{"id":1235,"date":"2022-08-25T11:06:35","date_gmt":"2022-08-25T11:06:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beingreptiles.com\/?p=1235"},"modified":"2022-08-25T11:09:32","modified_gmt":"2022-08-25T11:09:32","slug":"bearded-dragon-lifespan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/beingreptiles.com\/bearded-dragon-lifespan\/","title":{"rendered":"Bearded Dragon Lifespan – How Long Do They Live?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Bearded dragons are fantastic pets even for a beginner, and just like any pet owner, you expect your Beardie to live a long life. As sad as it is, everything dies eventually. We all know that. So, how long should you expect your Bearded dragon to stick around? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we will take you through beaded dragons’ estimated lifespan, how to estimate their age and the factors affecting their lifespan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What’s the estimated Lifespan of a Bearded Dragon?<\/h2>\n\n\n
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In general, the average lifespan of a bearded dragon is between 5 to 15 years. In captivity (as pets), a well-kept bearded dragon pet with regular vet visits and proper dieting lives for about 8 to 15 years. However, in the wild, Bearded dragons will only live for an average of 5 to 8 years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike their counterparts in captivity Beardies, whose food is delivered daily and nothing ever tries to eat them, things are different in the wild; they have to hunt and fight for survival due to predators and droughts, among other things, harsh conditions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beardies kept in captivity have a higher life expectancy than the wild ones, but if not properly cared for, they will match the lifespan of wild species. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although the average lifespan of Bearded dragons is 5 -15 years, there have been a few cases of beardies living past 15 years, like Sebastian, the oldest recorded Bearded dragon<\/a>, who died at 18 years and 237 days old. With some Bearded dragons in captivity living for up to 18 years, others just survive for eight years or less. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what’s causing such a huge difference in their lifespans? Several factors affect the lifespan of your pet. Here we will take you through the factors so that you can make sure your Bearded dragon has a long and healthy life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Reasons Why Bearded Dragons Lifespans differ.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many factors play into how long your bearded dragon lives. Their diet, habitat\/enclosure, sex, genetics, and disease all have a part to play. Beardies are hardy lizards with few health problems. However, it is important to know what can be done to ensure a longer lifespan and what harmful mistakes to avoid—Are you interested in learning why bearded dragon lifespan differs? We will cover the various reasons and what you can do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

  1. Diet<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    A well-balanced diet plays a significant role in your Bearded Dragon’s overall health. Without a diet filled with all the essential nutrients they need, your pet’s life will be shorter, with deficiencies and health concerns. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As omnivores, Bearded Dragons have a diverse diet ranging from insects, small vertebrates, greens, vegetables, and fruits. Your Beardie’s diet should replicate what they would eat in the wild, comprising of animals like crickets, cockroaches, worms and limited amounts of greens and fruits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The diet and nutrients you feed your Beardie should also be based on age. Baby and adolescent Bearded dragons need more protein in their diet, so you should feed them more insects than older Bearded dragons. The older ones are no longer growing; therefore, they require a more plant and vegetable-based diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Habitat & Enclosure<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      The vivarium of your Bearded dragon should mimic environmental conditions in the wild as much as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The size of the enclosure also matters. When fully grown, Bearded dragons can measure up to 2 feet long. Therefore, choose an enclosure that provides ample space for the pet to feel comfortable and move easily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      It is recommended to set up a 10-gallon aquarium tank for your juvenile bearded dragon, preferably made of transparent glass. As the reptile grows, increase the tank size to 20-50 gallons depending on how big the bearded dragon is and if you’ll be housing tank-mates with your new pet. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Apart from setting up the right tank size, you want to make sure you accessorise the vivarium so that your pet will feel comfortable and safe when in there. Some essential things to put in your bearded dragon’s tank include; basking rocks or dead logs, safe live plants <\/a>and dishes for food\/water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      You will also need to provide light for your Bearded Dragon, either natural or artificial lighting sources. Most reptiles need UVB light, <\/a>so fluorescent tubes with UV or UVB light. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      The substrate you choose for your pet’s tank will also make a difference in their healthy being. Non-particle substrates are the best option since particle substrate produces dust and debris that your Beardie can ingest, leading to impaction, a severe health issue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Learn more about Bearded Dragon Care, tank Setup and Diet<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

      1. Sex<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

        Generally, male Bearded Dragons live longer than their counterparts. Here’s why males tend to live longer: <\/p>\n\n\n\n