Bearded Dragon Care: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners & Experts

a vibrant bearded dragon in a well-lit, naturalistic habitat. The scene includes a basking rock, and a UVB light

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The Ultimate Guide to Bearded Dragon Care

Bearded dragons are more than just pets—they’re quirky, lovable companions with big personalities. Whether you’re a first-time owner or a seasoned reptile enthusiast, this guide will help you navigate everything from habitat setup to feeding, handling, and even emergency care. By the time you finish reading, you’ll feel like a bearded dragon whisperer! This is your Bearded Dragon Care Hub, and is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about keeping your dragon happy and healthy. Use this guide to find detailed information on essential topics and bookmark it for easy reference!

🔗Habitat & Environment

A detailed terrarium setup featuring a bearded dragon basking under a hanging heat lamp. The enclosure is styled to resemble a desert environment

🔗 Choosing the Right Tank Size

Think of your bearded dragon’s tank like a tiny kingdom—it should be spacious, secure, and comfortable. A baby bearded dragon can start in a 20-gallon tank, but as they grow, they’ll need at least a 75–120-gallon enclosure.

  • Ventilation to keep things fresh.
  • Front-opening doors for stress-free handling.
  • Climbing and basking areas to keep them entertained.

🔗Optimal Temperature & Lighting (UVB & Heat)

Bearded dragons are sun worshippers by nature. To keep them happy, you need to recreate their natural desert conditions:

  • Basking area: 95–110°F (35–43°C)
  • Cool zone: 75–85°F (24–29°C)
  • UVB light: Essential for strong bones and proper digestion

Without enough UVB, your dragon can develop metabolic bone disease (MBD). Replace your UVB bulb every 6 months to keep it effective. If you notice any of these symptoms, it may be time to visit your local vet, or you can talk to an online vet.
Symptoms: 

Here are some symptoms to watch out for:

  • Lethargy 
  • Soft, weak, or deformed bones
  • Bone fractures
  • Muscle weakness
  • Tremors or spasms
  • Loss of appetite

Other Resources to check out:

🔗 Nutrition & Health

A healthy bearded dragon in a well-lit terrarium, surrounded by fresh greens, vegetables, and insects, illustrating a balanced diet for optimal nutrition and health.

Bearded Dragon Diet Basics

Bearded dragons are omnivores and need a balanced diet. Their meals should be:

  • 80% Greens & Veggies: Collard greens, mustard greens, squash, bell peppers.
  • 10% Protein: Dubia roaches, crickets, mealworms (as a treat!).
  • 10% Fruits: Blueberries, mango, apple (occasional treats).

You can reference our full Bearded Dragon Diet: Complete Feeding Guide

Calcium & Supplements

To avoid brittle bones, your dragon needs calcium + vitamin D3. Simply dust their food with calcium powder 3–5 times a week and give them multivitamins twice a week. We have written a full Calcium Guide for Bearded Dragons: Ensuring Strong Bones and Good Health

🔗 Common Health Issues & Prevention

Watch for signs like lethargy, sunken eyes, or loss of appetite. Here are the big three issues:

  • Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) – Weak bones due to calcium deficiency.
  • Respiratory Infections – Caused by high humidity or low temperatures.
  • Impaction – Stomach blockages from ingesting loose substrate.

Other Resources to check out:

🔗 Handling & Care Basics

A person gently holding a healthy bearded dragon with proper support, showcasing safe handling techniques in a warm and comfortable indoor setting.

Proper Handling Techniques

Bearded dragons are generally chill, but they don’t love being grabbed from above (it reminds them of predators in the wild).

  • Best way to pick them up: Slide your hand under their belly and support their legs.
  • Worst way: Swooping in from above like a hawk (instant stress mode!).

Other Resources to check out:

🔗First Aid & Emergency Care

A bearded dragon receiving first aid care, gently held while a person applies treatment with a cotton swab, with reptile-safe medical supplies visible in the background.

Common Injuries & First Aid

Accidents happen—your dragon might get a cut or take a fall. If that happens, stay calm and be prepared.

First steps: Clean minor wounds with diluted betadine and monitor for infection.

Essential First Aid Kit

  • Betadine or antiseptic wipes
  • Reptile-safe electrolyte solution (like Pedialyte)
  • Tweezers for removing debris
  • Digital thermometer for quick temp checks

Other Resources to check out:

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

Taking care of a bearded dragon is an adventure full of fun, challenges, and lots of adorable head bobs. With the right setup, diet, and attention, your scaly friend can live a long, happy life. These intelligent reptiles thrive when given proper care, and the bond you build with your pet can be incredibly rewarding. Whether you’re fine-tuning their habitat, perfecting their diet, or just enjoying their quirky behaviors, every step of the journey is an opportunity to learn and grow together.

What to do next:

  • Bookmark this page for quick reference.
  • Explore our in-depth guides linked above.
  • Sign up for updates and bearded dragon care tips!

This Bearded Dragon Care Hub is your ultimate resource for all things bearded dragon. Keep checking back for updates, as we’re always adding new content!