Introduction to bearded dragon cost
Bearded dragons are popular pet reptiles for beginner and experienced keepers alike. They are docile, curious, and one of the most interactive pet reptiles. If you’ve been contemplating getting yourself a reptilian companion, you probably wonder how much does a bearded dragon cost.
As a responsible owner, you must ensure you can financially care for them throughout their life. Bearded dragons can live up to 15 years, so they have the same financial commitment as most cats and dogs. Other than the setup costs and the bearded dragon itself, you will need to cover ongoing costs like food and veterinary care.
So, how much does a bearded dragon cost overall? This article will tell you everything you need to know.
Initial Bearded Dragon Purchase Price
Price Range of Bearded Dragons
Generally, the average bearded dragon cost ranges from $30 to $200. However, some rare morphs can cost up to $1,000. Their price range varies depending on their age, morph (color), subspecies, and place of purchase.
Age Influence on Bearded Dragon Cost
Adult bearded dragons typically cost more than hatchlings and juveniles. This is because breeders put more effort into maintaining adult bearded dragons until they are sold. Hatchlings are also fragile and don’t have established health and size like adults, hence their lower price.
- Hatchlings: $30 to $70
- Juveniles: $50 to $100
- Adults: $60 to $200
Subspecies Influence on Bearded Dragon Cost
There are eight subspecies of bearded dragons belonging to the genus Pogona, but only six are formally recognized. The Pogona vitticeps, or Central bearded dragon, is the most common subspecies kept as pets. This makes them widely available in the pet trade and relatively inexpensive. The Pogona henrylawsoni or Pygmy bearded dragon is one of the rarest subspecies in the pet trade and, therefore, more expensive. The Pogona barbata, or Coastal bearded dragon, is primarily found in its native range (parts of eastern Australia) and is rarely imported elsewhere in the pet trade, making them expensive.
- Central bearded dragons: $30 to $120
- Pygmy bearded dragons: $75 to $300
- Coastal bearded dragons: $150 to $500
Place-of-Purchase Influence on Bearded Dragon Cost
Breeders usually charge more for bearded dragons than most large-chain pet stores due to the difference in quality, health, and temperament. Large-chain pet stores often receive bearded dragons from breeding mills where they are mass-produced in commercial facilities. Little thought is given to the individual needs of each bearded dragon, so they are considered low quality and relatively cheap.
Reputable reptile breeders breed bearded dragons to high standards to ensure they are healthy and have the desired temperaments and good genetics. They don’t mass produce bearded dragons and instead put their own time and finances into the reptiles’ well-being.
You can also purchase bearded dragons from online retailers, which can either be an online pet store or a breeder. The price of the bearded dragon is typically the same as in-store, but you will need to pay the additional shipping fees.
Factors Influencing Bearded Dragon Cost
Bearded dragons morph, and availability have the most significant influence on their overall price range.
Morph Influence on Bearded Dragon Cost
This refers to the bearded dragon’s physical appearance in terms of their color, patterns, scales, and body shape. Unique morphs can cost hundreds of dollars because they are rare and aren’t widely available.
| Morph: | Price Range: |
| Standard wild type (most common) | $30-$100 |
| Leatherback | $120-$300 |
| Hypomelanistic | $100-$200 |
| Silkback | $160-$400 |
| Paradox | $400-$800 |
| Zero | $400-$900 |
| Dunner | $180-$400 |
| Translucent | $150-$300 |
| Citrus | $120-$300 |
| Witblit | $200-$800 |
Location and Availability Influence on Bearded Dragon Cost
Bearded dragons may be cheaper in areas where they are easily accessible. This is due to the competition among breeders and reptile retailers who are selling bearded dragons in high demand. Bearded dragons often cost more in regions where they are uncommon as pets but still highly sought-after. Also, greater shipping expenses or limited supply from breeders in specific regions often means higher prices.
Bearded Dragon Setup Costs
Bearded Dragon Enclosure Cost
Your bearded dragon’s enclosure will be one of the most expensive supplies to purchase. In most cases, you only have to buy one enclosure for your bearded dragon, making it a once-off-cost. Glass terrariums or vivariums are the most common forms of housing for bearded dragons. They can vary in price depending on their size and materials. Large enclosures made from high-quality materials will naturally cost more than ones that are small and low-quality.
Generally, a bearded dragon’s enclosure costs between $100 to $600. A 120-gallon glass terrarium, which is the recommended size for adult bearded dragons, typically costs $200 to $400. Custom-made enclosures will be a bit pricier than store-bought options and can cost up to $600. The higher price reflects the cost of the materials used, the required labor, and the shipping fees.
Bearded Dragon Heating and Lighting Cost
| Heat lamps (25W to $150W): | $20-$100 |
| Light fixtures: | $25-$40 |
| UVB lighting: | $10-$25 |
| Thermometers: | $5-$12 |
| Thermostat: | $20-$40 |
Bearded dragons are cold-blooded reptiles who rely on external heat to maintain an optimal body temperature. This makes it essential to purchase heat lamps to keep the enclosure within an ideal temperature range.
They need a heat lamp to bask under, which can cost between $20 to $100 depending on the brand and wattage. Heat lamps with a higher wattage usually cost more. You may also need to purchase an additional heat lamp to keep the enclosure’s ambient temperature warm or to use for nighttime heating. Ceramic heat emitters are preferred for nighttime heating and typically cost between $20 to $30.
It’s a good idea to purchase a thermometer and thermostat to monitor the heating equipment and temperatures to keep your bearded dragon safe.
Bearded dragons need UVB light to produce vitamin D3 for proper calcium absorption. Most reptile UVB lights are inexpensive at $10 to $25. However, they should be replaced every 6 to 12 months because the UVB output decreases over time.
Bearded Dragon Substrate and Décor Cost
Bearded dragons need a safe, hygienic substrate in their enclosure. Most substrates are budget-friendly and cost less than $25. Ceramic tiles are the cheapest substrate you can use and cost about $10 from a hardware store. They don’t have to be replaced as often as other types of substrate and are easy to maintain. You also have the option of using reptile carpet, which typically costs between $10 to $20.
If you prefer using a digging substrate like excavator clay or ReptiChips, expect to spend about $12. These substrates need to be replaced regularly, so they tend to cost more in the long term than reptile carpets or ceramic tiles.
Bearded dragons need decorations for enrichment and shelter. Items like reptile branches, basking platforms, hideouts, and plants generally cost between $10 to $40. Food and water bowls are relatively inexpensive at about $5 each, although some large reptile bowls can cost up to $12.
Ongoing Care Costs for Bearded Dragons
Bearded Dragon Food Costs
| Feeder insects: | $10-$30 |
| Vegetables: | $8-$25 |
| Dietary supplements: | $5-$12 |
| Commercial pellets: | $5-$20 |
Food is the most frequent ongoing care cost associated with bearded dragon ownership. Adult bearded dragons are omnivores and require a varied diet consisting of feeder insects, vegetables, and dietary supplements. You can expect to spend between $$20 to $30 per month on food for your bearded dragon.
Feeder insects, like crickets, roaches, and hornworms, can be purchased live from reptile stores and are typically priced between $8 to $20. Depending on the type of feeder insect and your bearded dragon’s appetite, you may only have to buy feeders every two to three months.
Bearded dragons also need fresh vegetables for important nutrients and fiber. The vegetables should ideally be organic and can be purchased from your local grocery store. Some great budget-friendly options include dandelion greens, collard greens, and Romaine lettuce.
Bearded Dragon Supplement Costs
Calcium and vitamin D3 supplements are important for a bearded dragon’s health. You can expect to spend about $5 to $12 on dietary supplements for your bearded dragon every few months. You can save money by purchasing a two-in-one reptile supplement containing both calcium and vitamin D3 instead of buying them separately. These supplements should be offered a few times a week alongside their main diet of insects and vegetables.
Bearded Dragon Veterinary Care Costs
Like any other pet, bearded dragons must receive veterinary care when they are ill, injured, or for a routine health checkup. They should be taken to an exotic veterinarian who specializes in treating bearded dragons, which can be a bit pricier than general veterinary practitioners.
An annual wellness exam typically costs between $45 to $80 in vet fees. Medications and diagnostic tests like blood work and X-rays can cost between $100 to $200. Surgical procedures are usually the most expensive veterinary expenses and can cost a few thousand dollars.
Miscellaneous Bearded Dragon Costs
Bearded Dragon Habitat Maintenance
Many owners overlook the costs associated with maintaining their bearded dragon’s habitat. You should factor in costs related to the cleaning supplies, temperature sensors, and humidity gauges. For cleaning supplies, you may need a non-toxic cleaning solution, a microfiber cloth, and disposable rubber gloves to protect your hands. These supplies can cost between $10 to $25 altogether.
Additionally, a thermometer is necessary to maintain a proper temperature in your bearded dragon’s habitat. Most reptile thermometers are inexpensive and cost about $5 to $12 at most. It’s recommended to use at least two thermometers on either side of the habitat.
A humidity gauge is used to monitor the humidity range in the habitat. They are sold as reptile hydrometers and cost between $5 to $10. You could also purchase a two-in-one thermometer and hydrometer, which can save you a bit of money than purchasing them separately.
Bearded Emergency Expenses
It’s important to ensure you have enough money set aside for unexpected vet bills that can occur at any time, even if your bearded dragon seems healthy. Unexpected illnesses and injuries are common emergencies that can take a toll on our wallet. If possible, try to put money aside in a savings account specifically for emergency situations. You could also add a bit of money into the account each month to grow the emergency funds if it works better for your financial situation.
Long-Term Financial Considerations
Bearded Dragon Lifespan and Longevity
When you get a bearded dragon, you are committing to caring for them for the next 10 to 15 years of their life. You will be responsible for all the costs associated with their care.
Bearded dragons need expensive enclosures and equipment to thrive. These supplies can be costly, but it’s essential for the health of your reptile. They also need to eat various foods as part of a balanced diet, which can be a costly monthly expense. Make sure you can afford the monthly costs of vegetables, feeder insects, and dietary supplements for the next decade or two. You should also factor in the costs of replacing the substrate every month and the UVB lights every 6 to 12 months.
Budgeting and Bearded Dragon Care
Although bearded dragon ownership isn’t necessarily budget-friendly, there are ways to budget for both the initial and ongoing costs.
- Buy second-hand supplies: You can look at online marketing sites for pre-loved bearded dragon supplies and enclosures, usually for a fraction of the cost of new ones. You could also try asking local reptile community groups if anyone is selling their bearded dragon supplies for a fair price.
- Check for discounts/sales: Regularly check local grocery stores, pet stores, and online retailers for discounted prices on bearded dragon food and supplies.
- Breed feeder insects: Instead of purchasing feeder insects every month, try breeding them yourself. Your bearded dragon will have a constant supply of feeder insects. Plus, most feeder insects are budget-friendly to maintain in the long-term.
- Exotic pet insurance: Pet insurance provides financial protection against unexpected vet bills. You typically pay a small monthly fee and, in return, get coverage for certain costly vet bills. This often includes routine checkups, diagnostic tests, medications, and surgical procedures.
- Grow your own vegetables: If you have a green thumb, you could try growing different vegetables for your bearded dragons to eat rather than buying them from a store.
Bearded Dragon Cost Conclusion
Bearded dragons are a 10 to 15-year commitment, and it’s your responsibility to financially care for them throughout their life. The main costs to consider are related to the setup, ongoing expenses, and emergency vet bills. Bearded dragons cost between $200 to $450 to care for annually. Monthly costs may vary but generally add up to about $20 to $40. You must ensure you are financially prepared to look after your bearded dragon and cover any necessary costs to improve their quality of life.
