If you’re a bearded dragon owner, one of the most important things to be aware of is that bearded dragons need access to natural sunlight in order to thrive.
Below, we will explore the importance of sunlight for beardies, and why proper exposure to the sun is essential.
What You'll Learn
What Is the Role of Sunlight for Bearded Dragons?
In order to understand why sunlight is so important for bearded dragons, it is important to understand its role in their natural environment.
In the wild, bearded dragons are found in the deserts and semi-arid scrublands of Australia. In these areas, the sun can be intense, and the temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius (104°F).
This extreme heat is essential for the health and well-being of beardies, as their bodies need the warmth in order to digest their food and regulate their metabolism.
In addition, the sun provides a source of vitamin D3 for bearded dragons, which is essential for the absorption of calcium in their diet. Without adequate levels of vitamin D3, bearded dragons can develop metabolic bone disease, which can be fatal. Therefore, providing access to natural sunlight is essential for the health of your bearded dragon.
How Much Sunlight Does a Bearded Dragon Need?
The amount of sunlight your bearded dragon needs will depend on the ambient temperature in your home.
If the temperature is lower than 25 degrees Celsius (77°F), then your Beardie will need access to direct sunlight in order to raise its body temperature.
In this case, it is recommended to provide your pet with at least 10-12 hours of direct sunlight each day. If the temperature in your home is higher than 25 degrees Celsius (77°F), then your bearded dragon can get enough warmth from the ambient temperature and does not need direct sunlight.
It is important to note that bearded dragons can also get too much sunlight. If the temperature in your home is higher than 35 degrees Celsius (95°F), then it is important to provide your beardie with some shade in order to protect it from the intense heat of the sun.
How to Provide Sunlight for Your Bearded Dragon
If you want to provide your bearded dragon with the best possible access to sunlight, then it is important to consider the positioning of its enclosure.
Ideally, the enclosure should be placed in an area with direct sunlight for a good portion of the day. It is also important to ensure that the enclosure is well-ventilated in order to prevent overheating.
If you are unable to place your beardie’s enclosure in an area with direct sunlight, then you can also provide artificial UVB lighting. This lighting mimics the effects of the sun and can provide your bearded dragon with the vitamin D3 it needs.
However, it is important to note that this lighting should only be used as a supplement, and not as a replacement for natural sunlight.
Sunlight is Important For Bearded Dragons
It is clear that bearded dragons need access to natural sunlight in order to stay healthy. Providing your beardie with enough direct sunlight each day is essential for its health and wellbeing, and can help to prevent serious conditions such as metabolic bone disease.
Additionally, it is important to remember that bearded dragons can get too much sunlight, so it is important to provide some shade when necessary. If you are unable to provide your pet with enough natural sunlight, then you can supplement it with artificial UVB lighting.
Hi! My name is Bryan, I am the “one behind the words” here are BeardieAnswers.com. I believe that providing quality care and nutrition is the best way to ensure the health of your pet. Every beardie is special and deserves the best care and attention. If you have questions about your bearded dragon, please don’t hesitate to ask! View My Full Author Page
