What You’ll Learn About Central Bearded Dragons, AKA Inland Bearded Dragons
We’ve brought together all the most important points from the following aspects of central bearded dragon care and specificities, such as:
- Diet
- Handling
- Substrates
- Hides and decor
- Baby central bearded dragon specifities
- Factors affecting central bearded dragon price
- Central bearded dragon colors, lifespan, and size
- Enclosure parameters – temperature, humidity, lighting
- How to provide the best care for your bearded dragon pet
We discuss these topics for your use as a guide, along with veterinary advice from a specialist reptile veterinarian.
Central Bearded Dragon Price
Potential bearded dragon owners must take all the above into account before buying a bearded dragon.
The cost of solely the bearded dragon varies, as is the case with all pets. Bearded dragon price depends on factors such as:
- Age
- Color
- Gender
- If purchased from a breeder or a pet store
- Type (morph or non-morph and how widely bred it is)
Taking the above into consideration, a potential buyer can expect to pay between $35 to $1000 per dragon.
Female individuals, especially those with interesting color morphs, can cost more because they are valuable during the breeding season after reaching sexual maturity.
Young bearded dragons cost less than older individuals, but it is worth noting that you won’t know their mating capabilities or final appearance until they stop growing.
If you buy your dragon from a pet store, chances are that it will cost less than from a breeder.
It is important to note that this initial lower price sadly can come at a cost for your pet.
Sometimes animals purchased from pet stores live in sub-optimal conditions.
Lizards are not everyone’s cup of tea; you can’t be sure that pet store workers know how to care for them properly.
Chances are that if you buy from a breeder, your dragon will be in a better health condition.
Breeders are usually more knowledgeable and experienced in lizard husbandry.
Another benefit of buying from a breeder is that they can answer any questions you have based on their experience, such as the appropriate food to give them.
In general, we would recommend a beginner to purchase a young bearded dragon directly from an experienced and reputable breeder.
You can read about our recommended breeders here.
Potential buyers of a bearded dragon must also take into account the following costs:
- Food
- Lighting
- Substrate
- Decorations
- The enclosure
- Climbing objects
- Heating elements
- Monthly energy bills
- Veterinary consultations
- Potential medication or treatment costs
Central Bearded Dragon Lifespan
Being aware of how long your bearded dragon will live is important. A central bearded dragon can live up to 10 to 15 years in captivity.
The prospect of having a dragon pet may seem exciting and manageable initially, but those feelings must last for the entirety of your pet’s life.
Potential owners of a central bearded dragon must be aware of the commitment they face.