Bearded Dragons are one of the most popular pet lizards, and understandably so! They’re friendly, cute, and easy to care for.
Of the 1.8 million Americans who own a pet reptile, Bearded Dragons account for more than 70%!
But how long do bearded dragons live?
On average, the bearded dragon lifespan is between 8 to 15 years. It’s a wide range, but there are plenty of factors that impact how long a bearded dragon can live, including:
- Health
- Nutrition
- Happiness
- Terrarium Conditions
Different kinds of bearded dragons will also have different lifespans, which we will cover more in depth later in the article. First, let’s look at the bearded dragon lifecycle.
Understanding the Bearded Dragon Lifecycle
Bearded dragons are oviparous, which means they lay eggs. The female bearded dragon will lay her eggs in a sheltered area, such as a rock crevice or a hole in the ground.
After the eggs are laid, the male bearded dragon will guard them until they hatch.
The baby bearded dragons, or hatchlings, will emerge from their eggs about 60 to 80 days later.
Immediately after hatching, the baby bearded dragons are on their own. They are not cared for by their parents and must fend for themselves.
The first few weeks of a baby bearded dragon’s life are the most critical. They are vulnerable to predators and need to find food and shelter.
As they grow, they become less vulnerable to predators and can start to socialize with other bearded dragons.
Bearded dragons reach sexual maturity at about 18 months old. At this point, they can start reproducing and the cycle starts all over again!
Factors That Impact How Long Bearded Dragons Live
There are a variety of factors that impact how long-bearded dragons live. Probably the most important factor is their diet.
Nutrition
Bearded dragons need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. A diet that is too high in fat can lead to obesity, which can shorten a bearded dragon’s lifespan.
However, feeding a bearded dragon too much protein and not enough plants can also reduce their lifespan. On average, an adult beardie needs a diet that’s at least 20% of their diet to be protein.
Health
Bearded dragons are prone to various health conditions, some of which can shorten their lifespan.
The most common health condition for bearded dragons is a respiratory infection. Symptoms of a respiratory infection include:
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Discharge from the nose or mouth
- Difficulty breathing
If your bearded dragon is displaying any of these symptoms, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Other health conditions that bearded dragons can experience include:
Metabolic Bone Disease: This disease is caused by a lack of Calcium in the diet. Symptoms include fractures, bowed legs, and stunted growth.
Eye Infections: Bearded dragons can get eye infections if they’re not kept clean and dry. Symptoms include runny eyes and swelling.
Parasites: Bearded dragons can get parasites, such as mites, from their environment. Symptoms include itching, lethargy, and weight loss.
If your bearded dragon is displaying any of these symptoms, take them to a veterinarian immediately.
Terrarium Conditions
Another important factor is the terrarium conditions. Bearded dragons need a warm, dry environment. If the terrarium is too cold or too wet, it can lead to health problems that can shorten a bearded dragon’s life.
The daytime temperature for your bearded dragon should be between 75-85°F, and the nighttime temperature should drop to 70-75°F. Make sure to also include a basking stone in your terrarium with direct heat at about 90°F.
Humidity for most of the pogona species should be between 20 and 40%.
You should also regularly clean your terrarium to make sure your bearded dragon doesn’t come into contact with harmful bacteria or parasites.
Reptile Happiness
Finally, happiness is important for all animals, including bearded dragons! A happy bearded dragon is a healthy bearded dragon. Be sure to provide your beardie with plenty of toys, hide spots, and basking areas to keep them happy and stress-free.
Don’t rearrange their terrarium environment too much, because constant change can be stressful for them.
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live in Captivity?
Bearded dragons in captivity typically have a longer lifespan than those in the wild. This is because they are well-cared for and have access to a constant food supply. In addition, they are not as vulnerable to predators or other dangers in the wild.
The average lifespan of a bearded dragon in captivity is between 8 and 15 years. However, some bearded dragons have been known to live up to 20 years in captivity!
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live In The Wild?
In the wild, bearded dragons like sunning themselves on large stones or sandy patches, which makes them a prime target for birds-of-prey and the gull-billed turn. Even though bearded dragons blend in with their environment, they’re still a delicious snack for aerial predators.
Plus, many ground predators–like monitor lizards, foxes, and dingos–will eat bearded dragons. Life in the wild can be quite dangerous for beardies!
As such, the lifespan of a wild bearded dragon is much shorter than that of a bearded dragon in captivity. The average lifespan of a wild bearded dragon is between 4 and 8 years, with most adult beardies dying at about 5 or 6 years.
The Lifespans for Different Pogona Species
As you’re probably aware, there are a bunch of different types of bearded dragons. While they are all mostly the same shape and color, some of them have unique features that distinguish them from other beardies. Their lifespans are also different.
There are 8 distinct species of pogona, but only a few of them are legal to have as pets. Here are the common types of bearded dragons, with info about how long they can live in captivity:
- The Pogona Vitticeps, or the central bearded dragon, is the most common type of bearded dragon. They are found throughout Australia and can live between 8 and 12 years in captivity.
- The Pogona Henrylawsoni, or Rankin’s dragon, is a smaller type of bearded dragon. They are found in the Northern Territory of Australia and can live between 6 and 8 years in captivity.
- The Pogona Minor, or the pygmy bearded dragon, is the smallest type of bearded dragon. They are found in Queensland and New South Wales and can live between 5 and 8 years in captivity.
- The Pogona Barbata, or the bearded dragon, is the most common type of bearded dragon found in captivity. They are found throughout Australia and can live between 6 and 8 years.
Long Live The Bearded Dragon!
Bearded dragons, no matter the species, all require attentive care to live their life to the fullest. Make sure you carefully plan out your terrarium design to include adequate heating, humidity, and sleeping areas. Having the right balance of protein, fat, and plants for your beardie will also help them live a healthy life!
And make sure to consult a reptile veterinarian if your pogona starts to display symptoms of any of the conditions we listed above. If left untreated, an eye or respiratory infection can negatively impact your bearded dragon’s lifespan.
