ITEMS NEEDED
● Enclosure of some kind with screen lid
● Heat lamp
● UVB lamp
● Food and water bowls
● Substrate for bottom of enclosure
● Furniture of your choice
● Light timer
● Thermometer (optional)
HOUSING
Hatchlings can be kept in a small 20 gallon (long) aquarium but not for long. Soon they will outgrow that and need to be moved to a larger aquarium or cage. Adult bearded dragons must have a minimum of a 40 gallon cage, preferable 50 gallon or larger.
Remember bearded dragons must be able to thermo regulate. That means they alter their temperature by going from the basking spot at the hot end of the cage to the cooler side of the cage. This allows them to properly digest their food and also cool off when necessary.
Basking logs should be placed within the enclosure to allow your dragon to get closer to the heat if they feel the need and to feel secure. Decorative rocks and fake plants may also help to liven up the enclosure. Do not use heat rocks. Bearded Dragons sense heat and light using a spot located on top of their heads. They are not as aware of heat coming from below and can badly burn their bellies without knowing it.
Use a thermometer to regulate the enclosure temperature. A low watt basking bulb, placed in a reflector dome at one end of the cage will concentrate the bulbs heat to that one area. The top basking area on one side of the cage (closest to the light) should peak between 100 - 105 degrees for adults and 100 - 110 for babies - with the ambient temperature on the other side of the cage being significantly cooler - approximately 80-85 degrees.
Basking bulb should be kept at least 6 inches away from the dragon (keep food and water over on the cooler side of the enclosure.).
Enclosures must be cleaned of all fecal and waste daily. Once a week wipe down all walls and furniture. Small dragons should be kept on newspaper or paper towels until 6-12 inches long, so they get a chance to perfect their "catching skills".
After that, you may change over to sand if you wish. Please do not use any sand other than "play sand" found at the local hardware store. The Calcium or mineral sand that some pet stores sell, in my opinion, is dangerous because dragons can get impacted if they injest this thinking it is the calcium they require. By offering regular sand and offering calcium on the veggies and live food, you will keep them much healthier.
