Let’s start with age. How long do bearded dragons live?

Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles that have captured the hearts of many pet enthusiasts. One of the first questions potential owners often ask is, how long do bearded dragons live? With proper care, these scaly friends can live a long and fulfilling life, often reaching up to 10-15 years in captivity. To ensure they live longer, it’s essential to provide them with a balanced diet, a bearded dragon tank setup that mirrors their natural habitat, and regular health check-ups.

How to take care of a bearded dragon:

We could go on and on about proper bearded dragon care (in short, how to take care of a bearded dragon!), but this guide is meant to serve as a high level overview for someone considering a pet. You can learn more from our site, or other experts.

When considering how to take care of a bearded dragon, there are a few key factors to keep in mind. In our eyes, there are three main components: Feeding a great diet, building a great set-up, and monitoring them consistently.

Bearded Dragon Tank Set-up and Feeding

A significant component of a proper bearded dragon set-up is ensuring they receive adequate UVB light, which is vital for their health and wellbeing. UVB light helps them synthesize vitamin D3, which in turn aids in the absorption of calcium. Along with this, a full spectrum heat lamp is necessary to maintain the right temperature within their environment.

Another crucial aspect of their set-up is the enclosure you use and the substrate you fill it with. We recommend a natural DIY substrate that can help retain moisture. Your tank should be AT LEAST 100 gallons, and ideally as big as possible. You can find such enclosures at pet stores, or online. 

Finally, temperature is very important for these guys. Their tank should have a temperature gradient. What this means is the tank has different temperatures in different parts, allowing your dragon to move around to regulate themselves. The cool side should be around 75 degrees F, and the hot side around 85 F. You’ll also want to provide a basking spot that reaches 90-100 degrees F. 

As far as food, there are a couple things to keep in mind to feed a balanced diet. The first is diversity. Your beardie should eat 4+ insect types regularly, and a variety of greens. If you want a feeding plan that makes this easy, check this out. The next important thing to remember is not all feeders are created equal. A high quality feeder insect has been gut loaded and well cared for. 

The last step to proper care is monitoring your dragon. Keep an eye on their enclosure. Clean it regularly. Check the temperatures inside to ensure they are staying steady. Keeping a watchful eye is critical so you can manage any issues that do come up, and resolve them quickly to avoid larger health issues. 

Are bearded dragons good pets?

The answer to whether bearded dragons are good pets is not a straightforward one; it genuinely depends! When treated with respect, love, and proper care, bearded dragons can thrive as phenomenal pets. Their potential to live longer and reach their maximum life expectancy is significantly influenced by the care they receive. A well-balanced diet, adequate UVB light, and a spacious bearded dragon tank setup can help ensure their wellbeing.

However, it’s crucial to understand that owning a bearded dragon is not all fun and games. Without proper care and attention, these magnificent creatures can quickly develop health issues. Neglecting essential aspects such as their diet, UVB light, and reptile carpet can lead to a range of health problems that can be both distressing for the pet and the owner.

So, if you’re pondering, “are bearded dragons good pets for me?”, you should first evaluate your willingness to invest time, effort, and resources. If you’re prepared to do things the right way, then the answer is a resounding yes! Their calm demeanor, combined with their potential to become affectionate companions, makes them stand out in the world of pets. The unique personalities and quirky behaviors of pets bearded dragons exhibit are sure to bring joy, laughter, and a touch of the wild into any household.

To put it succinctly, bearded dragons can be delightful pets if, and only if, you’re willing to put in the work. They require consistent care, love, and understanding. In return, they’ll reward you with their loyalty, affection, and a lifetime of captivating moments.

Final Thoughts

We hoped this has helped you decide if a bearded dragon is right for you. As a quick summary and for your reference as you think it over: 

• Life Expectancy: With proper care, bearded dragons can live longer and reach their full life expectancy. On the flip side, inadequate care can lead to health issues.
• Proper Care: Essential elements of how to take care of a bearded dragon include a well-balanced diet, appropriate UVB light, and an optimal bearded dragon set up.
• Personality: Bearded dragons are known for their calm demeanor, unique personalities, and quirky behaviors. They can become quite affectionate with their owners.
• Commitment Required: The key takeaway is that bearded dragons are good pets for those willing to invest the time and effort in their proper care. Their well being heavily depends on the care they receive.
• A Delightful Addition: When cared for correctly, bearded dragons make a delightful addition to any household, offering joy, loyalty, and a touch of the wild.