The bearded dragon

The dwarf bearded dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni) Area of origin: The origin of the dwarf bearded dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni) is Australia. Habitat: The bearded dragon can be found in semi-deserts, steppes and tree steppes. The bearded dragon is actually quite common in its natural habitat. The bearded dragon likes to live alone. However, its territory in the wild is close to other members of the same species. The males occupy a territory that covers several square metres. They sit and nap frequently. They also like to stay in populated and agricultural areas. The matching camouflage colouring and the spiny scales help the contours of the bearded dragons to disappear in their surroundings. Care: Temperature and humidity are very important when keeping dwarf bearded dragons. The average temperature during the day is 35 °C, at night it may cool down to 20 °C. However, the bearded dragon should have different temperature zones that you can switch between. Stones illuminated by a lamp provide a basking spot. Wood and roots are very attractive and provide the dwarf bearded dragons with the necessary climbing opportunities and sleeping places. It is always important to observe the distance between the lamps and the furniture when setting up the enclosure, as bearded dragons are animals that are alternately warm and cold, they usually realise too late if they are already burnt.The humidity should be between 30 % and 40 % during the day and between 50 % and 60 % at night. Dwarf bearded dragons should be given the opportunity to dig. A thick layer of clay and sand is therefore a suitable substrate. The terrarium should be at least 120 cm x 60 cm x 8 cm for two animals. Food: Bearded dragons are so-called omnivores. They need fresh green food as well as insects. You have to be very careful with too many insects, as this unfortunately leads to them becoming overweight. The older the bearded dragon gets, the more they become vegetarians and sometimes refuse to eat insects altogether. Feeding example:MO: courgette, chicory, chives, carrot, hay, Golliwoog food plantMI: Endive, daisies, dandelion, hay and two insects (crickets, desert locusts or zophobas etc.)FR: Pumpkin, rocket, hazelnut leaves, hay, Golliwoog food plantSO: chicory, dandelion, desert locusts, Argentine cockroaches, hay When feeding green food, care must be taken to ensure that it is not too wet and is cut into bite-sized pieces, as bearded dragons do not often have access to juicy greenery in the wild. Hay is well tolerated as it is dried.If diarrhoea occurs, more hay can be added to the food, it usually disappears after a week, otherwise a vet who is familiar with reptiles should be consulted.