What are the most frequently asked questions regarding bearded dragons and their care?

In this article we will answer the top five most frequently asked questions about bearded dragons by our customers. From biting and lifespan to pricing and personality, we’ll explain why these spiky little Australians have conquered the reptile world — mostly by staring judgmentally from a basking rock.

Are bearded dragons good pets?

Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) are one of the most personable and responsive pet reptiles outside of the monitor lizard family. In reptile terms, they are basically the golden retrievers of the lizard world… if golden retrievers occasionally flattened themselves like pancakes under heat lamps.

Bearded dragons (or beardies, as we will refer to them) are medium-sized, semi-arboreal agamid lizards that can attain 24” in length as adults. Beardies are fairly intelligent; some can even recognise their keeper, and a few have been known to learn their name and respond to it. Admittedly, many also respond to the opening of the insect tub with exactly the same enthusiasm.

As adults, beardies are generally calm when handled and can often be taught to sit on shoulders or laps without issue — aside from the occasional surprise poo, which always seems to happen at the worst possible moment.

Their enclosure requirements are not excessively demanding, with a 4’x2’x2’ enclosure being the minimum recommended size for an adult. Their care is manageable, their feeding is straightforward, and compared to many reptiles, they are extremely interactive.

Overall, bearded dragons are one of the best pet reptiles in the world today. They are hardy, inquisitive, entertaining, and somehow capable of looking simultaneously majestic and deeply confused.

Do bearded dragons bite?

Do beardies bite? Indeed, they do.

Bearded dragons possess between 68 and 80 teeth (dependent on the morph, but that’s an entirely different rabbit hole that I'm not diving down), and there are two different types involved in the chomping process:

• Acrodont teeth

These are permanent teeth that do not regrow if lost and make up roughly 90% of the dragon’s dentition.

• Pleurodont teeth

These are replaceable teeth located at the front of the mouth and can regrow if damaged or lost.

These teeth are perfectly adapted for an omnivorous diet, allowing beardies to crunch insects and chew vegetation efficiently. They are less “terrifying apex predator” and more “tiny dragon with salad and bug privileges.”

But do bearded dragons really bite?

Only if provoked, frightened, or if your fingers smell suspiciously like food. Beardie bites are actually very rare. The keeper writing this article has only been bitten twice by adult beardies, and both occasions were entirely his own fault — a humbling reminder that reptiles do not appreciate fingers being mistaken for locusts.

Despite their dramatic appearance, beardies are not naturally aggressive toward humans. Other bearded dragons, however, are another matter entirely. Beardies can be surprisingly territorial and occasionally behave like tiny, scaly pub bouncers.

Where do bearded dragons come from?

Bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps), also known as central bearded dragons, are found across much of eastern and central Australia.

These are some of Australia’s toughest reptiles and thrive in a huge variety of habitats. They can be found basking on fence posts and picnic benches around Sydney, surviving in the scorching desert scrublands around Alice Springs, and inhabiting the dry forests surrounding Broken Hill where moisture is almost mythical.

To cope with these harsh environments, wild beardies dig burrows to escape extreme temperatures and spend much of their day basking to regulate body temperature. Essentially, they alternate between “solar-powered lizard” and “sand potato.”

Every pet beardie you see today has been bred in captivity and is generations removed from its wild relatives. Wild beardies have evolved from surviving droughts, predators, and harsh climates to becoming pampered, multicoloured designer reptiles that become mildly offended if their salad isn’t arranged properly.

How long do bearded dragons live?

The difference between a wild and captive beardie lifespan is dramatic.

Wild bearded dragons generally live between 4–8 years, while captive dragons commonly live between 7–15 years, with some exceeding this when provided excellent care.

The reasons are fairly straightforward:

• Better quality and consistent food
• No competition for resources
• No predators
• Lower parasite loads
• Access to veterinary care
• Stable heating and lighting
• Fewer opportunities to be eaten by something larger and angrier

Captive beardies essentially exchange “survival in the Australian outback” for “heated apartment with unlimited insects.”

A properly maintained enclosure with correct UV lighting, heating, supplementation, and diet is essential for achieving these longer lifespans.

How much does a bearded dragon cost?

Possibly the most important question we get asked is:

“How much does a bearded dragon cost?”

The answer varies significantly depending on the animal’s morph, age, genetics, and where it is being purchased.

A privately sold “standard” bearded dragon may range from £20–£150, while similar animals sold through businesses generally range from £90–£180.

And then… morphs enter the conversation.

Morphology is the biological study of the form and structure of living organisms. In herpetoculture, the term “morph” refers to selectively bred colour, pattern, and scale variations from the wild-type appearance.

Some morph names sound perfectly reasonable.

Others sound like rejected heavy metal bands.

Examples include:

• Zero Red Monster G-Stripe
• Hypomelanistic Paradox Silkie

At some point, reptile genetics starts sounding less like biology and more like someone naming custom paint jobs for sports cars.

One of the most sought-after morphs is the “Zero,” a nearly pattern-less white or silver dragon, with some specimens selling for close to £1000.

However, in most cases, the bearded dragon itself is actually the cheaper part of the setup.

The enclosure, UV lighting, thermostatically controlled heating, décor, substrate, and feeding equipment make up the bulk of the initial expense. 

As with all reptiles, there are many schools of thought regarding husbandry and care. The more research you do, the easier it becomes to form your own opinions and provide the highest standard of care for your animal.

Because at the end of the day, beardies are not difficult reptiles — but they are living, thinking animals with very specific environmental needs and a remarkable ability to stare directly into your soul while chewing a locust.