Baby Bearded Dragon Leatherback Dunner

Considered one of the all-time best lizard pets. It is known for being alert, hardy and tame, and bearded dragon owners love watching their lizards, whether during a feeding frenzy while chasing crickets or simply interacting with each other.

Bearded dragons exhibit interesting behaviors, too, such as “arm waving,” in which a female (and occasionally males) may lift a front leg in the air and “wave” it as a submissive gesture. The spiny “beard” from which the lizard gets its common name may also be extended, though it’s uncommon for tame captives to do so; dragons typically do this when alarmed.

SIZE ADULT

Hatchlings measure about 4 inches; large adults can be nearly 16-24” (including tail)

ORIGIN

The Central Bearded Dragon occurs in a band across the semi-arid interior of eastern Australia, including western New South Wales and the Riverina region, wherever suitable habitat can be found.

LIFE EXPECTANCY

6-10 years is common but up to 20 years is documented

TEMPERAMENT

In captivity, however, bearded dragons are generally docile and their aggressive displays are rarely seen by owners.

TERRARIUM

While a hatchling dragon could live in a 20-gallon aquarium for a short time, it will quickly need a larger enclosure. A 75-gallon aquarium or equal-sized enclosure is OK for one or two adult dragons. Screening should be used for proper ventilation, whether as a top on an aquarium enclosure or in the construction of a custom enclosure.

SUBSTRATE

For juveniles, any loose substrate including sand should be avoided. This can lead to intestinal impaction. Paper towels, papers, or indoor/ outdoor carpeting. For adults, washed play sand (available at hardware stores, not fine silica sand) can be used if desired, although paper or indoor/outdoor carpet works fine too for the majority of the enclosure.