Data sheet bearded dragon
German name:
bearded dragon
Scientific name:
pogona
Origin:
Australia
Body length:
30cm – 60cm
age expectation:
up to 15 years
Behave
Lining:
omnivore
Behave:
tame with good care
Number:
single keeping
Difficulty level:
medium George Chernilevsky, Pogona vitticeps close-up 2009 G1, marked as public domain, details on Wikimedia Commons
The home of the bearded dragon is Australia. There it inhabits dry habitats with little vegetation such as steppes, semi-deserts and dry forests. There are 8 species and they belong to the scaled reptile genus of the Agama family. It feeds on leaves, flowers, fruits, small vertebrates and invertebrates.
At first glance, the lizard reminds you of that prickly scale dress to a little kite. The basic color is grey-brown and has dark gray to black markings. The body size has a total length of 30 to 50 cm, with the tail being half to two thirds. The body is weakly or severely flattened from the back to the abdomen. The legs are comparatively short. The ears form a large hole and the eardrum is exposed. The numerous spines on the body, tail, legs and flanks are striking. The row of spines at the base of the head and on the rear edge of the lower jaw is particularly interesting. This extends over the throat and forms a kind of beard.
If a bearded dragon feels threatened, it flattens its body and expands its throat with muscular movements. At the same time she opens threatening the mouth and shows the bright yellow to pink interior.
acquisition and maintenance
For keeping in the terrarium, the Striped Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) and the dwarf bearded dragon(Pogona henrylawsoni).
All bearded dragons are loner. Under certain conditions, the husbandry of an adult pair.
requirements for the terrarium
Since the lizard mostly on the ground stops, the terrarium needs a large area:
- For a striped bearded dragon, the minimum dimensions are 150 cm long x 80 wide x 80 cm high
- 120 length x 60 width x 60 cm height should be planned for a dwarf bearded dragon. Each additional animal requires at least 15% additional floor space.
The ex loves it warm and bright. There should be different heat zones and sunbathing areas in the tank. The right temperature is an average of 35° Celsius. The maximum temperature under the heat lamp is 50° Celsius. The coldest area measures around 25° Celsius. At night, the temperature is throttled to 20° Celsius. If the temperatures are right, the metabolism the lizard excited and she will more active.
12 to 13 hours in summer and 10 hours in spring and late autumn are sufficient for sufficient light brightness to plan A lamp spot provides additional light in addition to warmth.
The humidity is 40%. With a bowl of water in the basin, this increases. If the terrarium has ventilation with a chimney effect, the necessary one is created air circulation.
The Furnishings of the terrarium has a rear wall, a substrate for digging, berths, climbing and hiding places. It is important to ensure that there is sufficient freedom of movement and that no injuries can occur. The substrate consists of a special terrarium substrate. Tip: You can also make the substrate yourself from fine sand (5/6 share) and clay (1/6 share). The mixture is mixed well, moistened and firmly pressed to the bottom. If the substrate becomes too dry, it must be moistened again and pressed firmly. The climbing and hiding places consist of stones, roots, thick branches and thick bark. Built-in surfaces and niches serve as berths.
are bearded dragons sensitive and alert animals. The right one Location for the terrarium is a quiet and noiseless place. Avoid direct sunlight, heating and drafts.
gender differences
Males and females can be distinguished at first glance. distinct characteristics are the two pouches under the base of the tail behind the cloaca in the adult male. Doubly trained mating organs are located in these. There are also femoral pores (glands) on the lower legs of the hind legs.
feed and nutrition
The omnivore prefer live food as their main diet. Crickets, grasshoppers and cockroaches are fed. In addition, there are regular plant foods such as daisies, clover, dandelion, lettuce and carrots.
The sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals can be covered with vitamin and mineral supplements.
A bowl is always included with the food fresh water!
acclimatization and handling
After purchase, the bearded dragon should be given some rest and time to get used to its new home.
In winter she also enters a terrarium hibernation. This begins in November or December and lasts two to three months. In this phase, the animal’s metabolism slows down, and it needs rest and withdrawn. The following measures are necessary:
- Lower the temperature in the terrarium to 18° Celsius within 3 weeks
- Reduce the lighting duration to 7 to 8 hours a day and later switch it off completely
- Reducing the amount of feed. Stop feeding 1 week before hibernation
- provide drinking water
- Slowly increase the level of temperature and light again over 3 weeks
- Leave the animal alone
With species-appropriate care and a little patience, the bearded dragon can even do this tame become.