Description:
Scientific name: Pogona Pogona vitticeps
Life span: 10 years
The eye-catching red bearded dragon is a variation of the common bearded dragon. Although different varieties do have various red tones, it is brilliant red, as the name suggests. As a species, bearded dragons resemble creatures from the Stone Age. They are covered in scales, spines, and a spiky collar that they can enlarge under stress or to entice a partner.
Native Region/Habitat
The several species of bearded dragons inhabit slightly overlapping portions of Australia’s landmass, with deserts and other arid regions where they are native.
Behavior:
The red bearded dragon is one of the rarer and more expensive bearded dragon morphs, but like all beardies, it enjoys handling and has a calm, easygoing disposition that makes it a terrific pet. In fact, the beardie is frequently cited as a fantastic beginner lizard.
Adult bearded dragons, known for being aggressive and territorial, may fight for food, compete for females, or defend their territory from other males.
Care As a pet/In captivity:
Habitat, Tank Conditions & Setup
Tank: An adult bearded dragon needs a tank with a minimum 55-gallon size, but larger tanks with greater space are preferable. While beardies do spend some time in trees in the wild, simulating this will provide them with an environment that is more satisfying and delightful. Branches, rocks, and logs offer some elevation. Half-logs can also serve as hides, which are crucial components of the beardie’s tank decor.
Spot-clean the tank each day to get rid of garbage and dead insects. Only giving the tank a thorough clean once a month should be necessary if you do a good job of spot cleaning. A thorough clean entails taking everything out, cleaning it, and then adding new substrate.
Lighting: Beardies require regular UVB sun exposure. Make sure your beardie can go within 12 inches of the fluorescent lights and that it gives the appropriate UV spectrum. Your beardie’s natural habitat is replicated by a 12-hour cycle of day and night.
Heating (Temperature & Humidity): Assemble a temperature gradient in the tank, with the cool end at 80° F and the warm end at 105° F for basking. During night, the temperature might drop to 70 °F. Ceramic heaters, mercury bulbs, and incandescent lights can all be used to generate heat, and thermometers should be used to guarantee that the temperature is always at the ideal level.
The ideal humidity range is between 30% and 40%. It’s simple to increase humidity, but it can be difficult to reduce it if you live in a humid environment. You can use a hydrometer to precisely measure the humidity.
Feeding:
A bearded dragon’s food can look relatively complex because it consists of a mixture of insects, veggies, and fruit. Particularly when you take into account the requirement to gut load and dust feeders. It is not too difficult to continue eating, though, once you get into the habit.
Young beardies need a diet to support their rapid growth. Feed 25% plants and 75% insects. While they are young hatchlings, they are fed insects every half-hour, and by the time they are two months old, they still require feeding protein three times a day.
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