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Bearded dragon care: what a family needs to know

Ask your vet about your own pet. This page is general information from the sources below.

Bearded dragon care, from RSPCA and others on this page. RSPCA says the neck 'beard' puffs up and turns black when the dragon is excited or feels threatened. CDC says children under 5 should not handle or touch reptiles or their homes, because Salmonella can make them very sick, and suggests a different pet for homes with young children. RSPCA does not say if they suit children.

Checked October 29, 2026.

By Peabody editors. How we write and check.

How long they live

RSPCA says usually 10 to 15 years or more.

Home

RSPCA gives a minimum of 120 cm long x 60 cm high x 60 cm wide for one adult. Hot basking end 38 to 42 degrees C, cool end 22 to 26 degrees C, humidity about 30 to 40%, with UVB light about 12 hours a day. Avoid loose floors like sand or wood chips, which can cause a blockage.

Food

RSPCA says adults eat about 40% live insects and 60% greens, once a day in the morning; young ones need more insects, about 65%, twice a day. Avoid spinach, which blocks calcium, and too much cabbage or kale.

Company

RSPCA says keep them apart; they are territorial and can fight and hurt each other.

Handling

RSPCA says approach calmly and scoop with both hands, supporting all four legs. Keep it to about 10 to 15 minutes so they don't get chilled.

Is it a good pet for children?

CDC says children under 5 should not handle or touch reptiles or their homes, because Salmonella can make them very sick, and suggests a different pet for homes with young children. RSPCA does not say if they suit children. The big, hot, lit home and live food mean a grown-up must do the real caring.

Washing hands

Wash hands with soap and running water after feeding, after touching the animal's food, waste or equipment, after cleaning the tank, and before eating or drinking. Clean tanks and gear outside if possible, never where food is made, and don't kiss the animal or hold it near your face.

The vet

RSPCA says see a vet who knows reptiles about concerns like shedding trouble or weight loss; a bone problem from too little UVB is common.

Good to know

RSPCA says the neck 'beard' puffs up and turns black when the dragon is excited or feels threatened.

A job for the children

With a grown-up (child 5 or older), help wash and chop the daily greens, while the grown-up handles the dragon and cleans the home.

"A grown-up is the real carer for bearded dragons. Our job is the small, steady part."

Every pet is different, and this is general information from the sources below, not veterinary advice. For a sick or hurt pet, call a vet who knows this kind of animal.

Sources