Baby bearded dragons are tiny, fast-growing, and a little more delicate than adults. Getting the first few months right sets them up for a healthy life — and the care is slightly different from adult care.
This guide covers baby bearded dragon care (0–4 months): enclosure, feeding, temperature, and handling.
Baby Bearded Dragon Quick Facts
| Item | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Age | 0–4 months |
| Enclosure | 20–40 gallon (40-gallon breeder ideal) |
| Basking temp | 100–110°F |
| Diet | 70–80% insects, 20–30% greens |
| Feeding | Insects 2–3x daily |
Enclosure Setup
- A 40-gallon breeder works well for a baby — big enough for a proper temperature gradient, but not so big the baby struggles to find food.
- If you use a large adult enclosure, add plenty of hides so the baby feels secure.
- Use paper towels as substrate — safest for babies and easy to clean.
Lighting & Temperature
- Basking spot: 100–110°F (babies like it slightly hotter than adults).
- Cool side: 75–85°F.
- UVB: a T5 10.0 tube is essential for growing bones — babies grow fast and need strong UVB to build bone properly.
Feeding a Baby Bearded Dragon
- Frequency: feed insects 2–3 times per day, offering as many as they’ll eat in 10–15 minutes each session.
- Insect size: never longer than the space between their eyes — tiny crickets, small dubia roaches, and black soldier fly larvae are ideal.
- Greens: offer finely chopped greens daily (collard, mustard, dandelion), even though babies eat mostly insects.
- Supplements: dust insects with calcium at most feedings.
Hydration
Babies dehydrate quickly. Mist their greens lightly, provide a shallow water dish, and offer occasional warm soaks.
Handling
- Let a new baby settle in for a few days before handling.
- Handle gently with short sessions, supporting the whole body.
- Wash hands before and after.
Watch For
- Not eating for 2–3 days — babies can’t go long without food; check temperatures first, then see a vet.
- Impaction risk — only feed properly sized insects and use safe substrate.
- Dehydration — sunken eyes or wrinkled skin.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general education and does not replace professional veterinary advice.