Pet bearded dragons can live for longer than a pet rabbit and, with exceptional care, potentially as long as a dog or cat! Bearded dragons are amazing companions, but their time with us is limited like all pets. A bearded dragon’s life expectancy depends on a few important factors, but they can live for 12 years with proper care.
Their lifespan is a major consideration when giving bearded dragons as pets to children. If your children might go off to college or move out in the next 10 years, who will be responsible for the bearded dragon during that time? With the right care, bearded dragons live for years, so it’s something to plan for from the beginning.
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Average Lifespan of Bearded Dragons in Captivity vs the Wild?
How Long do Bearded Dragons Live in the Wild?
Life in the wild isn’t easy for a bearded dragon. Between avoiding predators like birds of prey and trying to find food in harsh, dry environments, it’s no surprise that the expected lifespan of a bearded dragon is shorter than that of a well-cared-for reptile in captivity.
It’s nearly impossible to determine their exact lifespan in the wild, but estimates suggest it’s less than that of captive dragons. Many wild bearded dragons are likely to die from predators before old age due to slowing down as they age. Nature can be tough, and many wild bearded dragons face daily challenges that prevent them from living long lives.
How Long do Bearded Dragons Live as Pets?
When bearded dragons are cared for properly in captivity, they can live much longer than their wild counterparts. HAGR (2023) records the life span of an Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbarta) to be 9.9 years and the Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) to be 12 years.
In fact, the longest living bearded dragon recorded was to 18 years old! Sebastian, a bearded dragon in the UK, made it into the Guinness World Records. This bearded dragon lived for 18 years and 237 days before passing away in 2016 (Guinness World Records, 2016). If you’re committed to providing excellent care, your bearded dragon could live a long, healthy life.
Factors That Affect How Long Bearded Dragons Live
A bearded dragon’s life expectancy differs based on a range of factors, including their environment, diet, veterinary care, and genetics. While reptiles, in general, can have long lifespans, improper care can shorten their years considerably. Caring for a bearded dragon properly isn’t difficult, but it’s important to recognize their needs to help them live a longer, healthier life.
Unfortunately, 75% of pet reptiles in the UK die within their first year due to poor care (Fry, 2015). The good news is if they are looked after well, bearded dragons can easily live beyond 10 years. Here are five keys to improve a bearded dragon’s life expectancy:
Providing a Balanced Diet: Bearded dragons start life as insectivores and become omnivores as they mature. In the wild, their diet includes a variety of vegetation, such as leaves and flowers, along with insects. In captivity, we try to replicate this diet as closely as possible by offering a mix of insects and leafy greens. Supplements are also essential, particularly calcium and vitamin powder, to prevent diseases like metabolic bone disease, which can drastically shorten their lifespan.
Good Husbandry Practices: Good husbandry, or day-to-day care practices, plays a crucial role in determining how long your bearded dragon will live. This includes everything from feeding them the right foods and providing sufficient water to keep them hydrated through to keeping their enclosure clean and well-maintained. Without this basic care, bearded dragons can become stressed and ill, both of which can cut your bearded dragon’s life short.
Providing a Natural Habitat: Creating a habitat that replicates a bearded dragon’s natural environment can enhance its environmental stimulation and health. This includes providing the right substrates, lots of space, and the correct lighting and heating.
Healthcare and Disease Prevention: A proactive approach to healthcare is vital for keeping your bearded dragon healthy. Regular veterinary check-ups and immediate attention to changes in behaviour can help catch potential issues early. Be aware of common preventable conditions like metabolic bone disease, impaction, and respiratory infections, which can shorten their lifespan if not addressed. Early intervention can prevent many serious health problems from developing.
Impact of Brumation on Bearded Dragons Life Expectancy: Bearded dragons go into brumation, aka hibernation, for winter. Hibernation can also affect their life expectancy. Some veterinarians speculate that brumation may help extend a bearded dragon’s lifespan by giving their body a period of rest (Axelson & Hess, 2016).
How Bearded Dragons Age: Gradual Senescence
As bearded dragons grow older, knowing how their needs change can help you provide the right care and adjust your expectations about their lifespan. Hoekstra et al. (2019) shows that reptiles like bearded dragons go through a gradual aging process, not unlike mammals and birds. This means that as they age, they face more health challenges and may slow down in terms of activity.
The aging process for bearded dragons is called gradual senescence, which means they start to show physical signs of ageing slowly after they reach adulthood. Their activity levels may decrease, their appetite can change, and their reproductive capacity will decline as they grow older. Just like in other animals, proper care—including diet, habitat, and health monitoring—plays a huge role in how long bearded dragons live and how well they age.
Unlike turtles, which can live for many decades, bearded dragons lives. Ensuring proper care at each stage of life helps your bearded dragon live a long, healthy life. Understanding how bearded dragons live as they age helps you support them as they slow down.
There are 3 levels of senescence in reptiles:
- Gradual Senescence:
- Observed in: Most Squamates (including bearded dragons, lizards, and snakes)
- Characteristics:
- Increased mortality rate with age.
- Decreased reproductive capacity over time.
- General physical deterioration.
- This form is similar to the ageing process seen in birds and mammals.
- Negligible Senescence:
- Observed in: Chelonians (turtles and tortoises) and Crocodilians.
- Characteristics:
- Continuous growth throughout life.
- Senescence is either very slow or not noticeable.
- Sustained reproductive capacity and low mortality rate even in older age.
- Rapid Senescence:
- Observed in: A few small reptile species, not applicable to bearded dragons.
- Characteristics:
- Rapid ageing and death shortly after sexual maturity and mating.
- Similar to the life cycle observed in Pacific salmon and some small marsupials.
Providing ongoing care and regular veterinary check-ups becomes even more important as bearded dragons live into their senior years. Geriatric care for reptiles focuses on monitoring age-related health issues, ensuring they are comfortable, and adjusting care routines as needed. Bearded dragons live longer and healthier lives when their changing needs are recognized and addressed.
Considering a Bearded Dragon’s Life Expectancy for Child Owners
Considering how long a bearded dragon will live for is part of bringing a pet into your family, especially for a child. Bearded dragons have the potential to live for over 12 years. This means these pets can easily outlive a child’s interest in caring for them or even how long the child lives at home before college or following their own life.
Who will take care of the bearded dragon when your child goes to college or moves out? A bearded dragon’s life expectancy means they are a long-term commitment, requiring care for many years. Planning ahead for who will take over their care ensures the bearded dragon lives a full and healthy life, even if circumstances change. Bearded dragons live longer when they receive consistent, attentive care. So, it’s important to make sure the family is prepared for the commitment. While bearded dragons make excellent pets for children, the longevity of their lives needs to be factored into the decision to make sure they live happily and healthily throughout their life span
Conclusion: How Bearded Dragons Can Live for as Pets
When cared for properly, bearded dragons can live for well over a decade, offering many years of joy and companionship. Remembering how long bearded dragons live depends on key factors, including what they eat, their living environment, and regular veterinary care. Every effort you put into these areas can make a real difference in your bearded dragon’s lifespan.
If you’re considering bringing a bearded dragon into your home or already have one, just remember that these fascinating reptiles need much care and attention. They’re not a short-term pet—especially for families with kids, so planning ahead is important. A bearded dragon’s life expectancy means you’re in it for the long haul. But with the right care, you’ll be rewarded with a healthy, happy pet for many years to come.
FAQs
How long do bearded dragons live as pets?
Depending on care and other factors, bearded dragons can live between 12 years, with the current record being as long as 18 years of age.
References
- Fry, B. (2015). Venomous reptiles and their toxins : evolution, pathophysiology, and biodiscovery. Oxford University Press.
- Guinness World Records. (2016, February 25). Oldest bearded dragon in captivity ever. Guinness World Records.
- HAGR. (2023). Central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps) longevity, ageing, and life history. AnAge: The Animal Ageing and Longevity Datavase; Human Ageing Genomic Resources (HAGR).
- Hoekstra, L. A., Schwartz, T. S., Sparkman, A. M., Miller, D. A. W., & Bronikowski, A. M. (2019). The untapped potential of reptile biodiversity for understanding how and why animals age. Functional Ecology, 34(1), 38–54.
- Central Bearded Dragon. The Australian Museum. News. (2019).
- Paré, J. A., & Lentini, A. M. (2010). Reptile Geriatrics. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Exotic Animal Practice, 13(1), 15–25.
- Rich DVM, G., Hess DVM, L., & Axelson DVM, R. (2024). Bearded Dragons – Owning. Vca_corporate.
- Schabacker, S. (2019, June 20). Bearded dragons. Nationalgeographic.com.
