Rankin's Dragon

This page is educational reference material for preparing questions. A licensed veterinarian examines the animal, makes the diagnosis, and sets the treatment.

The smaller Pogona

Rankin's dragons are Pogona henrylawsoni, from a limited range in Australia and now common as captive-bred pets. Adults are about 10 to 12 inches. They usually last 6 to 10 years, care is beginner, and they are social and active. They need the same kind of light and heat as a central bearded dragon, in a smaller footprint. A 36 by 18 by 18 inch cage is a fair size. Bigger is fine.

Basking surface temperature toward 110°F, a cool side around 80°F, humidity of 30 to 40 percent, and a strong UVB bar are the setup. Insects and vegetables are the diet. Calcium on the bugs, a multivitamin less often, and greens in the bowl. They will beg. Fat dragons on a cricket-only diet still get bone and liver problems. Offer plants even when the lizard makes a face.

Groups are a management job

People house Rankin's together more often than central beardies. That can work with space and matched animals. It fails quietly when one dragon sits in the hot spot all day and another fades in the corner. Two males are a fight. Babies from a pet shop that were piled together are not proof that your adults will share. Captive-bred only. Australia does not export them.

A dragon that stops eating or sits with sunken eyes needs the not-eating page and a vet via ARAV.

Rankin's dragon questions

Are Rankin's dragons just small bearded dragons?

They are a different species, Pogona henrylawsoni. Care looks similar: UVB, heat, insects, greens. Adult size is about 10 to 12 inches, and plan around a 6 to 10 year lifespan.

Can they live in a group?

Sometimes, if the cage is large, the animals are similar in size, and there is more than one basking spot. A bully still has to be removed. Watch tails and food.

How hot should the basking spot be?

The gradient runs from about 80°F up to a surface near 110°F. Measure the rock, not only the air.