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"Pet Bearded Dragon Care & Information (Pogona vitticeps)"

Bearded Dragon Temperatures

It was already mentioned that Bearded dragons are are ectothermic (relying on external heat sources to keep their body temperature at a suitable level) and poikilothermic (having a variable body temperature).

Note: The Bearded dragon Temperature section should be seen in conjunction with the Bearded dragon Lighting section.

Bearded Dragon Temperature

A basking spot of about 40 ºC / 104 ºF should be supplied on one side of the container. Heat rocks and heat pads are commercially available, but make sure they work properly and  the temperatures do not become too hot or are too cold. We recommend using a standard spotlight mounted over a rock. When the spotlight heats up the rock, heat is emitted from both sides (i.e. from the top and the bottom) which are more natural compared to when heat is only emitted from the bottom like with a heat pad alone.

Infra red daylight heat bulbs are are also available for the same purpose, but are more expensive with no additional advantages over a regular spotlight bulb. The distance from the bulb to the rock and the wattage of the bulb to be used depends on the size of the container and the ambient temperature. When mounting a spotlight over a rock make sure no direct contact between the dragon and the light bulb is possible. Use a thermometer to obtain the correct temperature before permanent installation.

The environmental temperature should have a 24 - 34 ºC / 75 - 93 ºF temperature gradient which should be maintained by the basking light. The temperature (hot spot & gradient) should be tested with a thermostat before the reptile is introduced to its new vivarium.

Bearded Dragon Night Temperature

The Bearded dragon temperature at night can drop to as low as 17 ºC / 63 ºF. For this to happen it is most often necessary to switch off all temperature equipment during this period.

Some people believe in the installation of a infra red heat light during the evenings to keep the ambient temperature high while at the same time does not interfere with the sight of the dragon. By increasing the Bearded dragon night temperature you stimulate growth and appetite, but I also believe that you shorten the overall life expectancy of you dragon.

The Advanced Bearded Dragon Manual
For Basic & Advanced Bearded dragon care incl. Bearded dragon temperatures & more...
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