Common Mistakes when Caring for a Bearded Dragon

Brandon, a Nona Paws Pet Sitter taking care of Mr. Smug

Bearded dragons are the world's most popular reptile, but many care points often get overlooked. Reptiles require more attention and research than most pet owners realize and lack of information can lead to stress for you and your dragon. To ensure your dragon is thriving, take a look at these common mistakes people make when caring for their scaly friends.

Choosing the Wrong Tank Size

One of the biggest mistakes new bearded dragon owners make is buying too small of a tank. The right tank size supports proper thermoregulation, natural behaviors, and growth for your dragon. While juvenile bearded dragons can live in a 50 to 75 gallon tank, adult dragons require a 120 gallon tank (typically a 4x2x2) or larger. Juveniles can outgrow their small tanks in as little as six months, so bigger is always better! 

Why is tank size important?

It is challenging to maintain proper temperatures in smaller tanks. Dragons need a warm side and a cool side that they can go back and forth in so they can regulate their temperatures. The smaller the space, the harder it is to maintain these two sides at different temperatures. Larger tanks also support natural behaviors. Bearded dragons are desert animals, they require dry and climbable spaces that can be achieved properly in larger tanks. 

Smug, our famous Bearded Dragon in Lake Nona Country Club

Having Incorrect Lighting

A bearded dragon's lighting is just as important as the air it breaths. An enclosure that is too cold can lead to immune system and digestion issues. Bearded dragons are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the hot Australia days. After a meal, they find a nice spot to bask under the sun, basking is when they lay in the sun in bursts to aid in their digestion. Remember when I said bearded dragons need a cool side and warm side? 

Their cool side needs to stay between 70 degrees to 85 degrees fahrenheit and their basking side needs to stay between 105 degrees to 113 degrees fahrenheit. These settings are achieved through 3 kinds of light on their enclosures: a bright light that simulates natural daylight, a UVB light that mimics ultraviolet rays from the sun, and a basking lamp for heating. These lights should stay on for 12-16 hours a day.

Not Providing Enrichment

Bearded dragons are very active reptiles when they have enough space and love exploring their enclosures. So they need a few ways to keep them entertained and active. This is called enrichment, which improves an animal's quality of life, prevents boredom, and can reduce aggression.

Enrichment does not have to be difficult! You can provide your bearded dragon with a variety of branches and logs and move them around every few days. This provides different climbing areas and new spots to explore. You can also mentally stimulate your dragon by providing foraging opportunities by hiding food under bedding or giving live prey to hunt, like crickets! Enrichment can even be interacting with you or letting your dragon roam your home outside of their enclosure safely.

Taking Improper Care of Live Feeders

Bearded dragons love bugs. From meal worms to crickets, it is beneficial to learn how to properly store your live feeders so they are healthy and live longer for your dragon. 

Did you know your bearded dragon’s age is a guideline for how much they should eat? A juvenile should eat about 65% bugs and 35% greens. An adult dragon should eat 40% insects and 60% greens. All live food, like crickets, roaches, or meal worms, should be dusted with calcium or multivitamin powder to ensure your dragon gets all their needed nutrients. Live feeders can be kept in plastic bins with proper ventilation, hiding spots (like egg cartons), and proper substrate so they live longer. Mealworms and superworms can be kept in dry oats to burrow in and given potatoes or carrots to eat every few days. To keep mealworms alive for longer, they can be stored in the fridge to keep them from becoming beetles. Superworms, however, cannot and will die off in the fridge. Crickets can also have oats, or a handful of veggies as food. Make sure to also provide water gel or a wet paper towel to keep them hydrated and alive for longer. 

While there are common mistakes often made when caring for a bearded dragon, with a little guidance and information that can easily be corrected. Finding proper care for your dragon when you can’t be present shouldn’t be either. The Nona Paws Pet Sitting Team understands all animals are different and require certain levels of care that we can provide. Our experienced team can work with you to formulate a plan that will keep your dragon happy till you return.