Reptile · Agamid
Eastern bearded dragon care guide
Pogona barbata
The eastern bearded dragon is a intermediate-level agamid from Eastern Australia. Adults reach 50–60 cm and live 10–15 years in captivity. Larger and more temperate than Pogona vitticeps. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 150 × 60 × 60 cm
- Temp Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 30–50%
How much does a eastern bearded dragon cost in Canada?
Eastern bearded dragon quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 50–60 cm
- Lifespan
- 10–15 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Eastern Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 in, ≈ 143 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 30–50%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – roaches, crickets, leafy greens
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Eastern bearded dragon enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 150 × 60 × 60 cm (59 × 24 × 24 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend15 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–50%. UVB: Required.
What does a eastern bearded dragon eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, leafy greens. Adults greens daily and insects 2–3 times a week; juveniles insects daily.
Handling, temperament & health
Usually calm but more defensive than central bearded dragons.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease, obesity and impaction.
Cleaning & maintenance schedule
Daily
- Check basking surface temperature with an infrared thermometer.
- Keep the humid hide damp; refresh water.
Weekly
- Spot-clean waste.
- Every 1–2 weeks, pour water down into the soil around plants and in the cool corner.
Monthly
- Check stones and wood are stable and can’t be tunnelled under.
- Add a few leaves to the cool corner for isopods.
Yearly
- Refresh the top layer in the basking area.
- Replace UVB bulbs on schedule.
Recommended for a eastern bearded dragon bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (150 × 60 × 60 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 15 cm
Canyon Sand
Optional: mix in for a firmer, sandier texture
Eastern Oak Leaves 10/Pack
Leaf litter – food and cover for the clean-up crew
Terrarium Moss 7L Bag
Humid hide moss
Cork Bark Half Rounds
A hide at each end – plus one humid hide filled with damp moss
Mopani Wood
Climbing and a raised basking spot
Carnelian Stone
Holds heat under the lamp – place directly on the enclosure floor
Eastern bearded dragon FAQ
Is the eastern bearded dragon good for beginners?
The eastern bearded dragon is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Usually calm but more defensive than central bearded dragons.
What size enclosure does a eastern bearded dragon need?
At least 150 × 60 × 60 cm (about 59 × 24 × 24 inches, roughly 143 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a eastern bearded dragon cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $1120–1970 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $400–650 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a eastern bearded dragon need?
Temperature: Basking 38–42°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–50%.
What does a eastern bearded dragon eat?
Omnivore – roaches, crickets, leafy greens. Adults greens daily and insects 2–3 times a week; juveniles insects daily.
Similar species
This care sheet is general guidance from One Bioactive, not veterinary advice. Needs vary with age, locality and individual animals – confirm with your breeder and an exotics vet. Prices are typical Canadian ranges in CAD and change over time.