Bearded Dragon Care Checklist: Everything You Need to Keep Your Pet Happy & Healthy
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles in the world—and for good reason. They’re calm, interactive, hardy, and full of personality. Whether you’re a first-time reptile owner or you’re adding another dragon to your home, this complete care checklist will walk you through everything you need to know.
This guide is designed to help you quickly find what you need—structured for voice search queries, packed with long-tail keywords, and formatted to win Google snippets.
📋 Quick Bearded Dragon Care Checklist
Quick Bearded Dragon Care Checklist
🏠 Habitat & Enclosure Setup
What size tank does a bearded dragon need?
A 40-gallon breeder tank is the bare minimum for adult bearded dragons, though 4x2x2 ft enclosures are ideal. Hatchlings can start in a 20-gallon tank, but they outgrow it quickly. Always opt for a front-opening tank or one with a secure mesh top for ventilation.
Pro Tip: If you’re housing your dragon in a custom PVC enclosure, make sure it’s well-ventilated and easy to clean. We offer 4x2x2 terrariums and bioactive-ready setups perfect for adult dragons.
4 foot black pvc enclosure for Bearded Dragon
What temperature should a bearded dragon tank be?
Bearded dragons rely on external heat to regulate their body temperature. Provide a temperature gradient:
Basking Spot: 95–110°F (higher for babies)
Cool Side: 75–85°F
Night Temp: Keep above 65°F
Use a thermostat with a probe and a non-contact thermometer to measure temps accurately.
Do bearded dragons need UVB lighting?
Yes, absolutely. Bearded dragons need 10–12 hours of full-spectrum UVB lighting daily to properly synthesize calcium and prevent metabolic bone disease.
Install a T5 HO UVB bulb that spans at least 2/3 of the enclosure. Replace bulbs every 6–12 months depending on brand.
What humidity level do bearded dragons need?
Keep humidity between 30% and 40%, mimicking the dry Australian desert. Overly humid environments can lead to respiratory issues.
Use a digital hygrometer and increase airflow if humidity climbs too high.
🍽️ Diet & Feeding Guide
What do bearded dragons eat?
Bearded dragons are omnivores. Their diet should be split between:
Live insects (crickets, dubia roaches, BSFL)
Leafy greens (collards, mustard, dandelion)
Occasional fruit (blueberries, mango, apple slices)
Feeding Schedule by Age
Bearded Dragon Feeding Schedule by Age
Dust insects with calcium (5x/week) and multivitamin (1–2x/week). Offer water daily in a shallow bowl or via gentle misting.
🧽 Cleaning & Maintenance
How often should I clean a bearded dragon’s tank?
Daily: Spot clean poop and uneaten food
Weekly: Change substrate (if using paper towel or loose)
Monthly: Deep-clean tank and decor with reptile-safe disinfectant
Pro tip: Our enclosures use sealed edges and slide-out trays to make cleaning faster and easier.
🧍♂️ Handling & Temperament
How do I handle a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are among the most handleable reptiles.
Always scoop from underneath with both hands
Avoid grabbing from above (mimics predator behavior)
Let the dragon climb onto you voluntarily
Keep sessions short at first (5–10 minutes), then build up
Bearded dragons often show affection by sitting on your shoulder or watching you from their enclosure.
🩺 Health Watch: Signs to Monitor
Keep an eye out for:
Lack of appetite or weight loss
Sunken eyes or lethargy
Discolored beard (black beard = stress)
Struggling to shed skin
Runny or smelly poop
Always consult a reptile vet if something seems off. Catching problems early can add years to your dragon’s life.
Best Substrate for Bearded Dragons
Skip sand—despite myths, it’s not safe. Instead use:
Reptile carpet
Non-adhesive shelf liner
Paper towels (for babies)
Ceramic tile
We recommend easy-clean tile for adults and carpet or liner for hatchlings. Our habitats come pre-fitted with your choice of substrate.
🛠️ Recommended Supplies Checklist
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
✅ 40+ gallon tank or 4x2x2 enclosure
✅ Basking bulb + dome + thermostat
✅ T5 HO UVB tube and fixture
✅ Digital thermometer + hygrometer
✅ Calcium & multivitamin powders
✅ Timer for lights (on 12 hrs/day)
✅ Shallow water bowl
✅ Salad dish + feeding tongs
✅ Safe substrate
✅ Hides (1 warm side, 1 cool side)
✅ Branch or hammock for enrichment
✅ Live feeders (and a dubia roach colony, if you’re committed)
📚 FAQs About Bearded Dragon Care
How long do bearded dragons live?
With proper care, 10–15 years is average. Some live over 18 years in captivity.
Can bearded dragons eat fruit?
Yes—in small amounts. Use fruit like a treat. Good options: mango, strawberries, blueberries, apples (no seeds).
Why is my bearded dragon turning black?
This could signal stress, illness, or temperature discomfort. Check temps, handling, and any recent changes.
Do bearded dragons hibernate?
They can enter brumation (a reptile version of hibernation), usually in winter. They’ll become less active and eat less—totally normal if they’re healthy.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Bearded dragons are some of the most rewarding reptiles to care for—friendly, smart, and full of character. With this checklist as your guide, you’ll be ready to set up a perfect home and give your dragon a long, happy life.
Remember: consistency is key. Keep the environment stable, offer the right food, and handle your beardie often—and you’ll have a thriving pet for over a decade.
Want more care guides like this?
Stay tuned as we publish care checklists for other top reptiles: leopard geckos, ball pythons, crested geckos, and more. 🦎
Need help choosing the right setup? Contact us or check out our custom reptile enclosures today.
Additional Resources for Bearded Dragon Owners
Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been caring for bearded dragons for years, the right resources can make all the difference in keeping your pet healthy and happy.
🐉 Internal Resources:
Custom Bearded Dragon Enclosures – Handcrafted, easy-to-clean PVC enclosures designed for optimal heat and humidity control.
Reptile Care Blog – Articles, guides, and tips for reptile owners, including habitat setup, feeding, and enrichment.
Contact Us – Have questions about enclosures or reptile care products? We’re happy to help.
📚 External Resources:
Bearded Dragon Care Sheet – Reptiles Magazine – A trusted, detailed care overview for new and experienced keepers.
The Bearded Dragon.org Forum – A supportive community for sharing advice, habitat ideas, and health tips.
Association of Reptile and Amphibian Veterinarians – Search for reptile-savvy veterinarians in your area.
