How to Care for a Baby Bearded Dragon Like a Pro

Did you know baby bearded dragons eat up to 50 bugs a day? Yep, these tiny, scaly eating machines require more attention than you might think.

But don’t panic!

With the right setup, diet, and care routine, your little reptile will thrive. Let’s break it all down step by step.

Getting Started with Your Baby Bearded Dragon

Bringing home a baby bearded dragon is exciting! These little reptiles are full of personality and easy to care for once you understand their needs.

I remember when I got my first baby beardie. I thought, “How hard can it be?” Turns out, they need more than just a tank and food. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!

What Makes Baby Bearded Dragons Great Pets?

They have unique personalities
Easy to handle and fun to watch
Low maintenance compared to other pets
Live for 10-15 years with proper care

How Big Will They Get?

Baby beardies start tiny but grow fast!

Age	Size
Hatchling (0-2 months)	3-6 inches
Juvenile (2-6 months)	7-12 inches
Sub-Adult (6-12 months)	13-20 inches
Adult (12+ months)	16-24 inches

My little guy was only four inches when I got him. Now, he’s a full-grown lizard king ruling my living room.

Things You’ll Need Before Bringing One Home

A spacious tank (at least 20 gallons for babies)
A heat lamp to keep them warm
A UVB light for proper bone growth
A hiding spot so they feel safe
Reptile carpet or tile (avoid loose substrates like sand)
A shallow water dish for hydration
Food (more on that later)

How to Bond with Your Baby Bearded Dragon

Talk to them while feeding to build trust
Hold them gently for short periods
Hand-feed treats (mine loves mango pieces)
Let them explore a safe space outside their tank

When I first held my beardie, he gave me the side-eye. Now, he climbs onto my hand like a tiny dinosaur boss.

What to Expect in the First Few Weeks

They might be shy at first—give them time
They may not eat much the first few days (normal adjustment)
Expect lots of pooping—baby dragons have fast metabolisms
They will grow quickly—be ready to upgrade their tank soon

Getting started with a baby bearded dragon is easy when you know what to expect. Give them warmth, food, and patience, and they’ll become your new scaly best friend.

Setting Up the Perfect baby bearded dragon Tank

Bringing home a baby bearded dragon? First things first, you need a cozy tank. A proper setup keeps them happy, healthy, and looking at you like the best parent ever.

The Right Tank Size

Bigger is always better, but here’s a quick guide:

Age	Tank Size
0-3 months	20-40 gallons
3-6 months	40-75 gallons
6+ months	75+ gallons

A small tank can stress them out. Nobody likes feeling cramped, especially a growing dragon.

Must-Have Tank Essentials

Here’s what your baby dragon needs:

Heat source – A basking bulb to keep them warm
UVB light – Helps with bone health (no one likes weak bones)
Thermometer – Because guessing the temperature is not an option
Substrate – Paper towels or reptile carpet (no sand—it’s a choking hazard!)
Hides – A cozy corner for when they want alone time
Climbing spots – Rocks, logs, or branches for adventure

Temperature & Lighting Setup

Beardies love warmth, but there’s a science to it:

Area	Temperature
Basking Spot	100-110°F
Cool Side	75-85°F
Nighttime	65-75°F

Keep the UVB light on for 10-12 hours a day. Turn it off at night—your little one needs sleep too.

Water & Humidity

They don’t need a water bowl, but misting their veggies helps with hydration. Humidity should stay around 30-40%. Too much moisture? You might end up with a grumpy, sick dragon.

Decorating the Enclosure

Want to make it fun? Try these ideas:

A mini desert theme – Fake cacti, sandy-colored rocks
A jungle vibe – Fake vines and leafy backgrounds
A medieval castle – Tiny stone hides fit for a dragon

Your beardie will judge your creativity, so go all out.

What Your Bearded Dragon Wishes You Knew

Your beardie has a lot to say… and it’s not always polite.

Get the hilarious and honest care guide told from the lizard’s point of view.

👉 Grab your copy now for less than a cup of coffee!

Feeding Your Baby Bearded Dragon

Feeding a baby bearded dragon feels like caring for a tiny dinosaur. They eat a lot, grow fast, and have big appetites. But they’re also picky sometimes, which can be frustrating.

What to Feed Your Baby Bearded Dragon

They need a mix of protein and veggies. But let’s be real—baby beardies prefer bugs over greens.

Here’s a simple food list:

Protein (Live Insects) – 70-80% of Diet

Small crickets
Dubia roaches (better than crickets, trust me)
Black soldier fly larvae
Mealworms (only as a treat)

Veggies & Greens – 20-30% of Diet

Collard greens
Mustard greens
Butternut squash
Bell peppers
Carrots (in small amounts)

Fruits (Occasional Treats)

Blueberries
Mango
Strawberries

Baby Bearded Dragon Feeding Schedule

Baby beardies need frequent meals. Think of them like tiny, hungry toddlers.

Age	Feedings Per Day	Main Food
0-3 months	4-5 times	Mostly insects
3-6 months	3-4 times	Still insect-heavy, introduce more greens
6-12 months	2-3 times	Half insects, half greens

If they ignore veggies, try chopping them smaller or mixing them with bugs. Sneaky, but it works.

My Baby Beardie Wouldn’t Eat—Now What?

Sometimes they refuse food. Don’t panic. Here’s what might be happening:

Too cold? If the tank isn’t warm enough, they won’t eat.
Bored? Switch up their food. Even beardies get tired of crickets.
Shedding? They often eat less when shedding.
New environment? Give them a few days to settle in.

Hydration Matters

Beardies don’t drink much from a bowl. Instead:

Mist their veggies with water
Offer water droplets on their snout
Give occasional baths (they might drink from the water)

Feeding time can be messy, fun, and sometimes a battle of wills. But watching a baby bearded dragon happily munch on a cricket? Totally worth it.

Daily Care and Maintenance for baby bearded dragon

Taking care of a baby bearded dragon is fun but also a big responsibility. They need food, warmth, and a clean space to stay happy. Here’s how to keep your tiny dragon thriving.

Morning Routine

Start the day with a quick check-up. Make sure your dragon is awake, alert, and looking good.

Turn on the heat lamp and UVB light.
Check the temperature (should be around 95-110°F in the basking area).
Offer fresh food—mostly live insects in the morning.
Replace the water if it looks dirty.

Feeding Time

Baby bearded dragons eat a lot. They have tiny stomachs but big appetites.

Age	Feeding Frequency	Food Type
0-3 months	3-5 times a day	Mostly insects (80%), some veggies (20%)
3-6 months	2-3 times a day	More balanced diet (70% insects, 30% veggies)

Make sure to dust insects with calcium powder at least once a day. It helps their bones grow strong.

Bath Time

Yes, your little dragon needs baths! It keeps them hydrated and helps with shedding.

Fill a shallow dish with lukewarm water (not too deep).
Let them soak for 5-10 minutes while you supervise.
Gently pat them dry before putting them back in the tank.

I once left my bearded dragon in the bath a little too long, and he looked at me like, “Excuse me, am I a fish now?” Lesson learned—keep it short!

Tank Cleaning

A clean tank means a happy dragon.

Remove uneaten food daily (trust me, rotting crickets smell awful).
Spot clean any poop (yes, they poop a lot).
Deep clean the enclosure once a week—change the substrate and wipe down surfaces.

Nighttime Routine

Wind things down for bedtime.

Turn off the basking light but keep the nighttime heat if needed.
Make sure the temperature doesn’t drop below 65°F.
Check for any uneaten food and remove it.

Your baby dragon will curl up and sleep like a tiny scaly burrito. It’s adorable!

Extra Tips

If your dragon isn’t eating, check the temperature—it’s often the problem.
They love climbing, so add some rocks, logs, or hammocks to their enclosure.
Handle them gently every day so they get used to you.

Taking care of a baby bearded dragon isn’t hard, but they do need attention. The more you interact with them, the more they’ll recognize you. And yes, they do have tiny personalities!

Fun and Creative Ideas for Your baby Bearded Dragon

Taking care of a baby bearded dragon is fun, but making their world exciting is even better! Here are some creative ways to bond with your little reptile.

Dress Them Up (Safely!)

Bearded dragon clothes? Yes, but only if they’re comfy!

Tiny capes for a superhero look
Cozy sweaters for a photo shoot
Handmade bandanas for a stylish touch

I once tried a tiny hat on my dragon. He gave me the grumpiest look ever. Lesson learned—some dragons love it, some don’t!

Take Them for a Walk

Bearded dragons love exploring! A leash lets them safely enjoy the outdoors.

Store-bought harness: Ready to use, but check the fit.
DIY baby bearded dragon leash: Make one with soft fabric and clips.

Mine once tried to chase a butterfly. Slow but determined!

Upgrade Their Enclosure Aesthetic

Your dragon’s home should be cozy and cool!

Desert theme: Sand-colored decor, rocks, and cacti (fake, of course!)
Jungle vibes: Vines, greenery, and wood hideouts
Fantasy world: Tiny castles, treasure chests, and dragon figurines

I once set up a medieval castle for my bearded dragon. He sat on top like a tiny king.

Capture Their Cutest Moments

Bearded dragons have the best expressions.

Take photos when they yawn (it looks dramatic).
Draw or paint their funny poses.
Get a baby bearded dragon tattoo if you’re obsessed!

I have a collection of my dragon’s “angry loaf” face. It’s pure gold.

Show Off Their Personality

Some baby bearded dragons are chill, others are feisty. Let their personality shine!

Record their funny antics for social media.
Introduce them to friends (gently).
Watch them react to their reflection—it’s hilarious.

My dragon once head-bobbed at his reflection for five minutes. He thought he was tough.

Unique Baby Bearded Dragon Colors

Not all baby bearded dragons look the same! Some have stunning colors that make them stand out. Here are a few unique ones you might come across.

Red Baby Bearded Dragon

These little guys are fiery! Their deep red or orange shades make them look like tiny dragons straight out of a fantasy book. My friend had one named “Flame,” and it always looked like it was glowing under the heat lamp.

Orange Bearded Dragon Baby

A mix between red and yellow, these bearded dragons look like tiny sunsets. They’re bright, cheerful, and super photogenic. If you love bold colors, this one’s for you.

White Bearded Dragon Baby

Ever seen a ghostly-looking bearded dragon? White or “zero morph” beardies have no color at all! They look elegant, almost like tiny albino dinosaurs. Perfect for those who want a dragon with a unique, mystical vibe.

Quick Color Chart

Color	Description	Best For
Red	Fiery red to deep orange	Bold pet lovers
Orange	Bright orange, sunset shades	A fun, eye-catching pet
White	Pale, ghostly white	A unique, rare look

Do Their Colors Change?

Yes! As baby beardies grow, their colors can deepen or fade slightly. Some start bright and mellow out over time. Others surprise you with new patterns as they shed.

If you’re picking a baby dragon, choose one based on personality, not just color. A feisty, happy dragon is way better than one that just looks cool!