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5 Best Bearded Dragon Starter Kits


Most recommended
Zilla 10 Gallon Zilla 10 Gallon

  • Ideal habitat for small desert-dwelling animals
  • Glass tank is Made in the USA
  • Material Glass
A good choice too
Zilla 10 Gallon PetZilla 10 Gallon Pet
  • An ideal habitat for tropical animals
  • One 5.5″ reflective dome light fixture
  • Humidity/temperature gauge
A good choice too
Exo Terra Desert Exo Terra Desert
  • Unique front window ventilation
  • Ideal for small species of snakes
  • Easy-to-install lighting system
Exo Terra Bearded DragonExo Terra Bearded Dragon
  • 20 gal long terrarium
  • Bracket Analog Thermometer Water & Feed Dish
  • For juvenile bearded dragons
Zoo Med ReptiHabitat Zoo Med ReptiHabitat
  • Package Weight: 5.0 pounds
  • All Life Stages
  • Package Dimensions: 10.0 H x 10.0 L x 10.0 inches

Choose the Best Bearded Dragon Starter Kits

Customer’s Choice: the Best Rated Bearded Dragon Starter Kits

7 users answered this survey. Please help us improve this review!

14.29% of users selected Zilla 10 Gallon, 0.00% selected Zilla 10 Gallon Pet, 14.29% selected Exo Terra Desert, 42.86% selected Exo Terra Bearded Dragon and 28.57% selected Zoo Med ReptiHabitat. Every month we analyze your answers and change our rating.

Do you want the best possible care for your bearded dragon? If so, you’ve come to the right place! We’ll cover common questions and provide useful tips to help make your decision easier. So, whether you’re a first-time beardie owner or just looking for an upgrade, read on for the ultimate guide to the best beardie starter kits!

About Bearded Dragon Starter Kits

Bearded dragons make great pets. They’re friendly, low-maintenance, and relatively easy to care for. Setting up a proper habitat for your beardie can be a bit of a challenge — especially if you’re starting from scratch.

That’s where a beardie starter kit comes in handy. It includes all you need to get your new pet’s home prepared and ready so that you can spend time focusing on developing a bond with them, rather worrying about the technicalities of their housing.

Zilla 10 Gallon Pet Reptile Starter Kit for Small Desert Dwelling Animals

This set contains everything you need to create a desert-like environment for your beardie friend. The 10-gallon glass terrarium is compact but roomy enough for your pet to roam, bask, and hide. And, the lid has a screened top that provides plenty of airflow while keeping your dragon safe and secure.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 23.75 x 14.5 x 17.75 inches
  • Weight: 17 lbs
  • Colour: Black
Pros
  • The perfect home for small creatures living in the desert
  • Odor-fighting
  • Reinforced packaging

Cons
  • No UVB lighting

Zilla 10 Gallon Pet Reptile Starter Kit for Small Tropical Dwelling Animals

It is a great way to get started with keeping reptiles. This complete starter kit provides your new pet with a comfortable home, including a glass terrarium, a basking bulb, a tropical UVB light fixture, and an undertank heat mat.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 23.75×14.5×17.75 inches
  • Weight: 19.5 lbs
  • Material: Glass
Pros
  • A perfect home for tropical animals
  • A fresh air screen cover
  • Reinforced packaging

Cons
  • Thermometer is just for look
  • The heat lamp is not durable


Exo Terra Desert Habitat Kit, Small

It is our top pick for the best beardie starter kit. This all-in-one kit comes with everything you need to create a desert-themed habitat for your beardie.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 18x18x18 inches
  • Weight: 53 lbs
  • Shape: Rectangular
  • Material: Glass, Metal
Pros
  • Dual front doors
  • Front window and top ventilation
  • Perfect for small reptile species

Cons
  • Doesn’t get warm enough for a desert reptile


Exo Terra Bearded Dragon Starter Kit

It includes a tank, food and water dishes, a basking platform, a hide box, and more. The Exo Terra is also specifically designed for beardies, so you can be sure that your new pet will have everything it needs to thrive.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 31.8 x 14 x 14.6 inches
  • Weight: 27.25 lbs
  • Material: Ceramic
Pros
  • Screen top, Ceramic Light Fixture
  • Bracket Analog Thermometer
  • Supplements
  • Solar Glo
  • Easy to set up
  • For juvenile beardies

Cons
  • Smaller than stated


Zoo Med ReptiHabitat Juvenile Bearded Dragon Kit – 20 gal

It is the perfect starter kit for those looking to provide their beardie with everything they need to thrive. This terrarium comes complete with a basking platform, a full spectrum UVB light, and a digital thermometer – everything for creating a healthy habitat for your beardie. The sleek black design of the terrarium will complement any home décor, and the large front-opening doors make it easy to access your pet.

Specifications

  • Dimensions: 30x12x12 inches
  • Weight: 5 lbs
  • Color: Black
Pros
  • Fully loaded habitat designed specifically for beardies
  • All Life Stages
  • Great value for the price
  • Has a screen lock

Cons
  • The lights get too hot and melt the cage
  • The light bulbs are not durable


Buyer’s Guide

What Do You Need in a Bearded Dragon Enclosure?

The enclosure size will depend on the beardie’s age and species. Baby and juvenile dragons can live in 20-gallon terrariums, while full-grown adults will need at least a 40-60 gallon tank. If you plan on keeping more than one dragon, you will need an even larger enclosure.

The needs of a bearded dragon are simple: access to warm, dry conditions. But these lizards didn’t always have it easy. Bearded dragons come from the desert, where they must often endure extreme heat and scarce resources. Remember to create a basking spot for your enclosure that is between 95-100 °F during the day.

The cool side of the enclosure should be around 75-80 °F.
A temperature gradient like this is necessary so your dragon can maintain its body temperature.

Provide your bearded dragon with a source of UVB light. This can be done with a fluorescent or a mercury vapor bulb. You will need to replace the bulb every 6-12 months to ensure that your dragon gets enough UVB radiation.

If your dragon feels anxious or needs to cool off, the enclosure should have plenty of places for it to hide. These hiding spots can be made out of rocks, logs, or artificial plants.

What Do You Need in a Bearded Dragon Enclosure?

Your beardie will also need a water dish for drinking and soaking in.

Ensure That it Has a Heat Source

Bearded dragons, as reptiles, are ectothermic and subsequently must rely on sources of heat not generated internally to maintain their body temperature. In the wild, beardies bask in the sun to raise their temperature. So, provide your dragon with an artificial heat source.

The basking spot in the enclosure should be kept between 95-100 °F during the day. This can be done with a basking bulb or a ceramic heat bulb. The basking spot should be at one end of the enclosure so your pet can move to the cooler side of the enclosure if it gets too warm.

At night, the temperature in the enclosure should be allowed to drop to around 75-80 °F. This can be done by turning off the basking bulb and using a night-time heat bulb or a red lightbulb.

Look For One That Has a Bedding or Substrate

The bedding or substrate is the material that you put on the bottom of the enclosure. The type of substrate you use is up to you, but there are a few things to bear in mind when choosing one.

First, the substrate should be safe for your dragon to ingest. Some substrates, such as sand, can be harmful if your dragon eats them. Second, the substrate should retain moisture and not get too dusty. Bearded dragons like to burrow and dig, so a substrate that holds up well to these activities is ideal.

Finally, the substrate should be easy to clean and disinfect. Bearded dragons are susceptible to respiratory infections, so it is important to keep their enclosure clean.

A few popular substrates for enclosures include reptile carpet, paper towels, and linoleum.

Having a Food Dish and a Water Dish Would Be Good

Your beardie will need a food dish for its meals. It should be shallow enough that your dragon can get in and out of it easily. Bearded dragons like to soak in their water dishes, so you will need to empty and clean it often.

Check If There’s a Thermometer and a Humidity Level Gauge

The thermometer should be placed at the basking spot so you can monitor the temperature there. The humidity level gauge should be placed on the cool side of the enclosure so you can monitor the humidity level there.

[1]

What To Consider for Buying The Best Bearded Dragon Starter Kit?

Beardies are docile, easy to care for and make great companions. If you’re thinking about getting a beardie, you’re probably wondering what kind of starter kit you need to get started.

Before you buy a starter kit for your new bearded dragon pet, there are a few elements you’ll need to think about. The essential thing to consider is the size of the enclosure.

Another important consideration is the type of substrate you’ll use in the enclosure.

Beardies are from a desert environment, so they’re used to living on sand or gravel.
Some people prefer to use reptile carpets because it’s easier to clean, but bearded dragons can easily develop respiratory infections if they’re kept on carpeting. It’s best to stick with sand or gravel.

Tank/vivarium

The first and crucial thing you need for your new pet beardie is a tank or vivarium. Bearded dragons can grow up to 24 inches long, so you’ll need an enclosure that’s at least 36x18x18 inches. You can find smaller enclosures, but they won’t give your bearded dragon enough room to move around and exercise.

Tank/vivarium

If you have the budget for it, we recommend getting a glass enclosure. Glass is easy to clean and provides your bearded dragon with a clear view of its surroundings.

Another option is to build your own wooden vivarium. This is a more affordable option, but it’s important to make sure that the wood is unfinished so that your beardie doesn’t ingest any chemicals. You’ll also need to add a layer of mesh to the top of the enclosure to prevent your pet from escaping.

Heat light

Bearded dragons come from a desert environment, so they need a spot that’s 95-110 °F. We recommend using a ceramic heat lamp for your beardie’s basking spot.

UVB bulb

Bearded dragons need UVB light to prevent metabolic bone disease. We recommend using a reptile bulb that emits 5% UVB light.

Temperature & humidity gauges

It’s important to monitor the temperature and humidity levels inside the enclosure. We recommend using a digital thermometer/hygrometer for this purpose. You can find these devices at most pet stores or online.

Basking bulb and lamp fixture

As we mentioned earlier, beardies need a basking spot that’s around 95-110 °F. A ceramic heat lamp is the best option for this. You can find these lamps at most pet stores.

You’ll also need a lamp fixture to hold the basking bulb. These can be found at most hardware stores.

Decor

Beardies need some decorations in their enclosure to help them feel comfortable and secure.

We recommend adding a few rocks, logs, or plants to the enclosure.
Just make sure that the rocks and logs are too big for your bearded dragon to swallow and that the plants are non-toxic.

Substrates

Bearded dragons are from a desert environment, so they’re used to living on sand or gravel. Some people prefer to use reptile carpet because it’s easier to clean, but bearded dragons can easily develop respiratory infections if they’re kept on carpeting. It’s best to stick with sand or gravel.

If you choose to use sand as your substrate, we recommend getting a brand that’s specifically designed for reptiles. These sands are usually finer and don’t contain any harmful chemicals. [2]

Instruction

Last but not least, you’ll need an instruction manual to help you care for your new pet. We recommend getting a copy of The Bearded Dragon Manual by Philippe de Vosjoli. This book covers everything you need to know about bearded dragon care, from food and water requirements to common health problems.

Instruction

With these items, you should be all set to welcome your new pet bearded dragon into your home!


FAQ

What is The Tank Size of The Beardie?

The tank size of the beardie should be 20 gallons for a baby and 50 to 75 gallons for an adult. [3]

What Type of Light Bulb for Bearded Dragon Starter Kit?

Bearded dragons are reptiles that originate from Australia. They are lizards that are distinguished by the presence of a “beard” on their chin and throat. These lizards can grow to be 2 feet long and live for up to 20 years.

If you’re thinking about getting a beardie, purchase a starter kit that includes all of the necessary supplies. One important item that you’ll need to get is a light bulb for the enclosure.

Beardies require UVB light in order to synthesize vitamin D3. Without adequate levels of vitamin D3, beardies can develop metabolic bone disease.

There are two types of UVB light bulbs available on the market: linear and compact. Linear bulbs emit a more natural spectrum of UVB light, while compact bulbs emit a higher concentration of UVB light. [4]

Compact bulbs are more efficient than linear bulbs, but they need to be replaced more frequently. We recommend using a compact bulb if you’re only going to be using it for a few months. If you plan on keeping your bearded dragon for a longer period of time, we recommend using a linear bulb.

Bearded dragons also require a basking spot in their enclosure where they can absorb heat and UVB light. The basking spot should be located near the top of the enclosure so that the beardie can climb to it easily.

We recommend using a ceramic heat emitter as your basking spotlight source. Ceramic heat emitters don’t emit any light, so they won’t disturb your beardie’s sleep cycle.

How Can I Provide Diet and Water for My Pet?

As a pet owner, it is your responsibility to provide food and water for your animal. A good rule of thumb is to fill the food dish half full and the water bowl three-quarters full. Be sure to clean out the dishes regularly and replenish as needed.

How Can I Provide Diet and Water for My Pet?

If you are feeding live food, such as insects, you will need to provide a separate feeding dish. Place the dish in the cage so that your bearded dragon can easily reach it.

You should also offer a variety of foods to your pet. This includes both vegetables and fruits. Some good options include:

  • Carrots
  • Celery
  • Cucumbers
  • Squash
  • Zucchini
  • Apples
  • Grapes
  • Melon

You can offer these foods fresh or frozen. If you opt for frozen, be sure to thaw them before feeding. You can either let them sit out at room temperature or place them in a bowl of warm water.

It is also a good idea to offer your bearded dragon a calcium supplement. This is especially important if you are feeding them live food, as insects do not contain much calcium. You can purchase calcium powder at your local pet store. Sprinkle it on their food once per week.

What do I need to get started with a bearded dragon?

If you’re thinking of getting a beardie, congratulations! They make great pets. But before you bring your new reptilian friend home, there are a few things you’ll need to get started. A good place to start is with a starter kit.

A starter kit will typically include everything you need to get started keeping your new pet healthy and happy. The specific items included in a starter kit can vary, but there are some essential items that every kit should have.

One of the most important items in a starter kit is a good quality cage. Bearded dragons are active reptiles and need plenty of space to move around and explore. A small cage will quickly become cramped and stressful for your pet. Look for a cage that is at least 3 feet long and 2 feet wide.

Another essential item is a basking light. Beardies come from warm, dry climates and need to bask in order to regulate their body temperature. A basking light will provide the heat your pet needs to stay healthy.

You’ll also need a food dish and a water bowl for your bearded dragon’s cage. These can be simple plastic dishes, but there are also specialized reptile dishes available that can make feeding time easier.

Finally, your bearded dragon will need some hiding places in its cage. Bearded dragons like to feel safe and secure, so providing them with places to hide will help reduce stress. There are many different types of reptile hiding places available, so take your time and find one that you think your pet will like.

A beardie starter kit is a great way to get everything you need to get started with your new pet. It’s important to do some research to make sure you’re getting a quality kit that includes all the essentials. But with a little bit of planning, you can be sure that your new reptilian friend will have everything it needs to thrive.

What is the best age to buy a bearded dragon?

The best age to buy a bearded dragon is 8 to 10 weeks old. At this age, they are big enough to be handled and have usually been started on a diet of live insects.

Are bearded dragons OK for beginners?

Bearded dragons are the perfect pet for first-time reptile parents. They are relatively low-maintenance and can be easily cared for with the proper supplies. A starter kit is a great way to get all the necessary supplies in one purchase, and many pet stores offer them at a discounted price. [5]

What type of bearded dragon is the friendliest?

There are various types of beardies, but the most popular and friendly type is the Inland Bearded Dragon. These lizards are known for their docile nature and outgoing personalities. They make great pets for first-time reptile owners and are often described as being “dog-like” in their behavior.

If you’re looking for a friendly bearded dragon, look no further than the Inland Bearded Dragon!

Useful Video: New Bearded Dragon Checklist // Feeding, Housing, Lighting – For Beginners

Conclusion

Now that you know more about bearded dragon starter kits, it’s time to make a decision on which one is right for you and your reptilian friend. However, by taking into consideration the size of your tank, the type of substrate you prefer, and the accessories that come with the kit, you should be able to find the perfect starter kit for your needs. Be sure to do your research before making a purchase, and always consult with a veterinarian or experienced reptile owner if you have any questions. Thanks for reading!


References:

  1. https://www.petbarn.com.au/petspot/reptile/ultimate-bearded-dragon-care-guide-checklist/
  2. https://reptile.guide/bearded-dragon-starter-kit/
  3. https://totalbeardeddragon.com/picking-a-bearded-dragons-tank-size/
  4. https://www.reptileadvisor.com/bearded-dragon-lighting/
  5. https://www.everythingreptiles.com/bearded-dragon/