The Complete Care Guide For Mini Bearded Dragons

Mini bearded dragons have become increasingly popular pets over the last few years. Their small size, calm temperament, and easy care requirements make them an excellent reptile companion.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Mini bearded dragons need a tank set up with proper heating and UVB lighting, a varied diet of insects and vegetables, and lots of enrichment and handling to thrive.

In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about choosing, caring for, and bonding with a mini bearded dragon.

Picking Your Mini Bearded Dragon

Breeds and Color Morphs

There are a few different breeds and color morphs to choose from when selecting a mini bearded dragon. Some of the most popular options include:

• Rankin’s Dragon – Generally smaller than other bearded dragons and have more docile personalities.
• Dunner Bearded Dragon – Have vibrant yellow/orange and black scales.
• Leatherback Bearded Dragon – Lack the spikes and scales that give bearded dragons their name.
• Silkback Bearded Dragon – Have very fine, soft scales that resemble silk.
• German Giant Bearded Dragon – Can grow larger than average bearded dragons.
• Hypomelanistic Bearded Dragon – Lack dark pigments and have pastel colors.

When deciding on a morph, keep in mind coloration is just aesthetic and does not affect the health or personality of your mini bearded dragon. Focus more on their behavior and health when selecting your new pet lizard.

What to Look for in a Healthy Bearded Dragon

When picking out your mini bearded dragon, look for:

• Clear, alert eyes – Should be bright and attentive.
• Healthy skin and scales – No signs of lesions or retained sheds.
• Proper weight – Not too thin or obese.
• Strong muscles and limbs – Should move easily without weakness.
• Clean vent – No signs of diarrhea.
• Active behavior – Should be inquisitive and alert, not lethargic.

A healthy mini bearded dragon will be active with their surroundings and show interest in food. Avoid dragons that are excessively thin or fat, have discharge from their eyes/nose, or have trouble moving around.

The dragon should not show signs of respiratory distress such as gaping mouth breathing or heavy abdominal movements when breathing.

Buying from a Reputable Breeder or Rescue

Always try to obtain your mini bearded dragon from a responsible breeder or rescue organization. Some things to look for:

• Knowledgeable about proper bearded dragon care and genetics.
• Dragons raised in clean, enriched environments.
• Provides health guarantee and cares about proper home placement.
• Shows parents/lineage and proves dragons are captive bred, not wild caught.
• Reasonably priced and screens buyers to find good homes.

Avoid buying from mass breeding operations or stores that do not specialize in reptiles. Also be wary of illegally caught wild bearded dragons, as they may have health issues and are bad for native populations.

Do research to find reviews on a breeder or rescue before purchasing your mini bearded dragon.

Setting Up the Perfect Mini Bearded Dragon Tank

Tank Size Requirements

When choosing an enclosure for your mini bearded dragon, bigger is always better. The absolute minimum tank size for an adult is 40 gallons, but a 55-60 gallon tank is ideal. This allows them plenty of room to run around and will make it easier for you to maintain proper heating and humidity levels.

The tank should be front-opening for easy access. Make sure the tank is escape proof by sealing any gaps around doors and lids.

Heating and Lighting Needs

Proper heating and lighting is crucial for your mini bearded dragon’s health. Here are the key components you’ll need:

• Basking bulb – This provides concentrated heat from above to create a warm basking area of 95-100°F. The basking area should cover about 1/3 of the tank.
• UVB bulb – Mini bearded dragons need exposure to UVB rays to synthesize vitamin D3. Choose a linear fluorescent or mercury vapor bulb designed specifically for reptiles.
• Ceramic heat emitter – This bulb emits heat but no light, which is perfect for boosting temps at night. Nighttime temps should stay above 70°F.
• Thermometers – You’ll need a digital thermometer with a probe to monitor basking temps and an ambient thermometer for the cool side, which should be 80-85°F.
• Timer – A timer allows you to create a consistent photoperiod of 10-14 hours per day.

Remember to replace bulbs every 6 months, as their UV output declines over time.

Substrate and Accessories

Mini bearded dragons are highly active lizards, so they need plenty of furnishings and accessories in their habitat. Here are some must-haves:

• Substrate – Avoid loose particulates like sand, as they can cause impaction. Good options include paper towels, non-adhesive shelf liner, and textured ceramic tiles.
• Hides – Every enclosure needs a cool hide on the cooler side and a warm hide under the heat lamp for thermoregulation.
• Basking platform – An elevated basking area helps gets dragons closer to their heat lamp.
• Climbing decor – Driftwood, rocks, vines and hammocks stimulate activity and exercise.
• Food and water bowls – Use sturdy, tip-proof bowls that can’t be tipped over easily.

With the right tank setup, your mini bearded dragon is sure to thrive! Be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the tank between inhabitants. An annual deep clean is also a good idea. Provide fresh food and water daily and spot clean messes as needed.

Feeding and Hydration Tips

Diet Staples and Supplements

A balanced diet is crucial for your mini bearded dragon’s health and wellbeing. Here are some staples to include in their diet:

• Leafy greens like collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, and dandelion greens should make up 60-80% of their diet.
• Vegetables like squash, carrots, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes should be fed in moderation.
• Live insects like crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches should be fed every 2-3 days for protein. Gut-load insects with nutritious foods.
• Calcium supplements like ReptiCal and ZooMed ReptiVite multivitamins should be lightly dusted on food 2-3 times per week.

Avoid spinach, iceberg lettuce, cabbage, meat, cat/dog food, or any acidic fruits as these can cause health issues.

Establishing a Feeding Schedule

Developing a consistent feeding routine is important to regulate your bearded dragon’s appetite and digestion. Here are some tips:

• Hatchlings (under 4 months) should be fed insects like small crickets 2-3 times daily. Offer fresh greens at least once a day.
• Juveniles (4-18 months) can be fed insects 1-2 times daily. Provide fresh salad daily.
• Adults (18 months+) require insects every 2-3 days. Offer salad daily.
• Schedule feedings for the same times each day. Most dragons are eager to eat in the morning and afternoon.
• Remove uneaten food within 20-30 minutes to prevent spoilage.

Observe your dragon’s appetite and adjust amounts accordingly. The goal is to prevent overfeeding. An automated reptile feeder can help stick to a routine.

Providing Fresh Water

Clean, fresh drinking water is a must. Here are some tips for hydration:

• Use a sturdy ceramic water dish that cannot be tipped over easily.
• Change water daily. Rinse and disinfect dish 2-3 times per week.
• Use dechlorinated or bottled spring water. Tap water contains chemicals unsafe for reptile consumption.
• Position water dish on cool side of tank away from heat lamps to prevent evaporation.
• Lightly mist greens to increase hydration from foods. But avoid soaking vegetables to prevent bacterial growth.

Monitor water intake daily. Increased drinking may signal dehydration or shed cycles. Decreased drinking could indicate illness. Adapting humidity levels and diet can optimize hydration.

Mini Bearded Dragon Handling and Bonding

Allowing Time to Adjust

When you first bring your mini bearded dragon home, it’s important to give them time to get used to their new environment before trying to handle them. Expect your dragon to be fairly stressed and skittish at first.

Give them a couple weeks to settle in before attempting to pick them up or bond with them. Rushing the process can make them more fearful.

Set up their habitat properly with ideal temperatures, substrate, hiding spots, uv lighting, food, and water. Sit by their tank when possible so they get used to your presence. After a couple weeks when they seem calm and curious, you can begin the handling process slowly.

Regular Handling Sessions

Plan short 5-10 minute handling sessions for your bearded dragon 2-3 times per day once they have adjusted to their habitat. Be guided by their behavior – if they seem overwhelmed, cut a session short. The regular gentle interaction helps them become comfortable with you.

Let them walk from hand to hand. Allow them to explore your hands, arms, and upper body while monitoring them closely. Avoid quick movements or grabbing at them. Rather, allow them to step up voluntarily. Offer verbal encouragement in a calm and friendly tone throughout.

Over time, extend handling to 15-30 minutes per session as their confidence grows. Consistent daily handling leads to a strong bond and friendly, social dragon. Check out the YouTube channel Clint’s Reptiles for great examples of positive bearded dragon interactions.

Safe Interaction Tips

Never grab your bearded dragon by the tail or legs as this can injure them. Gently scoop under their torso or allow them to walk onto you instead. Support larger dragons with both hands.

Closely supervise young children if allowing them to handle the dragon. Do not allow them to pick up or drop the dragon.

Trim your dragon’s nails to avoid scratches if needed. Use a soft bristle toothbrush to gently stroke their beard if extended to help them acclimate.

Ensure your hands are clean and free of chemicals like soap before handling too. Bearded dragons are very sensitive to strong scents.

With regular gentle handling sessions, your mini bearded dragon will reward you with a sweet personality and special bond in no time!

Grooming and Nail Care

Bathing

Bathing is an essential part of grooming and keeping your bearded dragon clean. It helps remove dirt, feces, and shed skin. Most experts recommend bathing your bearded dragon once every 1-2 weeks. The bathing process should be gentle and stress-free.

Start by preparing a shallow bath tub or sink with warm water about 1-2 inches deep and between 90-95°F. Test the temperature to make sure it’s not too hot. Never use hot water as it can burn your dragon.

Some owners add a small amount of pet-safe disinfectant to the water to help cleanse the skin and prevent bacterial growth.

Gently place your bearded dragon into the water. He may try to climb out at first. Cup some water in your hands and slowly pour it over his back and head to get him accustomed. Use a soft brush or washcloth to gently clean your dragon, removing any stuck shed or debris. Avoid getting water in his ears.

The bath should last 5-10 minutes. Afterwards, dry your bearded dragon with a towel and return him to his habitat.

Brushing

In addition to bathing, regularly brushing your bearded dragon’s skin helps keep it clean and healthy. Brushing also gives you a chance to inspect for any abnormalities on the skin. You’ll want a soft bristle brush specifically designed for reptiles.

Avoid using wire brushes that can scratch the delicate skin.

When brushing, be gentle and go in the direction of the scales. Pay close attention to the folds around the legs and neck where dirt likes to accumulate. Brush once a week or more frequently if your dragon seems to be shedding a lot. The brushing motion can help loosen stuck shed skin.

Your bearded dragon may enjoy the sensation!

Nail Trimming Best Practices

Since bearded dragons are reptiles, their nails continue growing throughout life. If too long, the nails can snag and tear, causing pain and vulnerability to infection. To prevent this, you need to trim your bearded dragon’s nails regularly.

Aim to trim the nails once every 4-6 weeks. You’ll need high quality nail clippers designed specifically for small reptiles. Only trim the white tip of each nail, avoiding the pink quick underneath as that contains blood vessels and nerves.

To avoid your dragon squirming, do the trimming after he’s had a bath when he is more docile. Have styptic powder on hand to stop bleeding if you nick the quick. Give your dragon a treat afterwards so he associates nail trims with something positive.

Maintaining proper nail length will help keep your bearded dragon healthy and comfortable.

Keeping Your Mini Bearded Dragon Healthy

Signs of Health Issues

Mini bearded dragons can be prone to certain health issues, so it’s important for owners to monitor their pet’s behavior and appearance. Here are some common signs that a mini bearded dragon may be having a health problem:

• Lethargy or lack of appetite – Healthy dragons are active and eager to eat.
• Discolored or abnormal stool – Can indicate a gastrointestinal issue.
• Labored breathing – Rapid breathing or gaping mouth could mean a respiratory infection.
• Swollen eyes or nose – Could signal an upper respiratory infection.
• Lumps or non-healing sores – May be an external parasite or fungal/bacterial infection.
• Abnormal shedding – Shedding issues can be a sign of poor nutrition or improper humidity.

If a bearded dragon is displaying any of these symptoms for more than a day or two, it’s a good idea to have them examined by an exotic vet. Catching problems early greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Preventing Disease

The best way to keep mini bearded dragons healthy is to focus on disease prevention. Here are some tips:

• Provide proper UVB lighting and calcium supplementation to prevent metabolic bone disease.
• Keep the enclosure clean and free of waste to avoid bacterial/fungal infections.
• Maintain proper temperatures in the tank – around 95-100F on the basking side.
• Ensure adequate hydration by providing fresh, clean water daily.
• Feed a balanced diet high in insects, vegetables, and calcium.
• Use all-natural substrates like reptile carpet instead of sand, which can cause impaction.
• Quarantine new dragons for at least 30-60 days before introducing them.
• Disinfect the enclosure between new dragons to prevent parasite transmission.

Following proper bearded dragon care guidelines goes a long way in keeping mini dragons healthy and free of disease.

Finding an Exotic Vet

Having a qualified exotic vet is essential for keeping mini bearded dragons. Here are some tips for finding a good one in your area:

• Search online directories like the Association of Reptilian and Amphibian Veterinarians.
• Ask for referrals from reptile stores, breeders, or other bearded dragon owners.
• Look for vets that specifically advertise “exotic pet care.”
• Choose a vet with experience treating bearded dragons and other small reptiles.
• Make sure they are knowledgeable about common bearded dragon health issues.
• Confirm they have the proper equipment and facilities for exotic exams and procedures.
• Schedule an initial consultation to see if it’s a good personality fit.

Establishing a relationship with an qualified exotic vet will ensure your mini bearded dragon gets the best preventative and emergency care possible.

Conclusion

With the proper habitat setup, nutrition, and lots of love and attention, a mini bearded dragon can make for an absolutely delightful pet reptile.

We hope this guide gave you all the key information you need to decide if a mini bearded dragon is the right choice for you and how to care for them should you bring one home.