The Bearded Dragon is one of the most popular pet lizards in the world along with the Leopard Gecko and Crested Gecko. They are a very active lizard which makes them enjoyable to watch. They are also very tame and will enjoy time out of the enclosure.
There are multiple species of Bearded Dragon but by far the most popular in captivity is the Central (or Inland) Bearded Dragon (Pogona Vitticeps). This is the species we will focus on in this Bearded Dragon care sheet.
They are an enjoyable lizard to own and have some very funny and quirky habits. For example, they are known for their hand waving gestures. This is where they extend one of their front legs in the air and wave it. This is believed to be a submissive gesture.
Central Bearded Dragon Description
Central Bearded Dragons measure about 2 foot in length. However, this length includes the tail so the actual size of the lizard itself is much smaller. Hatchlings will measure about 4 inches in length.
Their head is triangular in shape and they have rows of spiked scales around their head and neck which resembles a beard. This is why they are called Bearded Dragons.
Their eyes are positioned on the side of their head which limits their field of view. You will notice a hole behind either eye of the lizard. These are basically their ears. They have a flat body with a row of spikes running along either side of their abdomen.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Inland Bearded Dragon is native to the semi-arid regions of central Australia. Their range extends from the centre of the country eastwards into Queensland and New South Wales.
They can be found throughout Eastern side of North, Central and South Australia. They can also be found in the Western side of Queensland and New South Wales.
The Inland Bearded Dragon lives in arid open woodlands and deserts of central Australia. They share a large portion of their natural range with the Black Headed Python. This snake is a known predator of the Bearded Dragon.
Inland Bearded Dragon Housing
As the Inland Bearded Dragon is an active lizard, they require a relatively large cage. Adults will thrive in a 4ft x 2ft x 2ft vivarium. These lizards do well in a range of different enclosure types but wooden enclosures are by far the most popular.
Glass vivariums of this size are very expensive so most people choose to house their Inland Bearded Dragons in well ventilated wooden enclosures. Hatchlings can be housed in smaller setups such as a 2ft x 1ft x 1ft but will quickly need to be upgraded.
A shallow water bowl should be present in the enclosure at all times. It should be changed regularly to ensure your lizard always has a fresh source of water to drink from. Stagnant water can be a breeding ground for bacteria.
These lizards like to climb so you should include some climbing branches or ledges in the enclosure. You will notice your Bearded Dragon will climb and bask on ledges in order to get closer to the heat source. This is a good way for them to thermo-regulate.
Light and Heat
Central Bearded Dragons require a lot of heat. Their basking spot should be about 100F. Any heat source should be controlled using a good quality thermostat. This heat should come from an overhead heat lamp. The heat source should be placed at one end of the enclosure. It is a good idea to place a rock under the heat source. This will provide the lizard with belly heat as it is basking which will mimic their natural behaviour in the wild. During the night, the temperature can drop to about 70F.
The cooler side of the enclosure should measure about 80F during the day. If the cool side is too hot, try increase the ventilation in the enclosure to allow cooler air to circulate through the setup. You could also try putting the enclosure in a cooler part of the house.
It is extremely important to provide an Inland Bearded Dragon with an optimum amount of UVB lighting. They need full spectrum UVB light to synthesize vitamin D3 which helps them absorb calcium. A full spectrum UVB light should be turned on for 12 hours a day.
Central Bearded Dragon Substrate
A Central Bearded Dragon will do well on a wide range of substrates. The most commonly used substrate for them is sand. There are different opinions on whether this is a good substrate for them with the most common concern being impaction. This is where a reptile swallows some of the substrate when feeding.
Avoid using sand for hatchlings and juveniles as they are more susceptible to impaction. Newspaper or paper towel can be used for young dragons. You can reduce the risk of impaction further by placing food in a dish rather than directly on the substrate.
Feeding an Inland Bearded Dragon
Inland Bearded Dragons will eat a wide variety of food. They are omnivorous meaning they eat both plants and animals. They should be fed a balanced diet of insects, fruit and veg. You can also threat them to the occasional pinky mice.
Common insects to feed include mealworms and crickets. Mealworms should be placed in a feeding dish. Insects such as crickets provide the added benefit of the Bearded Dragon having to catch its meal.
A Central Bearded Dragon will eat a wide variety of fruit and veg. Common fruit include banana, kiwi and chopped grapes. Vegetables such as romaine lettuce, carrot and cucumber are commonly eaten. They should be fed food that has high nutritional value. You can supplement this further with appropriate supplements.
Handling an Inland Bearded Dragon
Most Inland Bearded Dragons are extremely docile and will tolerate regular handling. However, there are exceptions to every rule and it is possible to get a feisty dragon. It is also possible for a docile dragon to become less docile as they mature. This usually occurs at around 8-9 months.
A Central Bearded Dragon is not vicious. If they show aggression it is usually out of fear. As with any reptile, it is important to build up a level of ‘trust’ with the animal. This is the same for a defensive Bearded Dragon.
However, most Beardies are extremely docile and will enjoy plenty of time out of their enclosure. They can be so relaxed during handling sessions that they are known to fall asleep on people.
Breeding Inland Bearded Dragons
When breeding the Inland Bearded Dragon, it is best to use a male and female of similar size and weight. Females should be at least 18 months old before they are bred and should weigh at least 350g.
While the Inland Bearded Dragon is capable of breeding without a cooling period, it is recommended to provide one to increase your chances. Temperatures should be reduced by a couple of degrees for 4 to 8 weeks. You should also reduce the number of daylight hours at this time.
You can introduce the pair and keep them together for a week. This should be followed by a week apart. You can repeat this cycle until they have been paired 3 or 4 times or until successful copulation is observed.
Once ready to breed, a male will begin to bob his head and stomp his feet in an attempt to gain the females attention. Your lizard’s activity will also increase and you may notice the male chasing the female around the enclosure or biting her neck.
Once mating occurs, you will begin to notice the belly of the female begins to swell. You may notice round, marble like lumps in her belly. It is not uncommon for females to go off their food while others may just have a reduced appetite. You should continue to offer food even if it is not been eaten.
At this time, you will need to introduce a lay box into the enclosure. This can be as simple as a plastic tub filled with moist vermiculite. She will lay her eggs 4-6 weeks after successfully mating.
Once the eggs are laid, they should be removed from the enclosure and incubated. The incubator should be set to 84F. Ensure the substrate is moist but not wet. The eggs will hatch after about 70 days.
Once hatched, the babies can be set up in an enclosure. They will readily eat fruit and vegetables. You can also start feeding them crickets and mealworms. Ensure that food is dusted with the appropriate supplements.
It is recommended to do as much research as possible before purchasing your reptile. If you are planning to purchase one of these lizards, read as many Bearded Dragon Care Sheets as you can in advance.