How much are bearded dragons worth?

Website design By BotEap.comBuying a bearded dragon is likely to cost you anywhere from $40 to $500 odd, or £20 to £350, depending on where you are. Specially bred color morphs will cost more. But that’s not the most significant cost of owning a bearded dragon.

Website design By BotEap.comTo keep a bearded dragon you will need an appropriate enclosure, lighting, heating, humidifier (depending on your environment) and consumables such as food, supplements and substrates at a minimum. If you live in Australia, you will also need to consider the cost of a bearded dragon license. If you decide to have more than one then you will also increase a number of other costs, it’s not a two for one deal. If they have come from different places, then quarantine should also be considered and therefore more than one enclosure and all its equipment.

Website design By BotEap.comLike all pets, you should also allow yourself a budget for vet visits, not just for emergency care, but for semi-annual checkups as well.

Website design By BotEap.comIn general, the costs attributed to housing your bearded dragon are associated with keeping them in a protected enclosure, either in the home or in another structure. However, some people will also keep them outside. Keeping your beard outside will require a different setup than indoors and is only appropriate if the climate you live in can safely support the practice. But the exterior doesn’t necessarily mean less associated costs, just a different configuration.

Website design By BotEap.comMany keen new owners will go to the local store and purchase their starter kit for their bearded dragon only to later realize that it is unsuitable. Before you buy anything, make sure you have done your homework on its requirements. Some of the best places to talk are zoos, your local animal protection association (they can refer you to the right resource), herpetological societies, local veterinarians, and similar authorities on specific reptile needs.

Website design By BotEap.comSmall enclosures are, of course, more attractive to pet owners simply because of the lower initial purchase cost and the space they will take up. Generally, in starter kits all you’ll get is a small tank or other enclosure, perhaps along with some lighting and other bits and pieces. But not every enclosure you may be tempted to buy is suitable.

Website design By BotEap.comMake sure you know how big your bearded dragon will be (every species in the Pogona genus is different). The shortest dimension of your enclosure floor should be equal to the length of your beard. So if it will grow to 24″ (60 cm), then the width of the enclosure should be at least 24″ (60 cm). Obviously the length needs to be longer and there is certainly a wide range of opinion. So instead of getting into the size argument (which I’m all for), maybe look at some of the Australian state government departments’ policies on the size of venues. After all, bearded dragons are Australian, right? The NSW Government Department of Environment and Heritage is one of the departments that maintains a Code of Practice for the Private Keeping of Reptiles which specifies the basic conditions that must be met.

Website design By BotEap.comCorrect heating is absolutely vital and is a commonly misunderstood requirement, just ask any reptile vet or even search the internet to see how bad heating can be when incorrect. Your bearded dragon should be kept at specific temperatures in captivity that span the correct temperature gradient. Although it can withstand a greater fluctuation of heat or cold in its natural environment, it is not in its natural environment. Heating is provided through lamps and ceramic heat emitters.

Website design By BotEap.comThere is no need to buy heat mats, caves and rocks. In fact, don’t buy heated rocks. The thermostats on such equipment are generally not of great quality, and aside from the fact that they could (and have been known to) even start a house fire, they can burn your beard. Invest in a good heating lamp and make sure it is set up correctly, including the correct height. Reptiles are not like humans or other mammals that will naturally recoil quickly from excessive heat that could burn them.

Website design By BotEap.comYou will also need UVB lighting. This is not only an initial cost, but also a consumable, since the bulbs need to be changed. How often UVB lights should be changed depends on the manufacturer’s instructions which should be followed, probably every 6 months. This cannot be ignored, it is vital that you receive UVB light.

Website design By BotEap.comTimers should be purchased for the lighting to ensure it turns on and off according to day/night and even summer/winter cycles.

Website design By BotEap.comOther necessary equipment includes thermometers, hygrometer, a means to transport to the vet where the temperature is maintained at the correct transport levels, a container of water that is difficult to tip over, etc.

Website design By BotEap.comSubstrates are what you will place on the floor of the enclosure and are consumables. You can use anything from newspapers to specific types of litter, lots of variables, and lots of loose opinions on the internet as to which one should be used. But this article is about cost, not recommended substrates, so ask your vet what he recommends. It could save you big vet bills treating your bearded dragon for using the wrong substrate.

Website design By BotEap.comFood for your bearded dragon can be a whole new world for you. Can you handle a cockroach? Will you raise crickets (noisy things) or buy live food? Again, do your research and ask your vet when you’re not sure. It’s not that cockroaches and crickets are all they eat, they eat a wide range of insects and as they grow to maturity their need for such foods diminishes and vegetation takes over a large part of the diet, so if you have only one bearded dragon it may be easier to buy live food as needed.

Website design By BotEap.comThere is also a need for supplements that are readily available, although it is wise to keep in mind that pet supplements are generally not regulated and therefore what you think you have purchased and what you have purchased may vary. So be careful to buy reliable products. If you’re ever unsure, remember that your vet is your new best friend.

Website design By BotEap.comIn short, you can see that how much your bearded dragon will cost is not a simple question. Consider the big picture. Although this article doesn’t cover the full spectrum of what you need, it goes a long way. For avid beard lovers, it’s worth it!