Let’s face it, we all wish our pets could live as long as we do. They are our beloved companions and every moment spent with them is priceless. While bearded dragons have an average lifespan, several factors can extend or shorten it. The two major determinants are environmental and health factors, and we will be exploring these complementary aspects.
Bearded dragons in captivity live for 10 to 15 years under favorable conditions, depending on their environment, health care, and husbandry. Additionally, some natural factors like sex or genetic makeup play various roles in their longevity.
If you’re a new bearded dragon owner, this discussion will help you determine what a normal dragon lifestyle should look like with proper care. Let’s dive!
The Complete Bearded Dragon Life Journey from Hatchling to Old Age
There are 4 major stages that make up a complete bearded dragon life cycle. Each of these phases has unique characteristics, challenges, and dietary requirements that play huge roles in determining your pet’s lifespan.
Hatchling Stage (0 – 3 months)
Newly hatched baby dragons are called hatchlings. At this stage, they are fragile and susceptible to illnesses but are extremely active requiring a highly proteinous diet to grow healthy. Hatchlings are more likely to die of starvation, impaction, and environmental inadequacies like improper temperature.
Juvenile Stage (3 – 6 months)
Juveniles have a larger appetite as they develop their beards and scales. While their dietary needs are similar to hatchlings, they are better equipped to resist or recover from illnesses. However, they are still vulnerable to poor husbandry and improper diet, and can fall sick as a result.
Sub-Adult Phase (6 – 9 months)
Bearded dragons in this stage are bigger, more coordinated, and display more prominent physical properties. While they’re stronger than juveniles and hatchlings, sub-adult bearded dragons are still vulnerable to diseases and inadequate husbandry.
Adult Phase (9+ months)
The main differences between sub-adult and adult bearded dragons are sexual maturity and size. At this stage, your dragon has reached sexual maturity and can now safely reproduce. Additionally, their diet changes; adults require more greens and less protein as their metabolism slows down. However, they still face risks from diseases such as metabolic bone disease and parasitic infections, as well as the danger of death from impaction.
| Phase | Duration (months) | Health Challenges |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling Stage | 0 – 3 | Impaction Choking hazards Improper temperatures Starvation Respiratory infections |
| Juvenile and stage | 3 – 6 | Impaction Choking hazards Stress Improper environment |
| Sub-adult stage | 6 – 9 | Parasites Impaction Metabolic bone disease Fungal/ bacterial infections |
| Adult stage | 9+ | Metabolic bone disease Impaction Cancer Egg-binding Arthritis Fungal/bacterial infections Parasites |
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live In Captivity vs The Wild?
The oldest recorded bearded dragon to live in captivity is Sebastian who lived to 18 years and 237 days of age according to the Guinness Book of Records. Unlike Sebastian, wild bearded dragons have no documented lifespan. However, based on the numerous factors and risks beardies face in the wild, they are expected to live for 5 to 10 years at most, especially due to predation.
Even if they survive getting hunted, they have highly limited food sources in their surroundings. Putting the lack of medical care and dietary supplements into consideration, you’d soon realize why it’s oftentimes difficult for wild beardies to survive to their senior years.
Factors That Determine Your Bearded Dragon’s Lifespan
Bearded dragons are highly individualistic which often shapes their experiences and lifespans. To decipher how long your bearded dragon might live, we must rely on the following points:
1. Genetics
Hereditary factors influence how bearded dragons resist diseases and environmental challenges with variations arising from natural selection. Similar to humans, some bearded dragons are better equipped to cope with difficulties, which can extend their lifespan with proper care.
In contrast, selectively bred dragons, such as silkbacks, tend to be more fragile due to their poorly developed bodies. They often experience neurological, physical, and respiratory issues that significantly affect their quality of life. As it stands, it’s considered inhumane to breed silkbacks, but no specific laws have been made to regulate such practices.
2. Habitat
A comfortable bearded dragon environment is spacious and interactive, resembling its natural habitat. This habitat entails the convenient lighting, and temperature gradient required for its well-being.
To create suitable habitat parameters, you need a UVB lamp (view on Amazon) to emit UVB rays, and a heat bulb to provide a basking spot for your pet while raising the tank’s temperature. The basking spot should be 104° to 107° Fahrenheit, while the rest of the tank should maintain 71° to 73° Fahrenheit. By skillful lamp positioning, you can ensure the correct temperature gradient for your bearded dragon.
Setting up your pet’s enclosure can be a little daunting at first. This is why I’ve written a comprehensive article on how to easily and properly set up your beardie’s tank while avoiding common beginner mistakes.
3. Diet
Bearded dragons are omnivorous, relying on insects for protein and nutrient-dense vegetables for essential vitamins and minerals. There are several bugs and vegetables including treats like herbs, flowers, and fruits to help you create a delicious and nutritious meal for your bearded dragon. Such a diet supports healthy growth, which directly impacts your bearded dragon’s longevity.
The table below will give you a clear representation of the appropriate diet for your dragon’s age:
| Age (months) | Percentage |
|---|---|
| 0 – 3 (Baby stage) | 30% greens, 70% grubs |
| 3 – 6 (Juvenile stage) | 30% greens, 70% grubs |
| 6 – 9 (Subadult stage) | 40% greens, 60% grubs |
| 9+ (Adult stage) | 70% greens, 30% grubs |
To assist you further on this topic, I’ve compiled an article that outlines the best diet for your bearded dragon based on its age, helping to ensure optimal health throughout its life.
4. Hydration Habits
Proper hydration is crucial for maintaining your dragon’s health. Bearded dragons need water daily, although adults often get sufficient hydration from the vegetables they consume. To help your pet hydrate, mist the top of its head once a day.
Do not leave water in the enclosure, as it can increase humidity levels and potentially lead to respiratory issues for your pet. Additionally, beardies often struggle to see still water. If your dragon is housed in tanks above 150 gallons where the increase in humidity will be minimal, you may consider leaving water inside the terrarium.
5. Veterinary Routines
Regular veterinary checkups are essential for ensuring a long and healthy life. You need a professional reptile health practitioner to track your beardie’s well-being and offer the necessary treatment. Some diseases are asymptomatic or show symptoms during late stages, making treatment difficult. Routine vet visits help identify potential health risks and provide treatment, thus extending its lifespan.
6. Hygiene
Good hygiene is essential for preventing harmful bacteria from thriving and reducing the chances of illnesses. Ensure that you practice daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning habits with safe reptile cleaning agents (view on Amazon) or a solution of vinegar and water.
7. Sex of the Bearded Dragon
Female bearded dragons are at risk of egg binding when they reach sexual maturity. This condition occurs when they are unable to lay their eggs, leading to serious complications which can result in death. In this case, your best chance is veterinary care. The necessary treatment will be provided to relieve the bound egg, and quite frankly, save your dragon’s life.
Are You Unknowingly Harming Your Bearded Dragon? Common Rookie Mistakes
There are several common practices that can negatively impact the health and longevity of our bearded dragons. While we often focus on setting up the right enclosure and providing nutritious food, it’s easy to overlook these crucial details:
Basking Spot Is Too Hot
One major mistake bearded dragon owners make is improperly using basking lights. If the bulb is too close to the basking spot, especially in a small tank, it can create scalding heat. As a result, your dragon may avoid basking directly under the light, instead lying nearby. This behavior can hinder its metabolism, as heat is essential for digestion and overall health.
Point-Specific UVB Rays
UVB rays should be distributed throughout the tank, not just concentrated on the basking area. Oftentimes, beginner owners are misled by pet store recommendations to use 2-in-1 lamps for both heat and UVB, but these lamps restrict your pet from receiving proper UVB lighting. Bearded dragons need UVB exposure even when they are roaming or cooling off, not just when basking. These rays are crucial for vitamin D absorption, which is vital for skeletal health.
Incorrect Diet
Bearded dragons require a specific balance of vegetables and insects based on their age. Each life stage has unique nutritional needs, and feeding an imbalanced diet ratio can lead to digestive problems and malnutrition over time.
Overhandling
Excessive handling can stress bearded dragons, negatively affecting their health. While bonding is important, it’s essential to allow your dragon space when it shows signs of discomfort. Never force interaction if your pet appears unhappy.
An Unstable Environment
A noisy or overly stimulating environment can cause long-term stress for your bearded dragon. They rely on their senses for security, and a chaotic environment may threaten them. This stress can result in a poor appetite and lead to malnutrition.
Improper Hydration
Hydration is crucial for bearded dragons, though their water needs are minimal. They can easily suffer from both overhydration and dehydration. Excessive water intake can lead to diarrhea and nutrient malabsorption, while dehydration can cause constipation and lethargy. Both extremes pose significant health risks.
Common Life-Threatening Bearded Dragon Diseases
There are several ailments your beardie can incur. However, some are more common and happen to be the demise of many captive dragons.
Metabolic Bone Disease
Metabolic bone disease occurs as a result of insufficient UVB exposure resulting in lack of vitamin D and a calcium deficiency. It affects the skeletal structure leading to deformities and difficulty in movement. In severe cases, the defect is incurable, causing the bearded dragon to suffer from the damage its entire life.
Mouth Rot
Mouth rot results from bacteria infecting the mouth, gums, and teeth of bearded dragons. This condition is commonly caused by poor hygiene or transmission from one dragon to another, often resulting in appetite loss.
Impaction
Bearded dragons suffer from impaction when they eat foods that are difficult to digest. The food later causes a blockage in the digestive tract which can become fatal if left untreated. Feeding your pet too many mealworms or superworms, or failing to provide adequate lighting which is essential for digestion can lead to impaction.
Respiratory Infection
A respiratory infection can result from drastic temperature drops, airborne bacteria, or excessive humidity. It’s highly dangerous to bearded dragons and especially fatal for hatchlings.
Parasitic Infections
Parasites can find their way into your beardies enclosure and cause illnesses. Adult beardies may recover easily with proper treatment, but baby dragons are at higher risk of dying from the illness. A simple remedy would be practicing good hygiene at all times.
Major Symptoms of Disease in Bearded Dragons
Have you ever wondered whether your bearded dragon is falling ill? Below are symptoms to look out for in case you suspect an illness:
Lethargy
Lethargy is a state of reduced activity or unresponsiveness. If your beardie is suddenly looking dull, moving slower, or not moving at all, it may be lethargic and should be evaluated at the vet.
Loss Of Appetite
While adult beardies may have a reduced appetite due to their growth and nutritional needs, there is always a routine you can use as a reference. If your dragon is eating less and less, it’s probably suffering from an underlying illness.
Weight Loss
Bearded dragons can lose weight when they’re ill. In some cases, you may not notice the difference in weight easily, but instead, you’d find their skin getting far more lines and creases than normal.
Unusual Stool
Your bearded dragon’s poop should be consistent and firm, not loose or crackly. If it’s watery, chalky, or bloody, your pet is sick and should be taken for veterinary evaluation immediately.
Respiratory Difficulties
Is your beardie struggling to breathe or making weird sounds while breathing? Chances are it’s fallen ill with a respiratory disease due to high humidity or an infection. Either way, ensure you seek veterinary attention.
Sudden Change In Behavior
If your bearded dragon suddenly becomes aggressive, it could be that it’s suffering from an underlying disease. Feeling sick and having no idea can make anyone grumpy and upset, even your bearded dragon. Give your pet some space and contact your vet for guidance.
5 Senior Bearded Dragon Diseases to Expect
Senior dragons above 8 years experience illnesses related to old age, and this is often due to a decline in vigor. Here are the following bumps you might notice along the way:
Kidney Disease
Your beardie’s kidney function can decline in capacity. This can result in excessive passing out of urate, swelling of the limbs, lethargy, loss of appetite, weakness, and even paralysis due to nerve damage.
Cancer
Senior beardies can also experience abnormal growth of the cells due to constant contact exposure to environmental chemicals resulting in tumors or organ failures. To prevent or manage the growth of cancer, schedule regular veterinary visits for early detection and treatment.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common disease caused by poor management and diet. However, due to kidney failure, your senior beardie can also develop arthritis. This disease targets the joints and limbs, making movement painful and difficult.
Eye Problems
Senior bearded dragons might also grow blind due to old age. While there is no particular cause for this problem, you can help manage the severity by feeding your pet foods rich in vitamin A. If you notice a strange discharge coming from your senior dragon’s eyes, consult your vet immediately for analysis.
3 Ways You Can Specially Care for Your Senior Bearded Dragon
Once your bearded dragon reaches old age, it will require extra care and attention to ensure its comfort.
Remove Obstructions from The Enclosure
As your dragon reaches old age, the usual activities would be much more tedious for it to accomplish. Basking spots that are a steep climb, overly dramatic scratching logs, and furniture that need extra steps to go around should be removed from the tank to make it easier for your pet to move around.
Handle with Care
Senior beardies should be handled less frequently than usual. It would help your beardie if you keep it away from kids during this stage of life. Your pet may enjoy interacting, but not being picked up from its comfortable position or fondled around in its advanced age.
Maintain a Nutritious and Stable Diet
Your dragon’s diet is the most important aspect of its well-being. At the senior stage, it will need a constant supply of nutrients to manage its daily activities and reduce the risk of falling sick. Ensure that you feed your senior pet the correct staple diet of nutritious vegetables and bugs while reducing the ‘occasional food’ intake. Too many treats for senior beardies can pose a risk to your pet.
