Zero Bearded Dragon: Info, (pictures), Facts, Diet & Care Guide

The Zero bearded dragon is a relatively new morph of bearded dragon that has gained popularity among reptile enthusiasts. This unique morph lacks any yellow or orange pigment, giving it a ghostly white appearance. In this care guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the origins, physical traits, habitat setup, diet, health, and more for Zero bearded dragons.

Overview of Zero Bearded Dragons

The Zero bearded dragon originated as a selective breeding project to produce bearded dragons lacking yellow pigmentation. They are genetic mutations produced from breeding leatherback and hypomelanistic lines of bearded dragons.

Quick Facts about Zero Bearded Dragons

Characteristic	Zero Bearded Dragon
Scientific name	Pogona vitticeps
Morph	Zero
Size	18-24 inches long
Lifespan	8-15 years
Diet	Omnivore, eats insects, vegetables, and fruits
Habitat	Dry, arid regions of Australia
Temperament	Generally docile and easy to handle
Unique features	Zero bearded dragons are completely lacking in melanin, which gives them their unique white or cream coloration. They also have blue eyes.

Physical Appearance

Zero bearded dragons have a pale white or gray body with little to no yellow or orange coloring. They may have very light lavender or purple hues. Their eyes are black and their scales are smooth. They are medium-sized lizards reaching 18-24 inches when fully grown.

Behavior and Temperament

Despite their unique appearance, Zero bearded dragons have the same calm, mild-mannered temperament as other bearded dragons morph. They are docile lizards that rarely show aggression when handled properly. Zeroes enjoy interacting with their owners.

Habitat and Tank Setup

Creating the proper environment is key to keeping a bearded dragon healthy.

Size Requirements

An adult Zero Dragon will need a minimum tank size of 40 gallons. Juveniles can start in a 20-gallon tank.

Size	Minimum tank size	Ideal tank size
Baby (under 6 inches)	20 gallons	40 gallons
Juvenile (6-12 inches)	40 gallons	55 gallons
Adult (over 12 inches)	55 gallons	75 gallons
Large adult (over 20 inches)	75 gallons	120 gallons

Substrate

Sand or loose particle substrates are not recommended as they can cause impaction. Best options include paper towels, reptile carpets, or tile.

Decor and Accessories

Zero dragons require basking areas, hiding spots, and climbing platforms. Provide branches, hammocks, rocks, logs, and artificial foliage.

Heating and Lighting

Maintain a basking spot temperature of 95-100°F and an ambient temperature of 80-90°F. Provide UVB lighting 12-14 hours per day.

Diet and Feeding

Zero dragons are omnivores that require a varied diet.

Diet Summary

Food type	Percent of diet	Examples
Insects	20%	Dubia roaches, crickets, mealworms, superworms
Vegetables	80%	Collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens, kale, dandelion greens, sweet potato, butternut squash, zucchini
Fruits	Occasional treat	Mango, papaya, melon, berries

Insects and Protein

Feed gut-loaded insects like crickets, mealworms, waxworms, and occasional treats like hornworms. Juveniles need 50% protein, decreasing to 20% protein for adults.

Vegetables and Fruits

Provide a salad of leafy greens and veggies with fruits 1-2 times per week. Good options are kale, carrots, bell peppers, butternut squash, blueberries, and bananas.

Supplements

Dust insects with calcium powder 5 days per week and vitamin supplements 1-2 days per week.

Related Post: Citrus Bearded Dragon

Health and Common Issues

Zero dragons are prone to the same health issues as other morphs. Monitor them closely for signs of illness.

Common health issue

Common health issue	Symptoms	Causes	Treatment
Metabolic bone disease (MBD)	Swollen joints, deformed bones, lethargy, weakness, loss of appetite	Lack of calcium and vitamin D3	Provide UVB lighting and a calcium powder supplement
Mouth rot	Swollen gums, red and inflamed mouth, difficulty eating	Bacteria	Clean the mouth with a saline solution and apply a topical antibiotic
Parasites	Weight loss, diarrhea, lethargy	Intestinal parasites	Deworm your bearded dragon with a medication prescribed by your veterinarian
Respiratory infection	Sneezing, wheezing, nasal discharge, lethargy	Bacteria or viruses	Antibiotics or antiviral medications prescribed by your veterinarian
Impaction	Lethargy, loss of appetite, constipation	Ingesting too much substrate or other non-digestible material	Take your bearded dragon to the veterinarian to have the impaction removed

Signs of Health

Healthy dragons are active, and alert, and have clear eyes, full muscles, and smooth skin.

Health Problems

Common issues are metabolic bone disease, parasites, respiratory infections, and yellow fungus disease. Seek vet care if issues arise.

Handling and Taming Your Bearded Dragon

With routine handling, most Zero bearded dragons will become quite docile and enjoy human interaction. Move slowly and support their full body when picking them up.

Breeding Zero Bearded Dragons

Breeding Zero bearded dragons takes careful selection, as they carry recessive traits. Work with an experienced breeder if attempting to breed zeroes yourself.

Care Guide Summary

Category	Pros	Cons
Temperament	Generally docile and easy to handle	Can be territorial and aggressive towards other bearded dragons
Lifespan	Live for 8-15 years in captivity	Require a long-term commitment
Diet	Omnivorous diet that is easy to find	Can be expensive to feed
Care	Relatively low-maintenance	Require a large enclosure and specialized equipment

Final Thought

The Zero bearded dragon is a stunning morph gaining popularity for its lack of yellow pigmentation. With the proper habitat, nutrition, and handling, a Zero bearded dragon can make an exceptional pet reptile. Provide the care outlined here and your zero will thrive.

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