Buying a bearded dragon is likely to set you back $40 to $500 odd, or £20 to £350, depending on where you are. Specially bred color morphs will cost more. But that’s not the most significant cost of owning a bearded dragon.
To keep a bearded dragon you will need an appropriate enclosure, lighting, heating, humidifier (depending on your environment) and consumables such as food, supplements and substrates at a minimum. If you live in Australia, you will also need to consider the cost of a license to keep a bearded dragon. If you decide to have more than one then it will also increase a number of other costs, it’s not a two for one deal. If they have come from different places, then quarantine and therefore more than one enclosure and all its equipment should also be considered.
Like all pets, you should also allow a budget for visits to the vet, not only for emergency care, but also for semi-annual check-ups.
In general, the costs attributed to housing your bearded dragon are associated with keeping them in a protected enclosure, either in the home or another structure. However, some people will also keep them outside. Keeping your beard outside will require a different setup than indoors and is only appropriate if the climate you live in can safely support the practice. But the exterior doesn’t necessarily mean lower associated costs, just a different configuration.
Many enthusiastic new owners will go to the local store and purchase their starter kit for their bearded dragon only to find out later that it is inadequate. Before you buy anything, make sure you have done your homework on its requirements. Some of the best places to talk are zoos, your local animal protection association (they can direct you to the right resource), herpetological societies, local veterinarians, and similar authorities on specific reptile needs.
Small enclosures are, of course, more attractive to pet owners simply because of the lower initial purchase cost and the space they will take up. Generally, in starter kits, all you’ll get is a small tank or other enclosure, perhaps along with some lighting and other bits and pieces. But not all enclosures that you may be tempted to buy are suitable.
Make sure you know how big your bearded dragon will be (each species of the Pogona genus is different). The shortest dimension of the floor of your enclosure should be equal to the length of your beard. So if it will grow to 24″ (60 cm), then the width of the enclosure should be at least 24″ (60 cm). Obviously the length needs to be longer and there is certainly a wide range of opinion. So instead of going into the size argument (which I’m all for), maybe look at some of the Australian state government departments’ policies on the size of precincts. After all, bearded dragons are Australian, right? The NSW government department of Environment and Heritage is one of a number of departments that maintains a Code of Practice for Private Keeping of Reptiles which specifies the basic conditions that must be met.
Correct heating is absolutely vital and is a commonly misunderstood requirement, just ask any reptile vet or even search the internet to see how bad heating can be when wrong. Your bearded dragon must be kept at specific temperatures in captivity that must span the correct temperature gradient. Although it can withstand a greater fluctuation of heat or cold in its natural environment, it is not in its natural environment. Heating is provided through lamps and ceramic heat emitters.
There is no need to buy heat mats, caves and rocks. In fact, don’t buy heated rocks. The thermostats on such equipment are generally not of great quality and, aside from the fact that they could (and have been known to) even start a house fire, they can burn your beard. Invest in a good heating lamp and make sure it’s set up correctly, including the correct height. Reptiles are not like humans or other mammals that will naturally recoil quickly from excessive heat that could burn them.
You will also need UVB lighting. This is not only an initial cost, but also a consumable, since it is necessary to change the bulbs. How often UVB lights need to be changed depends on the manufacturer’s instructions to follow, probably every 6 months. This cannot be ignored, it is vital that you receive UVB light.
Timers should be purchased for lighting to ensure it turns on and off according to day/night and even summer/winter cycles.
Other necessary equipment includes thermometers, hygrometer, a means of transport to the vet where the temperature is kept at correct transport levels, a water container that is difficult to tip over, etc.
Substrates are what you will place on the floor of the enclosure and are consumable. You can use anything from newspaper to specific types of sand, lots of variables, and lots of loose opinions on the internet about which one to use. But this article is about costs, not recommended substrates, so ask your vet what they recommend. It could save you big vet bills by treating your bearded dragon for using the wrong substrate.
Food for your bearded dragon can be a whole new world for you. Can you handle a cockroach? Will you raise crickets (noisy things) or buy live food? Again, do your research and ask your vet when you’re not sure. Not that cockroaches and crickets are all they eat, they eat a wide range of insects and as they grow to maturity their need for such foods decreases and vegetation takes over a large part of the diet, so if you have a single bearded dragon it may be easier to buy live food as needed.
There is also a need for supplements that are readily available, although it is wise to keep in mind that pet supplements are generally unregulated and therefore what you think you have bought and what you have bought may vary. So be careful to buy reliable products. If you’re ever unsure, remember that your vet is your new best friend.
In short, you can see that how much your bearded dragon will cost is not a simple question. Consider the big picture. Although this article doesn’t cover the full spectrum of what you need, it goes a long way. For avid beard lovers, it’s worth it!