How to prevent metabolic bone disease in bearded dragons

Reptiles have become very popular among UK pet owners. One favourite is the bearded dragon, which originally hails from the Australian outback. It’s estimated there are half a million in UK homes.

Picture by André Karwath

Like all reptiles that eat insects and plants, bearded dragons are vulnerable to Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD). Caused by low levels of Calcium and Vitamin D3, it’s by far the most common cause of illness in ‘beardies’.

Symptoms can be hard to spot, but can include muscle twitching, swollen legs and fragile bones, which can eventually lead to permanent deformities in the limbs, jaw, spine or tail. But a few changes to their diet and living conditions can rectify the problem and make a big difference to their health.

• Ensure your dragon is getting enough calcium by feeding it plenty of green leafy vegetables. Spring greens, lamb’s lettuce and Timothy Hay are particularly good sources. Avoid spinach, which can actually block the uptake of calcium.

• Bearded dragons love insects such as crickets. You can sprinkle calcium-rich mineral powders, available from pet shops, on to them before serving.

• Heat is essential for the dragon’s body to absorb calcium from its diet and use it to maintain healthy bones. So it’s important your enclosure at home is warm enough. You’ll need an infrared lamp or lamps to ensure that part of the space is between 38 and 42°C. Your reptile needs to be able to regulate its body temperature, so you’ll also need cooler, shady areas - 22 to 26°C.

• Getting the right dose of ultraviolet light is also important for reptiles to process calcium. Infrared lamps don’t provide this, so you also need to install a fluorescent strip light that emits 10-12 per cent UVb light. Make sure two thirds of the tank’s area is bathed in light from the lamp and use a UV meter to monitor levels. UVb output decreases over time, so the lamp must be replaced according to the manufacturer’s instructions.