Inland Bearded Dragon

The Bearded Dragon beginners guide is for making an informed decision on whether Beardies are for you. There are lots of things to take into consideration before bringing a Dragon into your home. The Bearded Dragon Beginners guide covers all aspects of bearded dragon husbandry from diet, health, habitat to interaction. A section covering all the equipment needed is a must as it is very important to get the habitat correct from the very beginning. Setting up a Vivarium (Beardies house) can seem very daunting but with some Knowledge and research Bearded Dragons are relatively easy to care for.

Pogona Vitticeps

Bearded Dragons are named due to the spikes around their neck. They have a Triangular head with small spikes continuing along their sides. Beardies range in colour and their beard will sometimes turn darker or even black, also their beards puff out if they get excited. Bearded Dragons are classed as a medium-sized Lizards which can grow 12 to 24 inches from the nose to the tip of the tail. They weigh between 10 to 20 ounces depending on size.

Originating from the central and eastern regions of Australia, usually desert and open woodlands. The Pogona Vitticeps is better known as the central or inland Bearded Dragon. Australia Banned the export of Bearded Dragons and other wildlife but are popular all over the world as they can be bred with relative ease in captivity. Pet Dragons around the world today were more than likely bred from smuggled stock. Beardies are very popular as pets due to their relaxed docile nature. Bearded Dragons are Endothermic, meaning they need to absorb heat from an external source in order to raise their temperature. Wild Beardies will bask in the sun to raise their temperature which helps digest their food. When they get to hot they will bury themselves to cool down. They feast on insects, plants, flowers, fruit and even small prey. Bearded Dragons are amazing creatures who display many complex gestures, making them lovable and interesting to observe.

A home for life

When selecting a habitat it is important to understand your Beardies needs. I recommend a Vivarium with a size no less than 4ft x 2ft x 2ft for several reasons. Buying a smaller starter Viv for your Beardie will need replacing as growth occurs very quickly. A Bearded Dragon does most of its growing within 12 months and is sexually active from 8 to 9 months. Apart from the cost of replacing a starter Vivarium you could be hampering the Dragons growth with a habitat that is too small. Males and females vary in size and usually the male is larger than the female but not always. As with us humans we come in all shapes and sizes. Sexing a Dragon can not be determined by size alone. The items placed within the habitat are important features as, replicating a natural environment will stimulate your Beardie. Setting up a habitat correctly is an important consideration before even buying a Dragon. Ask yourself the question: Have I got the time and space to house a Bearded Dragon? A section on this site will explain in-depth the equipment you require, and how to set it up to give your Bearded Dragon the best start in life.