Last Updated on March 12, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Red bearded dragon is an extraordinary kind of bearded dragon. It’s called “red” because it’s bright red, but there are different shades of red too. Just like other bearded dragons, it’s an excellent pet to have. A bearded dragon is a good choice, even if you’re new to having pets. Dr. Sanjay Gupta says,
“With scales ablaze like embers, the red bearded dragon reigns as a miniature monarch in reptiles.”
But there are some things you need to know. For example, you have to prepare the bugs it eats before giving them to it. However, they’re usually okay with being held, and they’re super interesting to watch. Keep reading to learn more about what you need if you’re considering getting one of Red Bearded Dragon.
Quick Red Bearded Dragon Facts
| Aspect | Information |
| Species Name | Pogona vitticeps |
| Common Name | Red Bearded Dragon |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Lifespan | Ten years |
| Adult Size | 16–24 inches |
| Diet | Insects and vegetables |
| Minimum Tank Size | 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 80°–105°F |
| Humidity | 30–40% |
Appearance Of Red Bearded Dragon
Red bearded dragons look like creatures from long ago. They have tough scales, pointy spines, and a collar of spikes they puff up when they feel scared or want to impress another dragon.
These red bearded dragon morphs can grow up to 24 inches long and weigh around 1 pound. Their tails are about half of their total length. The colour of a red bearded dragon can change depending on its type or morph.
The red morph, bred in captivity and not found in the wild, comes in different shades, like entirely red or ruby red, and they can be pretty expensive.
How To Care For Red Bearded Dragons?
You can ensure your red bearded dragon is healthy by following these rules about the minimum tank and setup needed.
1: Tank
Your dragon needs a big tank, at least 55 gallons, but bigger is even better. They like climbing, so adding branches and rocks can make their home fun. A half log can also give them a hiding spot, which they need.
Clean the tank every day by removing dead bugs and waste. Once a month, do a complete clean by removing everything, disinfecting, and putting in fresh substrate. This keeps your dragon’s home healthy.
2: Lighting
Beardies require consistent exposure to ultraviolet B light. You should provide your beardie with specialized fluorescent lighting with the appropriate UV spectrum and ensure it can come within 12 inches of the actual bulb. Your beardie’s natural habitat is replicated via a day/night cycle that lasts for twelve hours.
3: Heating (Temperature & Humidity)
Keeping your red bearded dragon warm and cosy is crucial for their health.
     Temperature Control
Make sure your tank has different temperatures. Keep one side cooler, around 80ºF, and the other warmer, up to 105ºF for basking. At night, it’s okay if it drops to 70ºF. You can use ceramic heaters, special bulbs, or regular lights to provide heat. Use thermometers to check that the temperature is just right for your dragon.
·        Humidity Level
Keep the humidity in the tank between 30% and 40%. If it’s too humid, you might need to lower it, which can be tricky. If you live in a damp place, this might be a challenge. A tool called a hydrometer helps you check the humidity accurately.
4: Types Of Substrate
You want something that mimics the dry ground they live on in the wild but won’t hurt them if they accidentally eat it with their food. Washed play sand is a good choice because it lets them burrow. Avoid using silica sand because it can be harmful.
Other options include paper towels and reptile carpets, which are safe and easy to clean. It’s best to avoid sand completely for baby dragons.
| Tank Type | 55 gallon glass vivarium |
| Lighting | UVB fluorescent light |
| Heating | Ceramic heater, mercury bulb, basking lamp |
| Best Substrate | Washed play sand (adults), reptile carpets (juveniles) |
Diet of Red Bearded Dragon
Feeding a red bearded dragon might seem tricky because they eat a mix of bugs, veggies, and fruit. You must also ensure the bugs are well fed and dusted with nutrients. But it’s not too hard once you get the hang of it.
When young, red bearded dragons grow fast and need lots of protein. They should eat 75% bugs and 25% plants. Hatchlings eat bugs every 15 minutes; when they’re two months old, they still need protein thrice a day.
Red bearded dragon adult, 18 months or older, eat differently. They only need feeding once daily and should have 25% bugs and 75% plants. Change up the bugs and plants you give them to keep them interested.
Before feeding bugs to your red bearded dragon, ensure they’ve eaten nutritious veggies. This helps your dragon get all the good stuff it needs from its food.
| Category | Juvenile Diet | Adult Diet |
| Fruits | 10% | 25% |
| Vegetables | 15% | 50% |
| Insects | 75% | 25% |
| Meat | 0% | 0% |
| Supplements | Calcium/Vitamin D3 | Calcium/Vitamin D3 |
Tips To Keep Your Red Bearded Dragon Healthy?
You must take care of its home to ensure your red bearded dragon stays happy and healthy. Like other reptiles, the temperature and humidity in their habitat are crucial. Use a thermometer and hydrometer to check these levels and change them if needed. Also, make sure you give them the right food to eat.
Common Health Issues
Bearded dragons can face several health problems, including:
1: Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD): This happens when they don’t get enough calcium and have too much phosphorus in their diet. It can make their jaw swell and cause their legs to shake.
2: Infectious Stomatitis: Also known as mouth rot, this bacterial infection swells the gums and produces thick mucus.
3: Parasites: Pinworms are the most common. They can cause diarrhoea and make the dragon lose weight. You can find them through a regular check of their poop.
4: Respiratory Infections: These are caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites. Your dragon might sneeze, and you could see bubbles from their nose and mouth, which is a sign of pneumonia.
Lifespan of Bearded Dragon
A red bearded dragon‘s lifespan in captivity typically ranges from six to ten years. Theyr if you take good care of them and ensure their tank is in good condition. Therefore, adopting a healthy lifestyle for your beardie can make spending more time together easier.
Breeding Red Bearded Dragons
After successful breeding, the female red bearded dragon typically lays eggs 4 to 6 weeks later. Separating the male and female after breeding is important because the male can become quite aggressive. Provide a lay box, which is a plastic box filled with soil.
You’ll need to remove the eggs and incubate them yourself because bearded dragons aren’t maternal and may ignore them once they’re laid.
Do Red Bearded Dragons Make Good Pets?
Many people think red bearded dragons are great pets, especially for those new to owning reptiles. They’re friendly and like being held by their owners. But taking care of them can be a bit of work. They need a big tank, specific foods, and the right environment with the right temperature and humidity levels. If you’re ready for all that, a red bearded dragon can be a good pet.
Are Red Bearded Dragons Friendly?
Red bearded dragons are generally friendly and rarely bite unless they feel threatened. They often enjoy being handled and seem comfortable being on human hands and arms. It’s essential to wash your hands before and after handling them.
When you start handling, begin with a few minutes daily and gradually increase to about 20 minutes. Remember, your beardie needs the warmth and safety of its tank, so keep it out for a short time.
Shedding process
The shedding process for young dragons occurs every few weeks, while the shedding process for adult dragons occurs every few months. Instead of shedding their entire bodies, the species typically sheds in patches rather than all over.
How Much Would A Red Bearded Dragon Cost?
Getting a red bearded dragon is usually the first considerable cost when considering a pet. It’s exciting because it’s the new pet you’re eager to have! Bearded dragons are excellent pets. They’re fun to watch, easy to feed, and take care of.
They seem affordable if you’ve been looking for a red bearded dragon. You can buy one from a pet store for about $50 to $100. But the price of bearded dragons can vary. Things like how old they are, whether male or female, their breed and even their colour can all make the price go up or down.
Do Red Bearded Dragons Like To Be Held?
Yes, they do! Although they may not show it as enthusiastically as dogs or cats red bearded dragons can display signs of affection towards their owners.
They often stay calm when held and may even sit quietly on their owner’s lap. It’s important to note that bearded dragons aren’t naturally social creatures like other pets.
Conclusion
The red bearded dragon is a unique and pricey variation among bearded dragon morphs. However, like other bearded dragons, it enjoys being handled and has a calm and friendly demeanour, making it an excellent option as a pet.
Many consider the bearded dragon an ideal choice for first time lizard owners. Proper care involves daily feeding, maintaining a clean and suitable tank environment, and monitoring your pet’s health to ensure its well being.
Pros
- Allows themselves to be assisted.
- Attitude of submissiveness
- Stunning shade of maroon
Cons
- The cost is higher than that of standard morphs.
- Consumes food daily
- There is room for the tank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Red Bearded Dragons Rare?
Specific colours, such as red, orange, and white, particularly those with a high saturation level, are more challenging to get and command a higher price in the current market for breeding. “saturated” refers to the dragon primarily coated in a brilliant and lovely colour.
Are Red Bearded Dragons Aggressive?
Although they are all one of a kind, bearded dragons are friendly and tolerant of people. Although some beardies get along well with others in captivity, most would like to be alone. Babies adore their human caregivers. They will acknowledge your presence, meet your gaze, want nourishment, and perhaps express a desire to be held.
What is Cost Of Red Bearded Dragons?
Red bearded dragons are less common than typical ones. At the same time, a regular bearded dragon might cost around $50; a red morph is rarer, so you can expect to pay between $200 and $300 for a good quality one.
Source
Health Problems For The Bearded Dragon
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