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Bearded dragons are spiky lizards which originate from Australia. Eight species of bearded dragons (in latin „pogona“) are differentiated. The most common species is „pogona vitticeps“, the so called Inland or Central bearded dragon. An adult bearded dragon can reach a total length of about 50 cm (ca. 20 inches) or sometimes even more.
The terrarium of bearded dragons should provide enough space to move, the tank can never be too big! The ground of a terrarium for 1-2 full-grown animals should not go below 150x80cm (ca. 60x30 inches). The tank should have a height of about 80cm (ca. 30 inches). Most tanks sold in pet shops are too small, thus self-made terrariums are a good alternative. Aquariums are not adequate tanks because the air can't circulate within the tank.
Bearded dragons live solitary in their natural environment. Therefore it is recommended to keep only one dragon in one terrarium. However, housing a group of bearded dragons can work but there never should be more than one male dragon in the group.
The terrarium setup should conform as good as possible with the natural habitat of bearded dragons. First of all the terrarium should provide a diggable bedding with a hard surface. A mixture of normal playground sand and loam suits the demands of bearded dragons. As bearded dragons with a calcium deficiency sometimes tend to eat bigger amounts of sand, small pieces of calcium (crushed cuttlefish bone) should always be provided in the terrarium. Furthermore, bearded dragons must have the possibility to hide and to climb. Branches and other natural elements look nice and can be used as equipment for the terrarium (when directly taken from nature they should be cleaned with hot water and dried before putting them into the dragon's home).
The correct lightning plays a major role in the husbandry of the bearded dragon. Mainly, three aspects have to be considered: UVB, heat and brightness. UVB lamps are very important because the UVB rays are (in combination with calcium) essential for the bearded dragon's skeleton. Additionally they need lamps that produce heat, so that there are temperatures from about 25°C/77° F up to 50°C/122°F (directly under the basking spot). The average temperature should be about 30°C/86°F. Last but not at least it should be really bright in the terrarium. T5 bulbs and HQI lights produce a lot of light, so they should not be missing in the terrarium. The lights should be on for about half a day (12-14 hours). For the night all lights should be turned out.
Bearded dragons are omnivore which means that their nutrition comprises as well animals as plants. Very young dragons get crickets as well as herbal matters daily. As they get older the nutrition should mainly consist of herbal items because bearded dragons get fat when they eat to much animal matter which often results in liver damages (which can at the end be deathly).
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