Distribution:- The Bearded Dragon can be found in areas of eastern Australia although the various species of bearded dragon originate from the Australian continent.
Size:- Dependent upon species can range from 20 - 45cm (8 - 18 inches) in total length.
Diet:- Bearded dragons are mainly omnivorous animals. Foods eaten consist of arthropods, frogs, small lizards, birds, mealworms, wax worms, black field crickets (be aware that large black crickets can bite so any crickets that are not eaten should not be left in the enclosure for long periods of time or over night), locusts, brown crickets, earthworms, pink mice, snails, some fruit and plant matter.
Heat source:- This can be either reflector (spot) lights in green, red or blue, ceramics or tubular heaters.
Wire mesh guards:- These should be fitted over all heat sources used in order to prevent thermal burns.
Thermostat:- An essential part of any vivarium and is required to regulate the internal temperatures within the vivarium and to prevent your pet from becoming too hot or too cold.
Thermometers:- One should be placed each end of the vivarium in order to give an accurate reading of the temperatures within the vivarium. Never go by the temperature on the thermostat as these are often inaccurate.
UV light source:- Reptisun 5.0UVB or D3 lamp. These should be left on for 8 - 12 hours a day and replaced every 12 months unless otherwise stated by the manufacturer.
Housing:- This should consist of a dark wooden vivarium with a glass frontage and adequate ventilation. A vivarium measuring 90cm (36 inches) in length by 60cm (24 inches) deep by 45cm (18 inches) high is sufficient for a single dragon. However, males are notoriously aggressive and should not be kept with other males. Hatchlings should be kept in a smaller container which can be housed in their future vivarium.
Hides:- These are essential to prevent stress and to allow your pet to hide away from the outside world. Artificial plants, boxes, plant pots, caves etc. all make excellent hides.
Water:- These animals in particular do not require great amounts of water, however, you should supply a dripper system or use a syringe filled with water which can be dripped on the animals head. Some will use a shallow bowl of water but not many.
Temperature:- A basking area of a minimum of 31°C (88°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F). A background temperature ranging from 20 - 29°C (68 - 84°F).
Longevity:- In captivity, bearded dragons can live between 7 and 10 years.
Substrate:- This can be anything from newspaper, brown paper, wood chippings, cork chippings, sand or even Astro turf. Whatever you use, remember that it must be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent contamination from disease.
Salmonella:- Many reptiles carry the naturally forming bacteria Salmonella. It must be stated however that salmonella bacteria can only be contracted by ingestion (via the mouth). Good hygiene is therefore very important when keeping any animal. Remember, you are just as likely to contract salmonella from your Sunday lunch, cream cake or dog so don't automatically assume that your lizard is the only suspect!
This information is given as the opinion of Proteus Reptile Trust only. Revised: March, 2001.
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