Bearded Dragon — Care Sheet & Morphs

Husbandry requirements

Bearded Dragon — origin: Arid and semi-arid Australia.

Terrarium temperature gradient

Night min20 °C

Cool side26–28 °C

Warm side30–33 °C

Basking spot38–42 °C

Desert basker: a high hot spot is essential, measured at the surface

Enclosure (adult)

120 × 60 × 60 cm

Spacious desert terrarium

A strong basking area + powerful UVB are mandatory

Humidity

30–40 %

Dry environment

Substrate

Tile/paper (juveniles)Bioactive (adults)Avoid calcium sand

UVB

Recommended

ESSENTIAL — powerful UVB (Ferguson zone 3–4, T5 ~10–12 %)

Water source

Always available

Small water dish; hydration mainly through food

Origin

Agamidae

Arid and semi-arid Australia

Feeding & health

Diet

Omnivore — insects + plants — Crickets, dubia roaches, BSF larvae + greens/vegetables; juveniles more carnivorous, adults more herbivorous

Calcium + D3 and multivitamin supplementation is essential

Breeding

Oviparous

Clutch 15–30 eggs/young. Several clutches; females lay eggs even without a male

Health watch points

MBD (lack of UVB/calcium — very common)
Impaction
Obesity
Adenovirus
Parasites
Respiratory infections

Morphs & genetics

Registry of 6 documented genes and 2 named combos for Bearded Dragon.

Hypomelanistic pastelRec
Translucent transRec
Leatherback smoothInc.d
DunnerDom
ZeroRec
WitblitsRec

Named combos — 2 documented combined morphs

WeroHypo Trans

Pairing calculator

Pick each parent's genotype — clutch probabilities update live. Free, no sign-up.

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Bearded Dragon × Bearded Dragon

Probabilities per gene (independent loci).

Expected clutchSelect at least one gene on a parent.

Frequently asked questions

Answers to the most common questions about keeping the bearded dragon.

What size is an adult bearded dragon?▾

An adult pogona reaches 40 to 60 cm in total length, tail included. This medium build already calls for a substantial amount of space day to day.

What terrarium should you plan for a pogona?▾

It needs a spacious desert terrarium of at least 120 × 60 × 60 cm. A strong basking area and powerful UVB lighting are both mandatory in it.

What temperatures and humidity does this desert lizard require?▾

It is a desert basker that requires a very high basking spot, of 38 to 42°C measured at the surface, with a warm side at 30-33°C and a cool side at 26-28°C; the night can drop to 20°C. The environment stays dry, with humidity of 30 to 40%.

Is UVB really mandatory?▾

Absolutely, it is non-negotiable for this heliophilic species. You need a powerful UVB tube (Ferguson zone 3 to 4, T5 of about 10 to 12%), otherwise the animal rapidly develops metabolic bone disease.

What does a pogona eat, and does its diet change with age?▾

It is an omnivore whose diet reverses with age: juveniles eat mainly insects (crickets, dubia roaches, black soldier fly larvae) and a little plant matter, while adults become predominantly vegetarian. Supplementation with calcium, D3 and multivitamins remains essential.

How long does a bearded dragon live?▾

Its life expectancy ranges from 8 to 12 years, with some well-cared-for individuals reaching 14 years. It is best to consider this before adoption.

Is it sociable and easy to handle?▾

Yes, the bearded dragon is among the most docile and interactive reptiles: it tolerates handling very well and appears at ease in the presence of its keeper. This largely explains its popularity.

Is it suitable for a beginner?▾

It suits a motivated beginner, which places it at a beginner-to-intermediate level. Its temperament is easy, but its needs for strong UVB, high heat and a varied diet demand rigor, especially regarding lighting.

What health problems threaten it?▾

Metabolic bone disease, linked to a lack of UVB or calcium, is by far the most common. You also watch for impaction, obesity, adenovirus disease, parasites and respiratory infections.

What substrate should you choose, and should sand be avoided?▾

For juveniles, prefer tiles or paper; adults can live on a bioactive substrate. However, avoid calcium sand, which exposes the animal to a risk of digestive impaction.

Can a female lay eggs without a male?▾

Yes, females lay even in the absence of a male, with clutches of 15 to 30 eggs that can repeat within the season. These clutches draw on the body's reserves, hence the importance of solid calcium coverage.

Where does the bearded dragon come from?▾

It originates from the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia, a hot and sunny environment. This habitat explains its strong requirements for heat and UVB.

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