Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pets in the reptile world. They’re usually friendly, docile, and relatively easy to care for. But one of the most common questions new beardie owners have is “How long do bearded dragons live?”


The answer isn’t as simple as you might think. There are a few factors that can affect a beardie’s lifespan, including whether they’re wild-caught or captive-bred, their diet, and their overall health.
In this blog post, we’ll answer all of your questions about how long bearded dragons live and what you can do to prolong your pet’s life.
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live For?
Bearded dragons can live for around 10-12 years in captivity, but this varies based on factors such as diet, health conditions, and environment. To help your dragon reach its full potential, it is important to know what these variables might be and how you can help your dragon stay healthy and happy.
Bearded dragons are desert animals that require a relatively dry environment to thrive. If their environment becomes too moist or humid, they may experience problems such as fungus overgrowth or humidity-induced respiratory issues.
In addition, keeping the temperature within the ideal range ( 68-77 degrees Fahrenheit) is important for the dragon’s overall health and well-being.
Bearded dragons also need access to sunlight – both directly through windows and indirect light from fluorescent fixtures – to synthesize vitamin D3. Failing to provide these essential elements can lead to a number of health issues including poor appetite, lethargy, weight loss, infertility in female dragons, and even death in some cases.
It is important to keep all of these things in mind when caring for a bearded dragon so that you can ensure its long lifespan!
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live In Captivity?
The typical lifespan for a bearded dragon is between 10 and 15 years, but some have lived as long as 20 years with proper care. The life expectancy of a bearded dragon depends on several factors, including diet, activity level, and genetics.


Bearded dragons are typically active during the day, but they can also be quiet sleepers. They should be provided with a space of at least 3 square feet and plenty of climbing areas. Bearded dragons should also be kept in warm temperatures (75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit) and a humid environment (60 percent to 70 percent).
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live In The Wild?
Bearded dragons are lizards that commonly live in the wild. They can typically live for 8 to 12 years.
One of the main threats faced by bearded dragons in the wild is predation. They are preyed on by snakes, spiders, foxes, and other predators. However, they also have a number of defenses against these threats. For example, they have a strong jaw and teeth, as well as a powerful digestive system that allows them to eat a wide variety of animal prey.
Bearded dragons are not the only lizards that can live for a long time in the wild. Other species of lizards, such as iguanas and Anolis carolinensis, can also survive for many years. Unfortunately, bearded dragons are much more commonly kept in captivity than any of the other lizard species, so they are at a greater risk of being killed by predators in the wild.
What Factors Affect A Bearded Dragon’s Lifespan?
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptile species in the world. They are known for their characteristic beard, as well as their colorful and patterned skin. There is a lot of interest in bearded dragons because they are relatively easy to care for and have a long lifespan.
The main factor that affects a bearded dragon’s lifespan is diet. Dragons that are well-fed and do not experience stress tend to live longer than those in the wild. This is due to several factors: captive dragons have access to a wider range of food options, so they don’t become reliant on just one source; captive dragons generally have access to fresh water, which helps them stay hydrated; and good diets provide plenty of vitamins and minerals, which help keep reptiles healthy.
Other factors that can affect a bearded dragon’s lifespan include habitat, temperature, humidity, and genetics.
For example, some bearded dragon species prefer warmer climates while others prefer cooler climates. Some require more humidity than others do, and some may be resistant to high temperatures or difficult environments (such as drakes that live underground). Genetics also plays an important role; some individuals may have shorter lifespans than others simply because they were born with shorter life expectancy genes.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of A Bearded Dragon?
The typical lifespan of a bearded dragon in domestication is 10-12 years. Nevertheless, the lifespan of a bearded dragon in the wild can be significantly lower due to predators. Bearded dragons can live up to 20 years with meticulous care.
How Can I Prolong My Bearded Dragon’s Life?
Bearded dragons are a popular pet choice, but like any other pet, they require proper care.


Providing a warm and humid environment is key to keeping your bearded dragon healthy. A basking area will help your bearded dragon regulate its body temperature while providing UVB radiation can help to keep your beardie’s skin healthy. As with all pets, give them a bath at least once per week and feed them a balanced diet that includes fresh vegetables and fruits.
Housing is also important for beardies. Provide them with an enclosure that is large enough but not too large (beardies can get claustrophobic). Make sure the enclosure has plenty of climbing surfaces and ventilation so your bearded dragon can regulate its own temperature. And lastly, be sure to provide water dishes and basking areas so your bearded dragon can stay hydrated.
Veterinary care is also important for beardies. If something goes wrong with your beardie (such as injuries), be sure to take it to a qualified veterinarian immediately so that they can diagnose the problem and prescribe treatment if necessary.
What Are Some Common Health Problems That Shorten A Beardie’s Life?
Bearded dragons are prone to a number of health problems that can shorten their life. One of the most common is metabolic bone disease, which is caused by a lack of calcium and other minerals in the dragon’s diet.
Obesity is also a major problem for bearded dragons, as it can lead to heart issues, respiratory infections, and even kidney failure.
Another common health problem for bearded dragons is impaction, which occurs when the dragon’s digestive system becomes blocked by dirt or other objects. This can be deadly if not treated promptly.
Bearded dragons also sometimes suffer from parasites, such as mites or ticks, which can cause irritation and itchiness. If left unchecked, these parasites can lead to serious medical problems.
Do Male Or Female Beardies Live Longer On Average?
Male beardies on average live slightly longer than female beardies. This is likely due to a variety of factors, including genetics and diet. Male beardies tend to have larger bodies and stronger immune systems, which may help them to survive in tougher environments. Additionally, male beardies are typically more aggressive than females, which may also contribute to their longevity in the wild.
To Wrap Up
In conclusion, bearded dragons can make great pets! They are typically easy to care for and have a long lifespan. However, it is important to remember that they are still wild animals, so their care needs to reflect that. Be sure to provide them with a warm and humid environment and plenty of food. If you do all this, you will help your bearded dragon live a long and happy life!


My name is Ben and I run this site.
I’m a Dragon lover myself, so when I started this website, I knew I wanted to create an online resource for all things dragon-related. I’ve been collecting information and resources about Bearded Dragons for years, and I want to share them with you. I hope you enjoy the site!