Bearded Dragon Care FAQs: Everything You Need to Know

✅Staple Feeders:

• Dubia roaches
• Crickets
• Locusts
• Superworms

✅Occasional Treats:

• Silkworms
• Hornworms
• Waxworms (high in fat, use sparingly)

✅Avoid:

• Mealworms (hard to digest)
• Fireflies (toxic)
• Wild-caught insects (may contain parasites)

✅Babies (0-3 months): Feed insects 2-3 times a day, as much as they can eat in 10-15 minutes.

✅Juveniles (4-18 months): Feed insects once a day. Offer fresh vegetables daily as well.

✅Adults (18+ months): Feed insects every other day or 2-3 times a week. Offer fresh vegetables daily.

❓What vegetables and fruits can bearded dragons eat?

✅Safe Staple Veggies:

• Collard greens
• Mustard greens
• Turnip greens
• Dandelion greens
• Butternut squash

✅Occasional Greens:

• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Green beans

✅Fruits (Treats Only!):

• Blueberries
• Apples (without peel)
• Mango
• Strawberries

✅Safe Staple Veggies:

• Collard greens
• Mustard greens
• Turnip greens
• Dandelion greens
• Butternut squash

✅Occasional Greens:

• Bell peppers
• Carrots
• Green beans

✅Fruits (Treats Only!):

• Blueberries
• Apples (without peel)
• Mango
• Strawberries

✅Absolutely! Dusting insects with a balanced calcium powder at most feedings is crucial to prevent metabolic bone disease.

✅Multivitamins: Offer a reptile multivitamin 2-3 times a week for additional nutritional support.

❗Important Notes:

• • Age-Appropriate Amounts: Adjust portion sizes based on your bearded dragon's age and size. Avoid overfeeding, which can lead to obesity.

• • Variety is Key: Offer a mix of safe vegetables and insects to create a balanced diet.

• • Insect Size: Ensure insects are no larger than the space between your bearded dragon's eyes to prevent choking.

✅Stress or Fear: A black beard is usually a sign of agitation. Check for environmental stressors (loud noises, other pets, enclosure setup) or potential illness.

✅Mating: Male bearded dragons will often darken their beards as part of their courtship display.

✅Temperature Regulation: Black coloration can sometimes help them absorb heat more effectively for basking.

✅Submission: Bearded dragons wave one arm slowly in a circular motion to signify surrender to another beardie or a perceived threat. This often accompanies a slow head bob.

✅Exploration: Some bearded dragons might wave an arm to test air currents or investigate their surroundings.

✅Nesting Instincts: Female bearded dragons, especially when gravid (carrying eggs), will dig in preparation for laying. Provide a lay box with a substrate mixture if you suspect she's gravid.

✅Temperature Regulation: Digging can help them access cooler spots within the enclosure if they're too warm. Check your temperatures.

✅Brumation Attempts: If your beardie is entering brumation (dormancy), they may try to bury themselves in the substrate.

✅Comfort: Like many pets, beardies can sleep in positions that seem bizarre to us but are simply comfortable for them!

✅Security: Sleeping pressed against a wall or hiding spot may give them a sense of safety.

❗Important Notes:

• Context is Key: Observing your bearded dragon's overall behavior and environment helps interpret these specific actions.
• Health Concerns: If odd behavior is accompanied by lethargy, lack of appetite, or other changes, consult a reptile veterinarian.

✅Hydration: Bathing 1-2 times a week helps with hydration, especially during shedding. Soak them in lukewarm water (chest-deep) for 10-20 minutes.

✅Hygiene: Baths can help remove stuck-on dirt, shed skin, or fecal matter.

✅Not for Everyone: Some bearded dragons don't enjoy baths. If your dragon is stressed by bathing, misting them occasionally is an alternative.

✅Alert and Active: A healthy beardie is active during the day, basking and exploring its enclosure.

✅Clear eyes and nose: There should be no discharge or crusting.

✅Healthy Skin: Look for smooth, bright skin without wounds or signs of mites (tiny black specks).

✅Regular Poops: Their bowel movements should be well-formed and regular.

✅Good appetite: A healthy bearded dragon has a voracious appetite for both insects and greens.

✅Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): Caused by calcium deficiency, leading to deformed bones, twitching, and paralysis.

✅Respiratory Infections: Wheezing, open-mouth breathing, and discharge indicate potential serious respiratory problems.

✅Impaction: Ingesting substrate or large food items can cause intestinal blockages.

✅Parasites: Both internal (worms) and external (mites) can affect their health.

✅Mouth Rot: Swelling, redness, and discharge around the mouth are signs of infection.

✅Don't Delay: Observe any changes in behavior, appetite, or appearance. Seek veterinary advice promptly, as early treatment is crucial.

✅Isolation: If you have multiple reptiles, isolate the sick one to prevent others from getting ill.

✅Keep a Record: Note any symptoms and changes you've observed to help the vet with diagnosis.

✅Any Significant Change: Lethargy, loss of appetite, unusual discharge, or behavior changes warrant a vet visit.

✅Annual Wellness Exams: Even if your bearded dragon seems healthy, yearly checkups with a reptile vet help catch potential problems early.

✅Specialization Matters: Look for a vet who specializes in reptiles or exotic pets. They have the necessary expertise.

✅Referrals: Ask reptile rescues, breeders, or pet stores focused on reptiles for recommendations.

✅Online Resources: Websites like the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians (ARAV) can help you search: https://arav.org/

❗Important Note: Bearded dragons are good at hiding illness. Being proactive with vet visits and observing your pet closely are essential!

✅Bulges: Adult males develop two distinct bulges at the base of their tail, known as hemipenal bulges. Females have a single smaller bulge in the center.

✅Femoral Pores: Males typically have larger, more pronounced femoral pores (under their thighs) than females.

✅Size Difference: Often, but not always, males grow slightly larger than females.

✅Expert Help: If unsure, reptile shops or a veterinarian specializing in reptiles can help with sexing.

✅Strongly Recommended: Keeping bearded dragons solitary is best for their health and well-being. They are territorial and cohabitation leads to stress, injuries, or even death.

✅Companionship: Provide enrichment through handling, interaction, and a stimulating enclosure to keep your solo bearded dragon happy and content.

✅Initial Cost: The cost of the bearded dragon itself can range from $50 to several hundred dollars depending on the breeder, the dragon's morph (coloration), and age.

✅Setup Costs: The initial investment in a proper enclosure, lighting, heating, etc. can easily be several hundred dollars.

✅Ongoing Expenses: Factor in food, supplements, substrate, vet visits, and electricity costs.

✅Reptile Breeder: Research well-reviewed breeders specializing in bearded dragons. Look for those who prioritize health and good genetics.

✅Reptile Shows: Reptile expos are a chance to see dragons from various breeders and potentially get them at better prices than pet stores.

✅Reptile Rescues: Consider adopting a bearded dragon in need of a loving home.

✅Avoid: Buying from chain pet stores, as these dragons may have underlying health issues or have experienced improper care.

❗Important Note: Always research a seller's reputation thoroughly before purchasing a bearded dragon.