Diet
Age-specific balance of live insects, safe greens and correct supplements
Reptiles
Bearded dragons care
Bearded dragons need precise heat, strong UVB, suitable basking, age-specific feeding and a dry, spacious vivarium.
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Lifespan
8-12 years
Typical costs
GBP 40-GBP 100 per month plus energy costs
Space
Large front-opening vivarium with a clear heat gradient
Care basics
What to get right first.
Housing
Basking zone, cool end, quality UVB, hides, safe substrate and accurate thermometers
Social needs
Usually solitary. Do not cohabit without specialist welfare advice
Exercise
Climbing, basking choices and supervised handling when warm and settled
Cleaning
Spot clean daily and disinfect surfaces with reptile-safe products
Handling
Support the body fully and keep handling short around feeding and temperature needs.
Common health concerns
- Metabolic bone disease
- Impaction
- Parasites
- Burns
- Shedding issues
Often misunderstood
- Weak or old UVB
- Heat rocks
- Cohabiting dragons
- Wrong insect size
- No digital temperature checks
Related information
Care guides
Expert reviewed
Bearded dragon heat, UVB and feeding setup
A practical guide to the three foundations that make bearded dragon care safer.
8 min readReviewed 27 July 2026
Read guide