Bearded dragons can live as long as 15 years in captivity, given the right care and environment. This is longer than they live in the wild, where they may only survive up to 10 years. Proper care includes regular vet visits, a healthy diet, and a habitat that provides the right temperature, lighting, humidity, shelter, and exercise.
When kept in captivity, bearded dragons are also less likely to suffer illnesses, injuries, and parasites, which will help them live a longer and healthier life. Bearded dragons should also be kept as solitary pets and not grouped with other lizards or animals.
With the right care and attention, a bearded dragon in captivity can enjoy a happy and long life.
How long does a captive bearded dragon live for?
The average lifespan of a captive bearded dragon is 8 to 12 years, although some can live up to 15 years or longer with proper care. Captive bearded dragons that receive proper nutrition and veterinary care can live significantly longer than those in the wild, as the wild environment can be a much harsher and unpredictable one.
Additionally, the key to keeping a captive bearded dragon healthy for a long time is providing them with proper nutrition, creating the right environment for them to thrive in, and making sure to keep them free from any parasites or illnesses.
Providing a regular schedule for feeding and misting, as well as a warm and avoided basking spot, will promote good health and also prolong their life. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian are also an important step in ensuring the longer life of a captive beard dragon.
How long do Petsmart Beardies live?
Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), commonly known as beardies, are one of the most popular exotic pets due to their endearing personalities, unique behaviors, and their relatively easy care. This species of dragon lives for approximately 4-6 years in captivity, however some have been known to live up to 8 years.
The quality and quantity of food an owner provides, as well as the lizard’s environment, play a big role in how long the beardie will live. Regular vet visits, optimal temperatures, and appropriate UV light exposure will help ensure a bearded dragon’s long-term health.
A balanced diet with fresh vegetables, insects, and other appropriate snacks should also be a part of the care regime. It is important to always ensure the dragon has a naturally humid environment which helps the beardie stay hydrated.
With proper care and maintenance, your beardie can live the full 6 to 8 years that they are capable of.
Can a bearded dragon live 20 years?
Yes, it is possible for a bearded dragon to live 20 years or longer, depending on the care it receives. Bearded dragons are known to live up to 15 years in captivity if they have an appropriate diet, plenty of space and a comfortable environment.
Factors such as genetics, diet, and living conditions can affect a bearded dragon’s life span, and with the right combination, a bearded dragon can live up to 20 years or longer. Keeping the bearded dragon in a habitat that approximates its natural environment, providing plenty of ultraviolet light, and keeping its diet varied and nutritious can all contribute to a longer life span.
Additionally, regular veterinary check-ups and potential treatments for parasites and other illnesses can help a bearded dragon to live a longer, healthier life.
Are bearded dragons hard to keep alive?
Bearded dragons can be easy to keep alive, depending on the level of care given to them. It is important to research and educate yourself on proper care requirements and the specific needs of bearded dragons.
Bearded dragons need proper temperatures, humidity, food, and UVB lighting to maintain good health. A bearded dragon that is well cared for can expect to live up to 10 to 15 years. It is also important to make sure your cage setup is suitable for your bearded dragon and provides enough space for them to explore and move.
Feeding a bearded dragon a varied diet and making sure they have access to fresh drinking water is also important for their health. With the correct care, bearded dragons can make great pets, and can live long and healthy lives.
Do Beardies get lonely?
Yes, Beardies do get lonely. When Beardies are not surrounded by their owners, other family members, or other animals, they can get depressed and lonely. Beardies are strongly bonded to their owners and can become especially attached if they get to spend a lot of time with them.
If a Beardie is alone for extended periods of time without the companionship of their owners or others, then it is likely that it will become lonely and anxious. It is important for owners to recognize the signs of loneliness and depression, such as excessive barking, whining and pacing, and to ensure that their Beardie gets enough attention and stimulation each day to keep them feeling content and safe.
Do bearded dragons love their owners?
Bearded Dragons can quickly become attached to their owners with some loving care; however, it is important to understand that they are still wild animals and need to be treated as such. It is natural for them to become attached to their owners, like cats and dogs, because you give them food, water, and shelter.
Being around them a lot will make them more used to and relaxed around you, making them associate you with positive things. As the owner, you can encourage affection from your beardie by speaking calmly and firmly to them, rewarding them with treats, and being gentle in your handling of them.
At times, it’s possible for them to show their affection by giving you a head bob or licking your hand. However, as they are still wild animals, they may also take a while to get used to you, so it’s important to do so with patience and understanding.
Is it OK to buy a bearded dragon from PetSmart?
It really depends on the individual. While it is perfectly acceptable to buy a bearded dragon from PetSmart, it is important to remember that PetSmart is not a specialized reptile store and therefore the staff may not be expertly trained in the care of these animals.
Additionally, you may not always be able to get an up-to-date report on the health of the animals. Bearded dragons are unique in the fact that they have quite specific habitat requirements and can be prone to disease if their living environment is not ideal.
So, it is important to do your research on the recommended care of this species and inspect the dragon thoroughly before purchasing. Ask questions of the store personnel and if possible, observe the animal in its enclosure to ensure it is healthy and alert.
Ask for a sale invoice for the purchase, as it may be beneficial to be able to contact the seller if there are any problems in the future. Before bringing the animal home, be sure to set up his habitat in advance and have all the necessary supplies on hand.
It is also necessary to contact a veterinarian that specializes in exotic pets to have the dragon checked and a wellness plan established to ensure the pet’s overall health. Once you have all the necessary paperwork, supplies, and knowledge, it should be ok to buy a bearded dragon from PetSmart.
What age does PetSmart sell bearded dragons?
At PetSmart, we only sell bearded dragons that are at least six months old. This is to ensure that you are providing your bearded dragon with the best care possible, as they need to be of a certain age and size in order to eat and digest their food properly.
By purchasing a bearded dragon that is at least six months old, you are making sure that it has had time to be properly cared for and is healthy enough to be a pet in your home. While younger bearded dragons may be smaller, they can be more difficult to care for and require more attention, so it’s best to buy an older and more mature bearded dragon from PetSmart.
How long is 1 year for a bearded dragon?
A full year for a bearded dragon is about 18 months long. This is because it takes 8 to 10 months for a bearded dragon to reach full maturity. In the wild, a bearded dragon will typically live for 4 to 8 years, depending on its health and environment.
While the first year is the fastest period of growth and development for bearded dragons, it is important for owners to understand that the dragons need continued care and attention even after maturity.
In captivity, bearded dragons can live for up to 10 years with proper care and attention and a diet that is rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Proper dietary maintenance and regular visits to a veterinarian are essential for ensuring that a bearded dragon lives a full and happy life.
Is it cruel to keep a bearded dragon as a pet?
The answer to this question really depends on whether or not the bearded dragon is cared for adequately in captivity. When kept in the proper conditions, with the right diet and temperature, a bearded dragon can make a great, low-maintenance pet.
Ideally, they should be kept in an enclosure that is large enough to allow them to roam, bask and grow. Their diet should consist of insects and vegetables, and they need an average temperature of 80–95°F, with a basking area at around 110°F.
Bearded dragons also need plenty of space and dirt, so the enclosure should be cleaned regularly.
Ultimately, it’s not necessarily cruel to keep a bearded dragon as a pet, but proper care is essential. Ensuring that their enclosure provides the necessary conditions for them to be healthy and happy can help ensure that having a bearded dragon as a pet is a positive experience for both the owner and the reptile.
How do I know if my beardie is happy?
Healthy reptile. Firstly, your beardie should always have an alert, curious demeanor and be vibrant in color. Additionally, if your beardie is frequently basking and climbing, they are exhibiting signs of contentment.
You may also notice they will be more active near feeding time. A healthy, happy beardie should also have clear eyes, a full, round abdomen, and a healthy appetite. However, if you notice your beardie is not as active, their color is fading, they have labored breathing, or their eyes are cloudy and sunken, this could be signs of distress and they should be taken to a vet immediately.
What are the dangers of owning a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons make great pets but, like all animals, they also come with some risks. The most important thing to remember when considering owning a bearded dragon is that they require specialized care to remain healthy and comfortable.
There are potential dangers associated with owning a bearded dragon. One concern is the risk of bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections due to poor sanitation practices. Bearded dragons can become ill if their environment is not kept clean.
This includes daily spot cleaning, weekly full tank cleaning, and regular water changes. Additionally, their diet must be monitored to ensure they are getting the appropriate nutrition. Poor nutrition can lead to organ failure, growth problems, and other health issues.
It is also important to note that bearded dragons can become stressed, resulting in poor appetite, low energy, and aggression. Stress can be caused by anything from poor habitat conditions to loud noises or being handled too much.
To prevent stress, create an ideal habitat for your bearded dragon and ensure that you are handling them carefully and appropriately.
Bearded dragons can also be prone to bone and joint issues, especially if allowed to become obese. Ensure you maintain a proper exercise routine for your dragon to prevent them from becoming overweight.
Additionally, their bones require UVB rays to stay strong, so make sure to place a reptile light over their enclosure.
Finally, bearded dragons require patience and commitment when it comes to owning them. They should not be thought of as just an impulse purchase and require proper care and knowledge of lizard behavior.
Owning a bearded dragon is a long-term commitment and should not be taken lightly.
How often should I handle my bearded dragon?
You should handle your bearded dragon no more than once or twice a week. Bearded dragons like routine and consistency, so it is important to handle them at the same times each week so that they get used to it.
Keep in mind that some bearded dragons are more sensitive to handling than others, so it is important to observe its behavior and take cues from them to determine how often and when to handle them. Be sure to practice safe handling techniques when you do pick them up and make sure your hands are clean so that you do not introduce bacteria to their bodies.
Also, make sure to never chase or startle your bearded dragon. Finally, be sure to give your bearded dragon plenty of time in their enclosure after handling to re-ground themselves and explore.