Lighting
Check UVB and basking lights each morning before feeding.
Husbandry support
Bearded Dragon Care Guide
This guide reflects the exact standards we use in our breeder room so your dragon transitions smoothly.
Lighting targets
Feeding rhythm
Stress-free handling
Core setup
Non-negotiable enclosure baseline
Start with a correctly sized enclosure, reliable UVB, and measured heat zones before your dragon arrives. Stability in week one matters most.
- Linear UVB fixture that spans at least half the enclosure
- Basking platform directly under UVB and heat source
- Digital probe thermometers on warm and cool sides
- Non-loose substrate for juveniles during adjustment period
Daily care blocks
What to monitor every day
Heat Zones
Confirm warm/cool gradient with digital probes, not stick-on dials.
Feeding
Offer greens daily and insects sized smaller than eye spacing.
Hydration
Track hydration through stool quality and urate color trends.
Handling
Use short, calm sessions after feeding to build predictable trust.
Records
Log weekly weight and feeding notes for early issue detection.
Morning routine
- Lights and heat on schedule
- Temperature checks at both zones
- Fresh greens and hydration check
- Spot clean enclosure surfaces
Evening routine
- Final activity and appetite check
- Remove remaining live feeders
- Record any shedding or stool changes
- Confirm overnight temperature range
Common questions
Care FAQs
How soon should I handle a new dragon?
Give 3-5 days to settle with minimal contact, then begin short handling sessions once feeding is consistent.
Do juveniles need insects every day?
Yes. Juveniles need more frequent protein feeding than adults while still receiving daily greens.
What is the most common setup mistake?
Inconsistent UVB coverage and incorrect heat gradients are the two biggest problems in first-time setups.