Bearded Dragon Heating

What are the best heat lamps for Bearded Dragons?

As cold-blooded reptiles, Bearded Dragons need access to a source of heat in order to regulate their body temperatures, digest their food, and maintain their immune systems. The most effective and reliable way to provide this heat is with a basking bulb, or heat lamp. The best kinds of basking bulbs for Bearded Dragons are incandescent or halogen bulbs, as these offer your beloved reptile both a source of heat and a source of light. We recommend using a floodlight with your basking bulb so that there is a more even distribution of heat across your Bearded Dragon’s basking zone.

What is an ideal basking temperature for Bearded Dragons?

The optimum basking area temperature for a Bearded Dragon, during the day, is 40-42°C. It’s important, however, that you also create a ‘cool zone’ within your vivarium where your Bearded Dragon can escape these high temperatures. The temperatures in this ‘cool zone’ should be no more than 25°C. It’s important that you partner all of your lighting/heating equipment with a quality thermostat. A thermostat will not only help you to control the temperatures inside of your Bearded Dragon vivarium, it’ll also allow you to establish some naturalistic day-and-night light/heat cycles.

How long can Bearded Dragons go without heat?

Bearded Dragons cannot survive without regular access to a reliable source of heat. If for some unfortunate reason your Bearded Dragon’s basking lamp breaks, or you experience a power cut, you should do everything you can to keep their enclosure warm. This may involve wrapping it with a blanket or towel, moving it next to a window that gets lots of sun, or surrounding it with hot water bottles. As soon as you’re able, you should replace your Bearded Dragon’s basking lamp – better yet, always keep a spare on hand!