragon originates from the dry, semi-desert regions of Australia. They grow to 40–60 cm long (including tail) and can live 10–15 years with proper care. They are diurnal—just like you.
Suitable for: beginners with some preparation
Not suitable for: people who have little time for daily care
The Terrarium — size and setup
Minimum dimensions
| Age | Minimum terrarium size |
|---|---|
| Juvenile (0–6 months) | 80x40x40 cm |
| Sub-adult (6–12 months) | 100x50x50 cm |
| Adult (1 year+) | 120x60x60 cm (final size) |
Tip: Purchase the final size directly. A bearded dragon grows quickly, and a terrarium that is too small causes chronic stress.
Setup
A bearded dragon needs space to climb, bask, and hide. Use hides, climbing material, and artificial plants for cover and a natural look.
Our Repto Plant assortment is ideal for bearded dragon terrariums:
| Product | Application |
|---|---|
| Repto Plant Standing Elephant Ear | Large leaves as a visual barrier and cover |
| Repto Plant Standing Fern | Natural look on the cool side |
| Repto Plant in Deco Begonia | Compact, decorative, easy to clean |
| Repto Plant Vines Red & Green Fern 60 cm | Climbing plants along the back wall |
Temperature and lighting
| Zone | Daytime temperature | Night |
|---|---|---|
| Basking spot | 42–45°C | — |
| Warm side (ambient) | 35–38°C | 22–25°C |
| Cool side | 25–28°C | 20–22°C |
A bearded dragon must have UV-B. Without UV-B, the animal cannot produce vitamin D3, leading to metabolic bone disease (MBD). Use a UV-B lamp with at least 10% UV-B output and replace it every 6–12 months.
The Repto Light Stand Adhesive offers a secure, adhesive lamp attachment without drilling.
Humidity
Bearded dragons require low humidity: 30–40%. Too high humidity can lead to respiratory problems. Use the Repto Pressure Sprayer 1L for a light mist during shedding.
Nutrition — varied and supplemented
| Age | Insects | Vegetables/fruit |
|---|---|---|
| Juvenile (0–6 months) | 70% | 30% |
| Sub-adult (6–12 months) | 50% | 50% |
| Adult (1 year+) | 30% | 70% |
Always dust insects with calcium + vitamin D3. Suitable vegetables: endive, lamb's lettuce, watercress, zucchini, bell pepper. Use the Repto Fruit Snack Holder to offer fruit hygienically.
Maintenance & hygiene
- Daily: fresh vegetables, check water, remove feces
- Weekly: partial cleaning of decoration and glass walls
- Monthly: complete cleaning of the terrarium
Use the Repto Glass Cleaner for the glass walls—no chemical residues, safe for your animal.
Behavior & social interaction
Bearded dragons are solitary—never keep them together unless you are an experienced keeper. They communicate through body language: arm waving (submission), head bobbing (dominance), dark beard (stress or illness), lying flat in the sun (relaxation).
Shedding
Young bearded dragons shed every 4–6 weeks, adults less often. Temporarily increase humidity slightly with the Repto Pressure Sprayer. Never remove the skin yourself.
Common mistakes
Too small basking spot. A bearded dragon needs a true basking spot of 42–45°C.
No UV-B or wrong lamp. This is the most common cause of illness in bearded dragons.
Keeping them together. Leads to stress, injuries, and dominance behavior.
Only feeding insects. Adult bearded dragons require 70% plant-based food.
✅ Bearded dragon setup checklist
- Terrarium at least 120x60x60 cm (adult)
- UV-B lamp (minimum 10% output) + timer
- Heat lamp for basking spot (42–45°C)
- Thermostat + thermometer (warm and cool side)
- Hygrometer (target: 30–40%)
- Substrate (reptile sand or lino for juveniles)
- At least 2 hides
- Climbing material (branches, cork)
- Artificial plants for cover
- Water bowl (shallow)
- Calcium + vitamin D3 supplement
- Repto Fruit Snack Holder
- Repto Glass Cleaner
- Repto Pressure Sprayer 1L
- Veterinarian who treats reptiles
Ready to get started?
View our full Repto assortment for artificial plants, care products, and terrarium accessories, or ask your questions in the store.
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