Bringing a bearded dragon into your home is an exciting start to a rewarding journey in reptile adoption. These charismatic, docile lizards are one of the most popular exotic pets, known for their engaging personalities and moderate care needs. At Pet City Houston, we believe that proper care starts with education, ensuring both you and your new scaly companion thrive. By focusing on four essential pillars—habitat, heat, hydration, and nutrition—we set our community members up for success right from day one.
Establishing the Perfect Dragon Habitat
The enclosure is the entire world for your bearded dragon, so establishing it correctly is critical. We recommend a terrarium of at least 40 gallons for a juvenile, upgrading to a 75-gallon minimum for an adult. It needs a secure lid and should be furnished with climbing branches, a basking rock, and a hideaway spot. We always advise using non-particulate substrates like reptile carpet or ceramic tile to avoid the risk of impaction.
Mastering the Thermal Gradient and UVB Light
As desert natives, bearded dragons require a specific thermal gradient. The basking spot must reach 100–105°F, while the cool end should remain around 75-85°F. Crucially, they need high-quality UVB light for 10-12 hours daily, as this is essential for synthesizing Vitamin D3 and metabolizing calcium. Without proper UVB, they are at high risk for serious health issues.
Understanding Hydration and Shedding Cycles
While bearded dragons may not drink constantly from a water dish, hydration is still key. Always provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish and refresh it daily. Weekly warm soaks, where the water is no deeper than their shoulders, can significantly aid in hydration and help with shedding. A complete shed means the skin comes off entirely, and we are here to help if they struggle.
Essential Nutrition and Supplementation Schedule
A bearded dragon’s diet changes as they age, evolving from insectivore to omnivore. Juveniles require a diet of 70% dusted insects (like crickets or roaches) and 30% greens. Adults shift to 70-80% fresh leafy greens and vegetables, with only 20-30% insects. We strongly recommend dusting their live food with a calcium supplement daily and a reptile multivitamin twice weekly.
Taking the time to understand these care essentials is the most important step in successful reptile adoption. By providing a proper habitat and focused attention on diet, heat, and lighting, you are ensuring your new lizard companion lives a long, healthy life. The team at Pet City Houston is dedicated to “service after the sale,” and we have all the specialized supplies, from UVB bulbs to feeders, to help you succeed. Stop by our store or browse our site to explore our complete reptile supplies and let us support your pet ownership journey.
