Species and Habitat
- Scientific Name: Pogona
- Common Species: Pogona vitticeps (Central or Inland Bearded Dragon) is the most popular species kept as pets.
- Natural Habitat: Arid, semi-arid regions, woodlands, and deserts of Australia.
Physical Characteristics
- Size: Adults typically range from 18 to 24 inches in length, including the tail.
- Lifespan: With proper care, they can live 10-15 years in captivity.
- Appearance: They have a broad, triangular head, spiny scales along their body, and a distinctive "beard" under their chin that can puff out and darken when they are threatened or displaying dominance.
Behavior
- Temperament: Generally calm and friendly, making them good pets for beginners.
- Activity: Diurnal (active during the day), enjoying basking in the sun or under a heat lamp.
- Communication: Use body language such as head bobbing, arm waving, and beard puffing to communicate with each other and their owners.
Bearded dragon for sale
Care Requirements
- Enclosure: Require a well-ventilated terrarium with space to move around; a 40-gallon tank is usually recommended for an adult.
- Temperature: Need a gradient with a basking area around 95-110°F and a cooler area around 75-85°F.
- Lighting: UVB lighting is essential to help them synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium.
- Diet: Omnivores; diet should include a mix of vegetables, fruits, and insects (like crickets and mealworms).
- Hydration: Provide fresh water daily; misting their environment can also help with hydration.
Health
- Common Issues: Metabolic bone disease (due to lack of UVB lighting or calcium), impaction (from ingesting substrate or large prey), and respiratory infections.
- Veterinary Care: Regular check-ups with a reptile veterinarian are important to monitor health.
If you have any specific questions about bearded dragons or need more detailed information, feel free to ask!