Bearded dragons originate from Australia. These lizards live in desert habitats and range from dull brown to red orange in color. They get their name from the flap of skin around their necks which resembles a beard.
Keep your bearded dragon in an aquarium tank no smaller than 40 gallons. Bearded dragons need lots of floor space. A good rule of thumb is to provide 2 square feet for each bearded dragon.
Place a full spectrum light over the aquarium tank. Bearded dragons are active during the day, not at night, and need at least 14 hours of light during the day, 10 hours during the spring and fall and 8 during the winter. Depriving your bearded dragon of the required light will cause vitamin deficiencies.
Place a heat mat underneath the aquarium to keep the general temperature between 76 and 86 degrees. Bearded dragons are cold-blooded animals and need a heat source to stay warm. Lower the temperature at night to 70 degrees.
Create a basking area in the aquarium between 95 and 110 degrees. Place a heat lamp over a certain spot in the aquarium and place an elevated surface underneath of it, such as a rock or stick, so the bearded dragon can get close to the heat source.
Fill the bottom of the aquarium with a two inch layer of shredded newspaper, cardboard or paper towels. Bearded dragons enjoy digging and burrowing. Avoid using aquarium gravel or sand because it can cause skin or eye injuries and the bearded dragon may accidentally ingest it.
Feed your bearded dragon an acceptable diet. This includes fruit and vegetables, such as carrots and collard greens, as well as insects like crickets. Feed your bearded lizard fruit and vegetables twice a day and insects no more than twice a week to avoid kidney problems from too much protein.
Keep the aquarium clean to prevent fungus and bacteria. Remove feces daily and replace soiled or dirty bedding. Clean the aquarium with a bleach solution once a week and replace the bedding.
Sources:
Guide to Caring for Bearded Dragons, Colorado Reptile Humane Society
“Bearded Dragon”, Steve Grenard; 2008
Bearded Dragons, Long Island Herpetological Society
Caring for an Australian Bearded Dragon, University of Miami: K.W. Tosney