Bearded dragons are often misrepresented as low-labor and affordable pets, which puts many of them at risk and misleads first-time owners. While they may be easier to care for than some other lizards, the moral ownership of bearded dragons can be quite demanding.
The cost of a bearded dragon ranges from $40 to $1500+ depending on the dragon’s age, sex, morph, location, and the retailer. However, the initial setup usually exceeds $650.
It’s essential to understand all aspects of bearded dragon ownership to avoid mishaps down the line. Let’s get into the details!
Expense Breakdown of Owning a Bearded Dragon: Housing and Related Costs
The cost of the dragon itself may be lower than the expenses associated with setting up its habitat. For example, the terrarium alone can cost up to four times the price of a typical bearded dragon.
Getting The Terrarium
A bearded dragon’s terrarium can range from $200 to $600, depending on size and type. The most ideal beginner size is a 120-gallon or a 4x2x2 tank (view on Amazon). This option is not only ethical but will save you from upgrading to a new terrarium if you’re raising a hatchling.
Avoid “starting small” with 25 to 50-gallon tanks as your bearded dragon will outgrow them within 2 to 3 months. In addition, larger tanks provide a better heat gradient that helps to prevent overheating. Without the gradient, your bearded dragon can die from the heat and stress.
Cost-Cutting Tip: Look for second-hand reptile vivariums on Facebook or Craigslist for under $100. Just make sure to choose a tank in good condition—if it seems suspiciously cheap, it may be damaged or a scam! Remember to thoroughly sanitize second-hand tanks before using them to ensure safety.
Alternatively, consider using second-hand aquariums; they’re sturdier and designed to hold more pressure.
The Lighting
Bearded dragons require light rays to not only track time, but to regulate their body temperature and assist with digestion. They require two types of lighting: ultraviolet (UVB) bulbs (view on Amazon) and heat-emitting bulbs (view on Amazon). The total cost for both types including fixtures can reach up to $100, with bulb replacements costing $50 to $80 every 6 months.
Avoid using two-in-one lamps for your bearded dragon, as they tend to wear out quickly and limit UVB absorption to only spots directly under the lamp. This can negatively affect bone development and cause skeletal diseases.
For better clarity, below are the differences between UVB and heat-emitting bulbs:
| UVB BULBS | HEAT-EMITTING BULBS |
|---|---|
| Cost is more expensive starting from $30 to $120 | Cost is less expensive starting from $15 to $50 |
| Emits ultraviolet light | Emits infrared or common light that produces heat |
| Responsible for vitamin D synthesis | Responsible for digestion, regulating body temperature, and keeping the enclosure warm |
| Supports bone health and calcium absorption | Supports overall metabolism |
| Light rays should cover the entire tank as a consistent supply is necessary | Should be placed at one end of the tank for basking |
| Needs replacement every 6 months | Needs replacement every 6 months |
| Encourages natural behaviors and well-being | Creates thermal gradient for heating and cooling |
The Flooring
There are various types of flooring available with their pros and cons. They include paper, slate, carpets, and tiles costing between $5 and $35 on average.
However, soil substrate provides your pet with a more natural environment enhancing its living condition. For the best results, use a mix of 60% topsoil, 30% sand, and 10% clay which costs about $50 to $75.
Temperature and Humidity Measurements
Your dragon’s terrarium should be equipped with two types of thermometers and a hygrometer:
- Digital wall-mounted thermometer and hygrometer to measure the overall temperature of the enclosure.
- Separate handheld infrared thermometer for precise measurements of the basking spot.
This setup costs about $50 but may save you a thousand bucks in veterinary bills as irregular heating and excessive humidity are dangerous for bearded dragons.
Beardies are slow to sense temperature changes, particularly around their bellies, which can result in burns or cause them to avoid heat, both of which are harmful. Additionally, changes in the weather can cause fluctuations in humidity which can negatively affect your dragon’s respiratory health.
Bearded Dragon Furniture
Bearded dragons thrive in an interactive habitat that mimics their natural surroundings. Frankly, what we offer our pet beardies is a simplified version of their natural habitat, and some setups don’t even meet the bare minimum. Items like basking and shading rocks, hammocks, plants, and other decor are highly essential for your pet’s living.
These items individually cost between $5 to $15, with the total expense for bearded dragon furnishings reaching about $85 at most.
Feeding Costs
Baby and juvenile beardies eat a lot more than adults do, and they rely more on protein which, of course, costs more money. According to the particular diet for each age, the cost will vary. However, the monthly feeding budget is about $50 to $70 for both live grubs and vegetables.
The table below will give you the required diet ratio for each beardie stage.
| AGE | Fraction in Percent (Bugs & Veggies) | Number of Insects |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 2 months (Baby dragon) | 70/30 | As many bugs as possible in 10 to 15 minutes, thrice daily. |
| 3 to 6 months (Juvenile) | 70/30 | As many bugs as possible in 10 to 15 minutes, thrice daily. |
| 7 to 9 months (Pre-Adult) | 60/40 | 20 bugs daily |
| 10+ months (Adult) | 30/70 | 10 bugs thrice a week |
It’s important to provide live grubs as bearded dragons benefit from the stimulation of chasing their prey. While frozen or dead bugs offer similar nutritional value, the lack of activity can lead to prolonged stress.
You can either grow your own colony of live bugs or purchase them weekly since they live for about a week before dying. Raising dubia roaches or crickets may demand more labor, but it’s more affordable in the long run.
Supplements
It’s essential to include supplements in your bearded dragon’s diet such as calcium (view on Amazon) and multivitamins (view on Amazon). These additives help ensure your pet receives a well-rounded nutrition, promoting longevity and overall well-being. For about $50, you can significantly reduce the risk of illnesses and costly veterinary visits.
How Are Bearded Dragons Priced? The 5 Determining Factors
Understanding how bearded dragons are priced can help you navigate the market and find a pet that fits your budget and preferences. Below are five factors that affect cost:
1. The Age
Baby and older dragons are generally sold at lower prices. Babies are more affordable because they don’t have significant cost value yet, while breeders are often eager to sell off older dragons. Prices for these beardies typically range from $40 to $65.
2. The Sex
Pet stores and breeders highly value female bearded dragons for good reason: they are crucial for breeding and sustaining the market. As a result, female beardies normally cost more than males. Some breeders may even refuse to sell particularly unique females if they produce rare offspring, which adds to the competition.
3. Morphology
Morphs refer to bearded dragons that have been selectively bred for specific colors and patterns, making them visually unique. These special traits can significantly increase their price. Depending on rarity, seller, sex, age, and morph, the cost of these dragons can range from $150 to $1,500.
Here’s a quick view of the morphs and their prices:
| Morphs | Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard bearded dragons | $40 – $150 |
| Translucent | $200 – $400 |
| Hypo | $150 – $300 |
| Leatherback | $200 – $500 |
| Dunner | $300 – $600 |
| Wiltbits | $300 – $800 |
| Citrus | $400 – $1000 |
| Red | $500 – $1500 |
4. Retailer or Breeder
Bearded dragon prices vary widely due to factors like the size of the company, the seller’s expertise, and other unknown reasons. Generally, breeders tend to sell bearded dragons for $10 to $30 less than prices at professional reptile stores.
5. Your Area of Residence
Bearded dragons are native to Australia, so if you live there, you may find them at significantly lower prices compared to other continents. The same applies to Europe and the USA, which have historically been major markets for bearded dragons. However, these regions now rely on breeding existing stock due to a ban on shipping them from Australia.
In contrast, if you live on other continents where bearded dragons are less common, you may face a considerable price increase. In such cases, you could expect to pay between $200 and $400 for a central bearded dragon without any special traits, especially if shipping is required.
The Smartest Way to Choose and Purchase a Bearded Dragon
It’s vital to know how to identify a healthy bearded dragon, as this will help you avoid the unforeseen labor and costs associated with caring for a sick pet.
Visit Reputable Breeders Only
As a beginner, prioritize purchasing a healthy dragon from ethical breeders. Don’t hesitate to report to the authorities if you observe misconduct or neglect at pet stores or breeding facilities.
Your vigilance can help protect animals from mistreatment, especially with the current breeding pandemic. Bearded dragons are often overbred, even as many are rescued from unsuitable living conditions or abandoned alongside roads.
Check for Physical Health
Avoid purchasing dragons showing signs of illness such as hanging jaws, sluggishness, or unresponsiveness unless your intention is to rescue it. If you have concerns, report to the staff and ask as many questions as needed to understand the conditions of the pets in their care.
Consider The Dragon’s Temperament
Bearded dragons display a range of personalities, influenced by both their individual traits and how they are cared for. Generally, they are docile creatures, but some may exhibit unfamiliar levels of stress or aggression. Avoid dragons that are constantly hissing, flattening their bodies, puffing up, or darkening their beards, as these behaviors indicate fear or aggression.
Handling a stressed dragon can be overwhelming for a beginner. Evaluate whether you are prepared to handle an aggressive beardie before deciding to rescue it.
Will a Bearded Dragon Make a Good Pet for You?
Whether a bearded dragon is a good pet for you depends on your experience level with exotic pets. They are not beginner-friendly, as the cost of ownership and the care involved can be quite high.
Regardless, if you are willing to invest time, money, and patience in learning how to care for a bearded dragon, you will have a rewarding experience with your pet. Just make sure to properly set up the terrarium, and you and your beardie will enjoy a fulfilling companionship together.
