🦎 Introduction
How long do bearded dragons live?
If properly cared for, these friendly reptiles can be your companion for over a decade — but many don’t reach their full potential due to avoidable mistakes.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
- Typical bearded dragon lifespan
- Key factors that impact longevity
- Tips to help your beardie live longer, healthier, and happier
🧭 Average Bearded Dragon Lifespan
| Setting | Average Lifespan |
|---|---|
| Wild (Australia) | 5–8 years |
| Captivity (basic care) | 6–10 years |
| Captivity (optimal) | 10–15+ years |
With top-tier care, beardies can live 12–15 years or longer!
🔍 Lifespan Influencing Factors
1. 🐣 Genetics & Origin
- Captive-bred dragons tend to live longer
- Avoid wild-caught or inbred lines when possible
- Reputable breeders = better longevity
2. 🏡 Enclosure Quality
- Size: Adult needs 75–120 gallons
- Proper basking temps (95–110°F)
- Full-length T5 HO UVB strip
- Clean environment = less stress & infection
🔍 Poor lighting and temps cause metabolic bone disease (MBD), the #1 preventable killer.
3. 🥗 Diet & Nutrition
- Insects dusted with calcium + vitamins
- 80% greens (for adults), daily variety
- Hydration through veggies + shallow dish
- Avoid sugary fruits and fatty worms
4. ⚖️ Weight Management
- Obesity shortens lifespan
- Regular feeding schedules
- Avoid overfeeding worms or high-fat treats
- Weigh monthly: healthy adult ~400–550g
5. 🧼 Hygiene & Health Checks
- Clean poop daily, disinfect weekly
- Bath 1–2x per week for hydration
- Regular vet check-ups (esp. after age 5)
- Watch for signs of illness:
- Lethargy
- Swollen limbs
- Runny stool
- Loss of appetite
✅ How to Help Your Bearded Dragon Live Longer
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Invest in good UVB lighting | Prevents bone disease & MBD |
| Use a thermostat & temp gun | Avoids overheating or cold stress |
| Offer proper supplements | Prevents nutrient deficiencies |
| Handle regularly (gently) | Reduces stress & improves bonding |
| Allow brumation naturally | Boosts lifespan in older dragons |
🧠 Beardie Age Chart (Human Equivalent)
| Beardie Age | Human Equivalent |
|---|---|
| 6 months | 10 years |
| 1 year | Teenager (13–15) |
| 3 years | 30s |
| 5 years | 45–50 |
| 8+ years | Senior (65+) |
🧓 Beardies 8+ years old are geriatric and need more rest, warm temps, and soft foods.
❓ FAQs
Q: Can beardies die from stress?
Yes. Constant stress from loud noises, tankmates, or improper habitat can lower immunity and shorten lifespan.
Q: Should I get a second bearded dragon?
No. Beardies are territorial and should be housed alone unless breeding.
Q: Do females live longer than males?
Generally no — but egg-laying females may face more health risks if not properly managed.
📋 Quick Summary
| Category | Best Practices |
|---|---|
| Lighting | T5 UVB 12 hrs/day, replace every 6–12 mo |
| Heating | Day: 95–110°F, Night: 65–75°F |
| Diet | 80% greens, 20% insects (adult) |
| Supplements | Calcium w/ D3 (4x/wk), Multivitamin (1x) |
| Vet Care | Yearly checkups after age 5 |
| Stress | Avoid mirrors, loud noise, tankmates |