BEARDED DRAGONS
CENTRAL BEARDED DRAGON “Pogona vitticeps”
A Bearded Dragon is a type of lizard which originates from Central to Eastern Australia. Natural habitats of Bearded Dragon include deserts, arid and rocky areas, dry forests and scrublands. They can grow up to 60cm as adults and live between 10-15 years in captivity. Bearded Dragons have become an extremely popular Reptile within the Herpetology industry and amongst families as they make great pets for kids.
HANDLING
To pick up a Bearded Dragon, place your hand under its abdomen and gently scoop it up. As the dragon lays on your palm, gently curve your fingers around its abdomen.
DIET
Juvenile Bearded Dragons are predominantly insectivorous and should be offered small crickets 2-3 times daily. They should also be offered finely chopped vegetables and fruit. These foods can be lightly dusted with calcium powder every second day. Adult Bearded Dragons will eat crickets, cockroaches and a daily variety of freshly chopped green leafy vegetables (except for ice berg lettuce).Crickets should not be any larger than 1/3 of the size of the Dragons head. Oversize insects can cause blockage and be fatal to your Bearded Dragon. It is recommended that you give your Bearded Dragon vitamins and calcium once or twice a week. It is important to provide your animal with a fresh daily supply of water. Place the water container at the cool end of the enclosure. Ensure your water container is not deep, as Bearded Dragons often like to bathe, especially when they are shedding. Occasionally spray a fine mist of water over the dragons. They love it, and it will also help them shed.
HOUSING & ENVIRONMENT
A 1.2m long Terrarium is suitable for 1 Bearded Dragon (depending on the species). It is recommended not to house more than 1 Bearded Dragon together as they are solitary reptiles and can potentially fight when housed with another mate. The enclosure can be glass or timber (with glass front), remembering that timber will retain heat better than glass. Glass enclosures are great when they are kept in a home that does not get too hot or cold throughout the year.
HEATING, LIGHTING & MAINTENANCE
A day lamp should be provided at one end of the Bearded Dragons enclosure as they require a “basking” type heat, which is directed at a specific basking point. An ideal temperature for their basking spot is between 38-42°C. On the opposite side it should be approx. 25-30°C. A night lamp can be provided to maintain the ambient or average temperature around 18°C during the cooler seasons (only if the temperature within the tank drops significantly). Providing a tall log or ornament in the enclosure will allow the Bearded Dragon to get up as close as possible to this particular basking spot, maintaining a safe distance between the light and log to prevent injury. It is important to provide both UVA and UVB light for 10-12 hours daily for Reptiles kept in captivity. UVA and UVB light provide essential health benefits for Bearded Dragons including efficient calcium metabolism, assists in the natural production of Vitamin D3, promote appetite stimulation and activity levels which they would naturally source in the wild when basking. UV lights can be sold in the form of Compact Globes or Light Tubes. Bearded Dragons need access to a minimum 10.0% UVB light, T5 Tubes are recommended as they provide full spectrum light intended for sun-seeking reptiles.
HEALTH ISSUES
Intestinal Parasites (worms)- Dragons are susceptible to worms, including the potentially fatal coccidiosis organism. Faecal checks and worming can be carried out by an experienced Reptile Veterinarian.
Dysecdysis (Abnormal Shedding)- Though Bearded Dragons are self sufficient when it comes to shedding, the low humidity levels can sometimes result in a dragon having an ‘incomplete’ shed. Giving reptiles shallow bath in warm water can help soften and release any stuck shed, alternatively products such as Reptile One “Skin Shed” or similar products can be used to externally to control shedding issues.
Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)- Calcium or vitamin D3 deficiency because of incorrect diet and/or lack of or incorrect UV lighting.
LICENSING NSW
Bearded Dragons in New South Wales are required to be kept under a reptile keeper’s licence. The licence is easily obtainable by phoning National Parks and Wildlife on (02) 9585 6406 or Service NSW (02) 13 77 88. It is presently law in New South Wales to have a licence. Without it, it is impossible to gain a reptile legally.