How long do bearded dragons live? – The answers you have been looking for, for your bearded friend! Reptiles have, in recent years, become very popular pets. Even though they are more tricky to domesticate than other animals, they still make for great pets. They are intelligent and fascinating creatures, as they aren’t like other domesticated animals.
One of the more commonly kept pet lizards is the Bearded Dragon. They are perfect for beginners who are starting their reptile journey. They have friendly personalities and adapt very well in captivity. They are definitely a good choice for any family and are very tolerant of handling. For first-time owners, it may be strange and quite different caring for a lizard compared to dogs and cats, but Bearded dragons are relatively easy to take care of.
These docile reptiles are one of the most popular lizard companions, and learning how to care for them is not difficult. It’s easy to build a great bond with these small scaly reptilians and will definitely be a wonderful addition to any home. Even for those who are hesitant and don’t know much about reptiles, choosing to own a Bearded Dragon is a fantastic first step, and it won’t take long until both confidence and appreciation will put you at ease about any doubts there may have been.
What Are Bearded Dragons, and How long do bearded dragons live?
Bearded dragons can grow up to a whopping 24 inches (60.96cm), but more commonly, they range between 15 inches to 24 inches, depending on different factors. They weigh at about 11 ounces to 18 ounces which means they aren’t very small lizards and are perfect for beginners.
They’ve been given the name ‘Bearded Dragon’ due to a flap that expands under their chin. This flap helps to ward off predators and is used for intimation. Interestingly they have two spines that run all the way to their long tails. There are a total of 8 different species of Bearded dragons, and the most friendly of the bunch is the central Bearded Dragon or Pogona vitticeps.
These are an extremely calm, tameable, and responsive species of any lizard and make one of the best pets in the reptile world. However, this doesn’t mean that other species of Bearded Dragons aren’t just as wonderful in nature and docile.
Do They Make Good Pets?
All species of Bearded Dragons make excellent companions. Not to mention they can also learn commands as well as simple tricks. Following methods on how to train your Bearded Dragon to respond to cues is simpler than you may think, and they are mainly food driven, so make sure you have some good treats.
Another impressive trait of these sweet creatures is that they recognize both their owner’s faces and voices and are able to form special bonds, such as a dog or cat. They’re also very playful and need stimulation, so any cat toy or hand-crafted tunnel will do. Here are some toy examples you use to enjoy some playtime with your Beardie;
- Hides, which are holey covers in which they sneak under and climb through.
- Cat toys and small dog toys. Specifically, any toy hanging from a rod as they love to chase these, and it’s a good way for them to get some of their exercises in.
- Tunnels as they love burrowing and will spend a lot of time climbing and running through bought or handmade tunnels.
What Do They Eat?
Bearded Dragons are omnivores. This means that they will consume both vegetation and meat. Their diets are easy to maintain as they eat many similar vegetables and fruits as humans. There are also supplement powders that you can give your Bearded Dragon if you want to ensure they are receiving their needed nutrients they need, but this isn’t always necessary with a healthy diet plan. Here are some of the foods that you can feed your lizard;
- Crickets
- Dubai Cockroaches
- Earthworms
- Wax moth
- Mealworm
- Grapes
- Figs
- Peaches
- Apricots
- Blueberries
- Endive
- Apples
- Collard greens
- Mustard greens
- Kale
- Turnip greens
- Zucchini
- Bell peppers
- Dandelions
When Bearded Dragons are young, their diet will be 50% insects and 50% vegetables and fruits. When they get older, they will transition to a more herbivore-like diet with only one meal a day consisting of gut-loaded (recently fed) crickets, mealworms, or Dubia cockroaches.
Some vegetables and fruits can be harmful to your bearded dragon, so it’s important to avoid feeding them produce such as onions, mushrooms, lemons, iceberg lettuce, and other citrus fruits, as it can cause an upset stomach.
How Long do Bearded Dragons Live?
How long do bearded dragons live? Truly! In the wild Bearded dragons can live for 3 to 8 years which does not sound like a long time, but in the wilderness, there are many threats to their lives, such as predators and ailments. Droughts are another big factor that plays in the life expectancy of a Bearded Dragon as this can also lead to scarcity of food.
In captivity, you will be glad to know that they can reach up to 12 years and, if lucky, even longer. The expected life expectancy for a Bearded dragon as a pet or in captivity is between 8 to 15 years, as the threats they face in the wild will be limited or non-existent. However, the way that they are cared for will determine a Bearded dragon’s lifespan, as neglect or improper care will lead to a shorter life expectancy.
How to Keep a Bearded Dragon Healthy and How long do bearded dragons live!
Habitat, temperature, and diet are very important key factors in maintaining your Bearded Dragons health. Make sure that your pet’s tank or vivarium is set up properly before you bring them to your home. It’s best to use a plexiglass or normal glass aquarium/terrarium with a mesh top.
Make sure it’s an adequate size according to your Bearded Dragon’s age. Smaller Dragons will need a tank of roughly around 25 gallons will be fine, but an adult will need a 50-gallon tank.
What you need in your tank for your Beardie is a UVB lamp and an infrared lamp. Keep the humidity in the tank between 30% to 40%, misting it every 48 hours. Keep the rest of the tank about 80°F and their basking spot at 95°F. Both juveniles and adults should feed daily, with hatchlings eating 2 to 3 times a day. Make sure to clean their tank each week, removing and replacing their substrate with clean ones.
Long Live the Lizard – How long do bearded dragons live!
Bearded dragons live quite a few years, making them a commitment. However, keeping them healthy can help them live out their years happily.
