How to Care for a Bearded Dragon: A Complete Beginner’s Guide

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Learn how to set up the perfect habitat, provide balanced nutrition, handle safely, and monitor health for a thriving bearded dragon.

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- Primary Keyword: how to care for a bearded dragon

- LSI Keywords: bearded dragon habitat setup; dragon lighting and heat; feeding bearded dragons; reptile health checks

- Search Intent: Informational / How-to

- Word Count Target: 1,300+ words

- AdSense Friendly: Yes — practical reptile care advice, no medical claims; includes strategic ad placements

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☕ Introduction

Bearded dragons captivate hobbyists with their friendly personalities and striking appearance. Despite their hardy reputation, these reptiles need precise environmental conditions, balanced diets, and gentle handling to flourish in captivity. This guide covers every aspect of bearded dragon care—from terrarium design and temperature control to feeding, cleaning, and enrichment—so you can enjoy a healthy, active companion for years to come.

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Understanding Bearded Dragon Basics

- Lifespan: Typically 8–12 years with proper care.

- Temperament: Docile, social reptiles that enjoy human interaction.

- Natural Habitat: Arid scrublands and rocky outcrops in Australia.

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Terrarium Setup & Environment

Tank Size and Layout

- Minimum Size: 40 gallons for juveniles; 75+ gallons for adults.

- Décor: Flat rocks and branches for basking; low-profile hides.

Substrate Options

- Safe Choices: Reptile carpet, ceramic tile, paper towels.

- Avoid: Loose sand or wood chips to prevent impaction.

Hides and Climbing Structures

- Provide three hides: basking, cool retreat, and humid hide for shedding.

- Offer branches or cork bark for gentle climbing and exercise.

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Temperature and Lighting

- Basking Spot: 95–105 °F under a heat lamp.

- Cool Side: 75–85 °F for digestion and rest.

- Nighttime Drop: 70–75 °F to mimic natural fluctuations.

- UVB Lighting: 10–12% UVB bulb on a 12-hour schedule to support calcium metabolism.

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Feeding & Nutrition

- Staple Diet: Gut-loaded crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms sized no wider than the head.

- Vegetables: Collard greens, mustard greens, squash, and bell peppers.

- Fruit Treats: Occasional diced berries or melon pieces.

- Supplements: Dust insects with calcium powder at every feeding and a multivitamin once weekly.

- Feeding Schedule: Juveniles feed daily; adults feed every other day.

- Water: Provide a shallow dish; mist enclosure lightly to encourage drinking.

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Handling and Taming

- Acclimation Period: Wait one week post-setup before first handling session.

- Handling Technique: Scoop from beneath, supporting chest and tail.

- Frequency: Begin with 5–10 minute sessions two to three times a week.

- Stress Signals: Darkened beard, rapid head shakes, hissing—end session and try later.

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Health Monitoring & Common Issues

- Daily Checks: Clear eyes, active behavior, regular shedding.

- Shedding Problems: Retained shed on toes or tail—provide a moist hide or gentle soaking.

- Metabolic Bone Disease: Watch for tremors or soft jaw—ensure proper UVB and calcium supplementation.

- Parasites: Inspect feces; consult a reptile vet for weight loss or diarrhea.

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Cleaning & Maintenance

- Daily Spot Cleaning: Remove feces and shed skin promptly.

- Weekly Routine: Wipe down décor and replace substrate in humid hide; rinse water dish.

- Monthly Deep Clean: Empty tank, disinfect enclosure and décor with reptile-safe solution, rinse thoroughly, and dry before reassembly.

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Enrichment & Behavioral Care

- Climbing and Exploration: Rotate branches and rocks to renew interest.

- Feeding Enrichment: Use feeding tongs or hide insects in paper rolls to simulate hunting.

- Bath Time: Offer shallow warm water soaks once weekly to support hydration and shedding.

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☕ AdSense Placement Suggestions

- In-Article Ad: Below the “Terrarium Setup & Environment” section to catch readers shopping for habitat gear.

- In-Feed Ad: Between “Feeding & Nutrition” and “Handling and Taming” where readers plan diet and interaction.

- Sidebar Ad: Next to the introduction for early visibility without interrupting flow.

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🧠 Final Thoughts

Bearded dragons reward attentive owners with years of interactive companionship. By replicating natural temperature gradients, offering varied hiding spots, and providing a balanced diet with proper supplementation, you’ll cultivate a vibrant, healthy reptile. Regular health checks, gentle handling, and enrichment activities will keep your dragon engaged and thriving.

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📣 Call to Action

Are you setting up a new bearded dragon terrarium or tweaking your care routine? Share your setup photos and questions in the comments below. If this guide helped your dragon thrive, subscribe for more reptile care tutorials and expert tips!