Bearded Dragon

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Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are native to central Australia's arid regions such as savannas, deserts, and scrublands. They are diurnal and exhibit both terrestrial and semi-arboreal behaviors. More information: https://reptifiles.com/bearded-dragon-care-guide/

• Enclosure Size: Minimum dimensions of 48" x 24" x 18". https://healthtopics.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/health-topics/exotics/bearded-dragon-care
• Substrate: Firm surface that allows the animal to grip with their claws. This can be as simple as paper towel, but a habitat mat (not reptile carpet) or a hardscape such as Exo Terra's Stone Desert can create a more attractive set up. 

• Basking Temperature: 100°F - 107°F.
• Day Ambient Temperature: 75°F - 85°F.
• Night Ambient Temperature: 58°F - 75°F
• Lights need to be turned off at night. If the enclosure will drop below 58°F supplemental       heating from a ceramic heat bulb can provide heat without light.               
• UVB Lighting: Essential for health; achieve UV Index (UVI) of around 4 at basking site. More information: https://reptifiles.com/bearded-dragon-care-guide/
• Heat Rocks: Do not use! While these were common sources of heat for many years these are potentially very dangerous for your pet. They are well known to cause burns or fires when they fail! 

•  Maintain humidity levels around 20-40%; avoid prolonged high humidity.

 Bearded dragons are omnivorous, consuming both plants and insects.

•  Vegetables: Daily offerings of leafy greens (collard, dandelion, mustard greens) and occasional vegetables (squash, bell peppers, carrots).
• Insects: Feed gut-loaded insects such as crickets and mealworms 2-3 times weekly.

Dust insects with calcium, and provide a weekly multivitamin. 

Provide a shallow water dish changed daily and disinfected weekly.

For new animals, handle gently and limit handling sessions to minimize stress. As the animal becomes acclimated to you and its new home handling time can be increased. More handling tips: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7698070/

• Enclosure: Minimum 48" x 24" x 18".
• Temperatures: Basking 100°F-107°F; Day Ambient 75°F-85°F; Night Ambient 68°F-75°F
• Lighting: Maintain UVI (Ferguson Zone) of 3-4 at basking site.
• Diet: Daily greens; insects 2-3 times per week.
• Supplements: Calcium three times per week; multivitamin once per month.
• Hydration: Provide shallow water dish, refreshed daily.