Bearded Dragon
Friendly lizard with tons of personality.
Bearded dragons are curious, interactive lizards that tolerate handling well. They require strong UVB lighting, heat and a varied diet of insects and greens.
Photo: Photograph: Frank C. Müller, Baden-Baden · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Wikimedia Commons
Daily care
120-gallon (4′×2′×2′) enclosure; basking spot 100–110°F; T5 HO UVB tube replaced every 12 months.
Juveniles: mostly insects. Adults: mostly leafy greens and vegetables with some insects.
Supervised time out of the enclosure.
Occasional warm soaks to help shedding and hydration.
Common health concerns
Know what to watch for. Early detection makes most of these far easier and cheaper to treat.
- Metabolic bone disease
- Impaction
- Adenovirus
- Parasites
- Yellow fungus disease
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This guide is general information, not veterinary advice. Costs are rough U.S. estimates for food, supplies and routine care. Always consult a licensed veterinarian about your pet’s needs.