Reptile · Agamid
Western bearded dragon care guide
Pogona minor
The western bearded dragon is a intermediate-level agamid from Western and central Australia. Adults reach 30–40 cm and live 8–12 years in captivity. Slender, smaller bearded dragon. Keep alone.
- Enclosure 90 × 45 × 45 cm
- Temp Basking 38–40°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity 30–40%
How much does a western bearded dragon cost in Canada?
Western bearded dragon quick facts
- Skill level
- Intermediate
- Adult size
- 30–40 cm
- Lifespan
- 8–12 years
- Activity
- Diurnal
- Native range
- Western and central Australia
- Minimum enclosure
- 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 in, ≈ 48 US gal)
- Housing
- Best kept alone.
- Temperature
- Basking 38–40°C, cool 24°C
- Humidity
- 30–40%
- UVB
- Required
- Diet
- Omnivore – crickets, roaches, leafy greens
- Bioactive style
- Semi-arid
Western bearded dragon enclosure & bioactive setup
Give one adult at least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (35 × 18 × 18 inches). Best kept alone. This species suits a semi-arid bioactive build.
- Leaf litter2 cm
- Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend12 cm
No drainage layer – water deeply but rarely so the bottom stays slightly moist while the surface stays dry.
Temperature: Basking 38–40°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–40%. UVB: Required.
What does a western bearded dragon eat?
Omnivore – crickets, roaches, leafy greens. Greens daily and insects 3–4 times a week.
Handling, temperament & health
Calm and handleable.
Health watch: Metabolic bone disease 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 western bearded dragon bioactive
Quantities are for one minimum-size enclosure (90 × 45 × 45 cm).
Jurassic ABG Semi-Arid Blend
Bioactive soil layer, 12 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
Western bearded dragon FAQ
Is the western bearded dragon good for beginners?
The western bearded dragon is best for keepers with some experience (intermediate). Calm and handleable.
What size enclosure does a western bearded dragon need?
At least 90 × 45 × 45 cm (about 35 × 18 × 18 inches, roughly 48 US gallons) for one adult. Best kept alone.
How much does a western bearded dragon cost in Canada?
Typically $300–700 CAD to buy, about $620–1130 CAD for a complete bioactive enclosure, and $300–500 CAD a year to keep.
What temperature and humidity does a western bearded dragon need?
Temperature: Basking 38–40°C, cool 24°C. Humidity: 30–40%.
What does a western bearded dragon eat?
Omnivore – crickets, roaches, leafy greens. Greens daily and insects 3–4 times a week.
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.