Bearded dragons have become increasingly popular as pets in recent years, and it’s not hard to see why. These social, curious, and gentle creatures make excellent companions for those who are willing to invest in their care. However, the initial cost and ongoing expenses of owning a bearded dragon can add up. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how much a bearded dragon and their supplies cost and what you need to know to properly care for one.
A Little About Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons, also known as beardies, are native to the arid regions of Australia and are commonly found on the ground and in trees. Domesticated beardies can grow up to 22 inches, but can range from 12 to 24 inches. They can live for 10 to 15 years, so they require a long-term commitment.
Beardies are omnivorous and eat a combination of leafy vegetables and insects. They are active during the day, which makes them an ideal pet for those with daytime schedules. They get their name from the pouch of skin under their chin, which can turn black and puff out when they feel threatened or stressed. If you take good care of your beardie, you’ll likely never see this display.
Are Bearded Dragons Good Pets?
Beardies make excellent lizard pets, even for beginners. They are friendly and docile creatures that are quite adaptable and relatively easy to care for, provided that you do your research. They aren’t prone to aggression unless provoked, and you can even form a strong bond with a bearded dragon. However, owning a lizard is quite different from owning a cat or dog. They aren’t exactly cuddly, and you’ll need to learn how to properly handle and pet your beardie.
How Much Do Bearded Dragons Cost at Petco?
There are eight species of bearded lizards and a relatively large variety of different morphs, which are colors and patterns. Petco primarily stocks the most popular species of the bearded dragon, which is the Pogona vitticeps, also known as Central or Inland Bearded Dragons. These beardies can grow up to 2 feet and can be a combination of browns, grays, oranges, reds, whites, or yellows. However, beardies are available in-store only, so you’ll need to contact or visit the store to determine what types it stocks.
Each store will have its own pricing, though you can expect to pay about $60 to $100 for a bearded dragon. Rare-colored morphs cost much more, but Petco won’t stock these; they’ll likely only be available from bearded dragon breeders.
The 7 Additional Costs to Anticipate
Before you bring home your beardie, there are several items you’ll need to set up. Here are the additional costs to anticipate:
1. Enclosure
For an adult beardie, the tank should measure at least 4 to 6 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 to 3 feet high. You could opt for something larger, but a tank at least this size won’t be prone to overheating. A glass tank with a screen top is ideal.
2. Substrate
The bottom of the tank must be lined with something safe for your beardie. You could opt for terrarium carpets that are relatively inexpensive and can be washed or replaced. Many bearded dragon owners use newspapers and paper towels, which are easy to clean and throw away.
3. Basking Rock
All beardies need a basking area, which is an elevated rock. It won’t become damaged by the lamp’s heat, and it also absorbs some of the heat, making it a toasty spot for your pet.
4. Heat Lamp
You’ll need a heat lamp that’s placed to shine down on the basking rock. It should be a 40W to 75W bulb, depending on the size of the enclosure. Your beardie will also need a cool side in the habitat, so you’ll need thermometers to maintain the right temperature in both areas. The basking area should be about 95°F–105°F, and the rest of the enclosure should be around 80°F.
5. UVB Light
A UVB light will give your beardie the same benefits as the sun, which is necessary for a captive lizard. The ultraviolet rays provide critical vitamin D3 levels; without the light, your beardie can become quite ill. It’s typically placed above the basking area and should provide your beardie with 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.
6. Food Dishes
You’ll need a shallow food bowl for leafy greens and live mealworms, though beardies also eat live crickets, which won’t stay nicely in the bowl. You should also offer a shallow bowl of water that is always available and clean.
7. Hide
All beardies need a place that’s private and gives them time to be alone. You’ll need to invest in a hide, or if you decide to make your own, it needs to be sturdy and safe. Natural hideaways are preferred over artificial ones.
Conclusion
Taking care of a bearded dragon isn’t cheap, but you’ll need to budget for all the initial costs to set things up for your new pet. You might be looking at $500 or more for the tank and everything else, in addition to the cost of the bearded dragon themselves, which might be about $50 to $100 at your local Petco. However, if you’re willing to invest in their care, bearded dragons can make excellent and rewarding pets.
In conclusion, bearded dragons may require a bit of effort and expense, but they can be wonderful companions for years to come. With the proper care and attention, you can enjoy the company of these unique and fascinating creatures.
