Bearded Dragons are lizards, in the genus Pogona, that are native to Australia. Bearded Dragons are often kept as exotic pets, especially the Inland Bearded Dragon (species Pogona vitticeps). These pets are also affectionately called "Beardies" by those who breed or raise them. They are a popular breed among children, because of their friendly and calm nature. Bearded Dragons have broad triangular
heads and flattened bodies, with adults reaching approximately 18 to 24 inches head-to-tail. When threatened, they will expand a spiny pouch under their jaw and turn it black, as well as inhale air and puff up to make them appear larger. The pouch resembles a beard, lending the animal their name. Males are often slightly larger than females, with a broader head in proportion to their bodies, but females are often slightly more heavily set. Bearded Dragons have a distinctive series of lateral spines (specialized scales) radiating horizontally from the head to the base of the tail. Their color ranges from light tan to dark brown, depending on their native soil, often with highlights of black, brilliant red, or gold, and can change somewhat depending upon their internal condition. Some captive populations have been selectively bred for more brilliant colorations. As juveniles they spend some of their time in trees. Adults are usually ground dwelling, but will climb trees to bask and search for prey. Bearded Dragons occupy a large range of habitats in their native environment, from the desert to dry forests and scrublands
All species are from Australia, but they have been exported worldwide and bred successfully in captivity. In the wild, the various species are widely distributed throughout different regions of Australia. These lizards have animated and highly social behavior, mild temperament, willingness to breed in captivity, flexible diet, and a robust nature. Because of the characteristics, Bearded Dragons are popular among reptile enthusiasts as pets. BEARDED DRAGON HOUSING
Providing a good home for your bearded dragon is essential in raising a happy and healthy pet. As with all aspects of dragon care, following some simple guidelines can increase your chances of being a successful dragon owner. Before you bring your new bearded dragon home, it's good to have their enclosure set up and ready to go. Make sure that everything is in place, and you have a good heat gradient going. This will give your new friend a warm and cosy place to settle into. This is important because whether you bring them home from a store or they are shipped to you from a breeder, they will have endured some sort of stress from the journey. This is especially true for younger dragons, like hatchlings. Providing a home that is safe, warm, and ready will help your new dragon start adjusting as fast as possible. Large enclosures are best for Bearded Dragons so they can maintain their body temperature. Depending on the size of the Bearded Dragon you obtain, there is a high chance you will have to purchase a larger vivarium as the Bearded Dragon grows and matures. As a rough guideline, i recommend the following sized vivarium.
48x24x24 as this allows for proper thermoregulation.
*I recommend housing bearded dragons individually as they are solitary animals and usually only pair up to mate*
HEATING
Properly heating your bearded dragons cage is vital to keeping a healthy dragon. It is fairly easy to set up your dragons home with proper heating. Armed with a little bit of knowledge and some good heating equipment, you'll have your dragons cage heated properly in no time. Poor heating, is one the main causes of health problems in bearded dragons. It is important to spend a little extra care to provide proper temperatures. It might seem a little tedious to get just the right temperature, but it will definitely pay off in the long run. You will be rewarded with a happy, thriving pet. In order for bearded dragons to regulate there body temperature they must have a proper heat gradient setup within there enclosure. On the warm end of your dragons cage the temperature should be around 90° to 95° F (32° to 35° C). On the cooler side you'll want a temperature around 75° to 85° F (24° C). You'll also want a basking spot that will reach a temperature around 105°-110° F (41° C). At night cage temperatures can drop to mid-60°'s without any problems. LIGHTING
Sunlight is very important for bearded dragons as it is through the sun that they obtain a light component called UVB (ultraviolet B). Exposure to this type of light induces the production of a nutritional element called Vitamin D3 in their skin—a vitamin they cannot obtain elsewhere. Vitamin D3 regulates and promotes calcium metabolism which is crucial for the maintenance of healthy bones. Without this vitamin, bearded dragons can suffer from a crippling condition known as Metabolic Bone Disorder. Bearded Dragons require full spectrum uv 10.0 lighting for 8-10 hours a day (winter) 10-12 hours(summer)These fluorescent bulbs should stretch the length of your Beardies enclosure and your Bearded dragon should be able to come within 6-8 inches of the light.these bulbs should also be changed every 6 months as the uv output reduces even though the bulb continues to work.
