Bearded dragons, often called “beardies,” are super popular pets because they’re friendly and easy to care for.
The bearded dragon lifespan is typically 8-12 years as a pet, but with excellent care, they can live 15 years or more. Wild bearded dragons live 5-8 years.
In this article, we’ll talk about their lifespan, what affects it, and how you can help your bearded dragon live a long, happy life. Everything is explained in simple words to make it easy to understand.
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live?
A bearded dragon’s lifespan is usually 8 to 12 years when kept as a pet, but with really good care, some can live up to 15 years or even longer. In the wild, where they live in Australia’s deserts, they only live about 5 to 8 years.
That’s because wild bearded dragons face dangers like predators, extreme weather, and lack of food. As a pet, they get a safe home, regular meals, and care, which helps them live much longer.
1. What Affects a Bearded Dragon’s Lifespan?
Several things decide how long your bearded dragon will live. Let’s look at the main ones to help you understand what your pet needs.
Good food is super important. Bearded dragons eat both plants and bugs. Young dragons need more bugs, like crickets or roaches, for protein to grow strong. Adult dragons should eat mostly veggies, like leafy greens, with some bugs a few times a week. Feeding them the wrong food or too much can make them sick, like causing obesity or weak bones, which can shorten their life.
Their home, or tank, matters a lot too. They need a warm spot in their tank, around 95-110°F, to bask and a cooler spot, around 75-85°F, to relax. They also need special UVB lights to stay healthy because these lights help their body use calcium to keep bones strong. If the tank is too humid or not clean, they can get sick, which hurts their lifespan.
Taking them to a vet who knows about reptiles is a must. A vet can check for problems like parasites or breathing issues. If these problems aren’t fixed, they can make your dragon’s life shorter. Regular check-ups keep them healthy.
Where your bearded dragon comes from also plays a role. Dragons from good breeders are often healthier than those from some pet stores, where their history might not be clear. Healthier dragons tend to live longer.
Stress can hurt your bearded dragon too. Things like rough handling, a tank that’s too small, or keeping them with other dragons can make them stressed. Stress weakens their body and can lead to a shorter life.
How to Help Your Bearded Dragon Live Longer
You can do a lot to make sure your bearded dragon lives a long, healthy life. Here are some easy ways to care for them.
Feed them the right food. Young dragons need to eat 2-3 times a day, mostly bugs like crickets with some veggies. Adult dragons should get veggies every day and bugs a few times a week. Sprinkle calcium powder on their bugs to keep them strong. Never give them harmful foods like avocado or rhubarb.
Set up their tank properly. A young dragon needs at least a 40-gallon tank, while adults need a bigger one, like 75-120 gallons. Make sure they have a good UVB light and a basking lamp to keep the tank warm. Add hiding spots and things to climb on so they feel safe and happy. Clean their tank often to stop germs from growing.
Keep an eye on their health. If your dragon seems tired, loses weight, or has weird poop, take them to a vet right away. A yearly vet visit can catch problems early. Handle your dragon gently so they trust you and don’t get stressed.
Make their life fun. Add safe toys or objects in their tank to keep them curious. If it’s warm outside, you can take them out for a bit of natural sunlight, but make sure they’re safe and not too hot or cold.
Also Read: Bearded Dragon Bleeding From Anus – Causes & How To Treat!
Bearded Dragon Lifespan: Wild vs. Pet
In the wild, bearded dragons live in tough conditions in Australia’s deserts. They deal with extreme heat, little food, and animals that might eat them, like birds or snakes.
This makes their lifespan shorter, around 5-8 years. As pets, they get everything they need, like food, a cozy tank, and vet care, so they can live 8-15 years or more.
Common Health Problems That Shorten Lifespan
Some health issues can make a bearded dragon’s life shorter if not treated. For example, weak bones can happen if they don’t get enough calcium or UVB light. This is called metabolic bone disease and can make them very sick.
Another problem is impaction, where their stomach gets blocked from eating something they can’t digest, like sand or big bugs. Breathing problems can come from a tank that’s too humid or too cold. Parasites can also make them weak if not treated by a vet. Checking for these issues early and fixing them helps your dragon stay healthy.
Table: Bearded Dragon Care Needs for a Long Lifespan
| Care Aspect | What to Do |
| Food | Young: Mostly bugs; Adults: Mostly veggies |
| Tank Temperature | Warm side: 95-110°F; Cool side: 75-85°F |
| UVB Light | Use a strong UVB bulb, replace every 6-12 months |
| Vet Visits | Yearly check-ups, see vet if dragon seems sick |
| Tank Size | Young: 40 gallons; Adults: 75-120 gallons |
Also Read: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Rolly Pollies? – Ultimate Overview!
List: Foods to Avoid for Bearded Dragons
To keep your bearded dragon healthy and help them live longer, never feed them these foods:
- Avocado – It’s toxic and can make them very sick.
- Rhubarb – It’s harmful and can cause serious health issues.
- Spinach in large amounts – It can stop their body from using calcium.
- Fireflies – These bugs are poisonous to bearded dragons.
- Iceberg lettuce – It has no nutrition and can cause stomach problems.
Read Out: Can Bearded Dragons Eat Oranges – Health Risks Explained!
FAQs
How Long Does a Bearded Dragon Live as a Pet?
Bearded dragon lifespan is 8-12 years as pets. Great care, like good food and a cozy tank, can help them live up to 15 years.
Do Beardies Recognize Their Owners?
Bearded dragons can recognize their owners through voice and smell. Regular, gentle handling helps them feel safe and familiar with you over time.
Are Bearded Dragons High Maintenance?
Bearded dragons aren’t high maintenance. They need a proper tank, UVB light, balanced food, and occasional vet visits, but their care is straightforward and manageable.
Can a Bearded Dragon Live 20 Years?
A bearded dragon rarely lives 20 years. With excellent care, their lifespan may reach 15 years, but 8-12 years is more common for pets.
What Makes a Bearded Dragon Happy?
A warm tank, tasty food like veggies and bugs, hiding spots, and gentle handling keep a bearded dragon happy, healthy, and active every day.
Do Bearded Dragons Like to Be Held?
Bearded dragons often enjoy being held if done gently. Start slow, support their body, and avoid sudden moves to make them feel safe.
How Often Do You Hold a Bearded Dragon?
Hold your bearded dragon a few times a week for 10-15 minutes. Go slow, watch their mood, and stop if they seem stressed or uncomfortable.
Can Bearded Dragons Feel Love?
Bearded dragons don’t feel love like humans, but they can bond with owners. Regular care and gentle handling build trust, making them calm and friendly.
Conclusion
A bearded dragon’s lifespan is usually 8 to 12 years as a pet, but with great care, they can live up to 15 years or more. Giving them the right food, a comfy tank, regular vet visits, and a stress-free life makes a big difference. Whether you’re new to owning a bearded dragon or have had one for a while, these tips will help your pet stay healthy and happy.