# Bearded Dragon Care in the UK — Quick answer

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bearded-dragon-care-uk): Bearded Dragon Care in the UK — Quick answer. UK bearded dragons need a thermogradient vivarium, a basking spot of 38–42°C, a quality UVB tube replaced on schedule, and low-to-moderate humidity (~30–40%). Incorrect lighting and temperature are the leading causes of illness — register with an exotic vet before problems arise.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bearded-dragon-care-uk): Bearded Dragon Care in the UK — Vivarium setup. According to the RSPCA and PDSA, bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are active diurnal lizards needing generous space: - Minimum size — adults need at least 120 cm long vivarium; larger is better for thermoregulation and enrichment - Substrate — reptile carpet, tiles or paper for beginners; loose substrates risk impaction in juveniles - Hides — one on the warm side, one on the cool side - Branches and rocks — sturdy basking platform under the heat and UVB zone Never use heat rocks — they cause severe burns. All heat must come from overhead ceramic or basking bulbs on thermostats.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bearded-dragon-care-uk): Bearded Dragon Care in the UK — Basking and cool zones. Bearded dragons must move between warm and cool areas to regulate body temperature: | Zone | Target temperature | |------|-------------------| | Basking surface | 38–42°C | | Warm end ambient | 32–35°C | | Cool end | 22–26°C | | Night drop | Can fall to 18–21°C — turn off basking; some keep low background heat in winter rooms | Measure with digital thermometers at basking surface and cool end — dial gauges on glass are unreliable. Use a dimming thermostat on the basking bulb to prevent overheating. Ceramic emitters provide night warmth without light if room temperature drops too low.

PETHEALTH+ (https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bearded-dragon-care-uk): Bearded Dragon Care in the UK — UVB lighting. According to RSPCA reptile guidance, bearded dragons are UVB-dependent — without it they develop metabolic bone disease (MBD): - Tube UVB — use a reptile-specific T5 or T8 tube spanning much of the vivarium length - Distance — follow manufacturer chart (typically 25–40 cm from basking spot) - Replacement — every 6–12 months even if still glowing; UV output fades silently - No obstruction — mesh blocks UV; glass filters it completely Combine UVB with calcium and vitamin D3 supplementation on insects per vet advice — UVB alone does not replace dietary calcium.

Source: https://pethealth.org.uk/health/bearded-dragon-care-uk