Red Bearded Dragon: The Ultimate Guide for Beginners

Red bearded dragon are amazing pets. They are friendly, easy to care for, and fun to watch. In this guide, we will learn all about them, how to care for them, and why they make such great companions.

What Is a Red Bearded Dragon?

A red bearded dragon is a type of lizard. It is a special kind of bearded dragon with bright red or orange skin. Bearded dragons are reptiles from Australia. They get their name from the spiky “beard” under their chin that puffs up when they feel scared or excited.

Why Are They Called “Red”?

Red bearded dragons are bred to have a red color. Breeders mix dragons with red shades to make their color brighter over time. The red can range from light orange to a deep, fiery red. This color makes them stand out compared to other bearded dragons.

How Big Do Red Bearded Dragons Get?

A full-grown red bearded dragon can grow 18 to 24 inches long, including its tail. Most weigh between 400 to 600 grams. They start as tiny babies, usually around 4 inches long, but grow fast if they eat well and have a proper setup.

Are Red Bearded Dragons Friendly?

Yes, they are! Red bearded dragons are calm and gentle. They enjoy being held and love spending time with their owners. If you handle them often and treat them kindly, they will trust you and become even friendlier.

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How to Take Care of a Red Bearded Dragon

Taking care of a red bearded dragon is easy if you follow these steps. They need the right home, food, and care to stay happy and healthy.

Set Up Their Home (Enclosure)

Your dragon needs a safe and cozy place to live. Follow these tips to create a perfect home for them:

• Tank Size: Use a tank that is at least 40 gallons for a single dragon. If you can, get a larger tank, like a 75-gallon one, for more space.
• Substrate: Use reptile carpet, paper towels, or tiles as the flooring. Avoid sand or loose substrates because they can cause health issues if swallowed.
• Hiding Spot: Add a small cave, hide, or box where your dragon can rest and feel safe.
• Climbing Branch: Bearded dragons love to climb, so include a branch or rock for them to enjoy.

Control Temperature and Lighting

Red bearded dragons need the right temperature and lighting to stay healthy. Their tank should have both a hot and a cool area.

• Day Temperature: The basking spot should be between 95-110°F, and the cool side should stay around 75-85°F.
• Night Temperature: At night, the temperature can drop to 70-75°F.
• UVB Light: Use a UVB bulb for 10-12 hours daily. This helps them absorb calcium and keep their bones strong.

Feed Them the Right Food

Bearded dragons eat a mix of plants and bugs. Their diet depends on their age.

• Veggies: Give them kale, collard greens, carrots, squash, and other leafy greens.
• Bugs: Feed them crickets, mealworms, or dubia roaches. Always make sure the bugs are smaller than the space between their eyes to prevent choking.
• Fruits: Occasionally, offer fruits like strawberries, blueberries, or apples as treats.

Age	Diet Proportion	Feeding Times
Baby (0-6 months)	80% bugs, 20% veggies	3 times per day
Juvenile (6-12 months)	60% bugs, 40% veggies	2 times per day
Adult (1+ years)	20% bugs, 80% veggies	1 time per day

Keep Them Hydrated

Bearded dragons need water to stay healthy, but they might not drink from a bowl. Here’s how to keep them hydrated:

• Offer fresh, clean water in a shallow dish daily.
• Lightly mist their enclosure or their veggies.
• Bathe them in warm, shallow water once or twice a week to help them stay hydrated and clean.

Clean Their Tank Regularly

Keeping the tank clean is important for your dragon’s health.

• Remove poop, uneaten food, and dirt every day.
• Deep clean the tank and accessories once a month using a reptile-safe cleaner. Make sure everything is dry before putting it back.

Common Health Problems in Red Bearded Dragons

Red bearded dragons are usually healthy pets, but sometimes they can get sick. Knowing the signs of illness helps you act quickly.

Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD)

This happens when your dragon doesn’t get enough calcium or UVB light.

• Signs: Weak bones, trouble moving, or a soft jaw.
• Prevention: Provide proper UVB lighting and give calcium powder on their food.

Respiratory Infections

This is caused by cold or damp conditions in their tank.

• Signs: Wheezing, open-mouth breathing, or mucus around the nose.
• Prevention: Keep the tank warm and clean. Take your dragon to the vet if symptoms appear.

Impaction

Impaction happens when a dragon eats something that blocks their stomach, like sand or a bug that is too big.

• Signs: Swollen belly, no appetite, or trouble pooping.
• Prevention: Use safe substrates and always feed the right-sized food.

Parasites

Parasites can come from dirty tanks or bad food.

• Signs: Weight loss, diarrhea, or acting tired.
• Prevention: Keep their enclosure clean and buy food from trusted sources.

Fun Facts About Red Bearded Dragons

• Red bearded dragons can brighten or darken their color based on mood and temperature.
• They sometimes wave their arms as a way to show submission or say “hello.”
• They have a special “third eye” on the top of their head that helps them sense light and shadows.
• Bearded dragons sometimes sleep in funny positions, like standing up or leaning against the tank wall.

FAQs

How long do red bearded dragons live?

With good care, red bearded dragons live for 8-12 years.

Can red bearded dragons live together?

It’s better to keep them alone. They can get stressed or fight, especially males.

Do they need baths?

Yes, baths help keep their skin hydrated and clean. Bathe them once or twice a week.

Are red bearded dragons good for kids?

Yes! They are calm, easy to care for, and fun to watch. However, children should be supervised when handling them.

How often should I feed my dragon?

Feed babies three times a day, juveniles twice a day, and adults once a day.

What kind of enclosure is best for them?

A glass tank with proper ventilation and a size of at least 40 gallons is ideal. For adult dragons, a 75-gallon tank is even better.

Do red bearded dragons bite?

Red bearded dragons rarely bite. If they do, it’s usually because they feel scared or think your finger is food. Handle them gently to build trust.

Conclusion

Red bearded dragons are amazing pets that are both beautiful and friendly. With the right care, they can live long, happy lives. Make sure to give them a cozy home, healthy food, and lots of love. If you’re ready for a unique and rewarding pet, a red bearded dragon is a perfect choice!