The cost of an Bearded Dragon is influenced by its genetics, color breeder, and availability. Bearded dragons can cost between $40 and $900.
The most important elements include color and Morph.
Dragons with bearded faces are in pet stores and private breeders as well as reptile exhibitions.
A typical Beardie is $40 at pet stores. A rare form of the Zero is priced at $900 at an individual breeder.
Purchase an Bearded Dragon isn’t your sole task. It is also necessary to purchase the equipment needed to construct their habitat as well as food. Find out what you need to pay to acquire and maintain the Beardie…
Bearded Dragon Cost
There are eight subspecies of bearded Dragon and three are offered as pets:
- The most commonly used pet species is Pogona Vitticeps. It can cost between $40 and $75..
- It is an extremely sought-after pet that is priced between $50 and $80.
- The most rare pet species that is available is Rankin’s dragon which costs between $100-$400.
The subspecies of Rankin’s Dragon is extremely difficult to find since breeding them in captivity is extremely difficult. They are also prized due to their small dimensions. This and other factors are what make price of the Rankin’s dragon higher.
The other subspecies, such as Pogona barbata, the Eastern Pogona barbata and the dwarf Pogona minor minor are not to be bought as they aren’t domesticated. This means that they are likely to have been caught wild.
Wild-caught lizards are generally unhealthy, are wild in nature, and can pose a threat to their status as wild animals.
Every varieties that make up Bearded Dragon have been restricted from export from their native habitat in Australia in the 1960s. Pet-bought lizards across the United States are all captive breeders.
The majority of bearded dragons kept in captivity are captive-bred Pogona viticeps. Therefore, this guide will concentrate only on the costs…
How Much Does bearded dragons Cost?
A typical baby bearded dragon cost between $40 and $75 when bought from pet stores. Adults cost more because the cost of care increases and the work of feeding young animals is completed.
Other variables that impact the price are morph variations. There are more than 20 variants of morphs (e.g. pattern, color, scalation or size) that can boost the price of a Bearded Dragon.
The most costly Bearded Dragon is the zero variant that is priced at $900:
| Color | Cost |
|---|---|
| Normal or Common (e.g. the Dark or Tan) | $40 – $75 |
| Red (e.g. Red, Dark Ruby, Sandfire Red) | $50 – $300 |
| Orange Morph (e.g. Citrus Tiger, Sandfire, Tangerine, Sunburst) | $100 – $200 |
| Silkback | $100 – $200 |
| The Yellow Morph (e.g. Citrus, Lemon Fire, Olive, Sandfire Gold) | $100 – $300 |
| Leatherback | $100 – $500 |
| Hypomelanistic Morph (e.g. Pastel) | $100 – $900 |
| Translucent Morph (e.g. Purple, Blue Green, Purple or Polar) | $200 – $450 |
| Dunner | $300 – $500 |
| Zero Morph (e.g. White or Snow) | $300 – $900 |
Cost of Common Bearded Dragon
The most common Bearded Dragon Pets can be either brown or tan-colored. They are typically available in pet stores and are easily bred the wild and therefore cost 40 to $75, based on the age of their owners..
This species features the traditional Bearded Dragon pattern.
They sport spikes on their bodies, heads that are shaped like arrows and an elongated white belly.
If you are looking to purchase an ordinary bearded dragon, then think about adopting. Brown or tan beardies can be readily available in reptile rescue groups.
What is the cost of a red Bearded Dragon?
Red refers to define the wide variety of shades and shades. Any dragon that bears a beard from deep maroon to pink is considered to be red. This is why their cost is between $50 and $300. The darker the shade of red, the price is higher (e.g. Dark Ruby).
There aren’t any dragons with red beards in the pet stores of generalization.
The red color occurs naturally is seen as tiny dots along the brown or tan body of a typical Bearded Dragon. It takes a long time of selective breeding to achieve an intense red hue.
It is necessary to locate an individual breeder who specializes in red, to take on this breed.
Red Bearded Dragons are a vibrant addition to any beardie lover’s collection.
Orange Morph Cost
Dragons with orange bearded faces are bred by mating yellow and red transformations. They are available for purchase at between $100 and $200.
They are prized due to their broad spectrum of brightening and dulling color which alters according to how they feel and their environment.
- If they are hot or excited, they appear red with pops of bright orange colour on their spine, legs and heads.
- In a relaxed state, they’ll be an effervescent yellow-orange.
- If they are cold or stressed, they may turn dark grayish-brown.
Sometimes, this species is sold as an ” fancy dragon” in pet stores, but typically, you can only purchase the breeders privately.
Prices for Yellow Bearded Dragons
Yellow bearded dragons are well-known due to their gold skin. They can be bought through breeders who are private at a cost of $100-$300.
The shade of yellow they have can vary from light tan to the sun-like hue or lighter orange.
If it’s near patternless then it’s bright yellow.
It’s worth the extra effort and money needed to locate yellow as they keep their gorgeous color throughout the years.
Zero Morph
Zeros have the closest bearded dragon morph that is comparable to an albino. Albinos in pure form do not live longer than a couple of days due to their inability to utilize UVA and B rays for metabolism.
Due to their similarity to albinos, Zero morphs are among the highest priced bearded dragons, and they cost $300 to $900.
Zeros are silver-white in color and don’t have any patterns.
Witblits are similar in appearance to Zero morphs, however they’re tan-white, not silver-white. Witblits are also not adorned with any pattern , and they cost $300-$800.
Weros are a mix of the witblit and zero price ranging from $300 to $700.
Hypomelanistic Morphs
Dragons with hypomelanistic characteristics are the morphs with melanin deficiency..
Every color, pattern , and the scalation variation can still be seen in hypomelanistic morphs, but they appear light. It is possible to get pastel shades.
The price of their products is typically dependent on other morph factors like the color or scaling.
Translucent Morphs
Translucent dragons have morphs that have scales that are transparent. Their transparent scales give their body a color of blue, which is evident on their belly.
The blue hue is only visible at the stage of juvenile and cannot be recognized when an adult is in the picture. They are extremely popular among breeders and are available for purchase at between $100 and $450.
Scalation Morphs
Super Red Leatherback
Standard bearded dragons are covered in spikes and scales that cover their bodies.
Scalation morphs lose their spikes , and are smaller in size. The smaller the scales a bearded dragon’s has the brighter their coloration appears. There are three types of scaling types:
- Leatherback ($100 $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$)
The mutation in leatherbacks produces tiny the scales of their backs as well as their tails, as well as shorter spikes.
- Microscale ($100 – $500)
Microscales were bred from leatherbacks. They also have small scales in their backs, and there are no spikes.
- Silkback ($100 – $200)
In addition, Silkbacks do not have no scales or spikes. They are made of paper and are priced lower than other scalation forms due to their controversial character.
Lack of scales mean they can’t metabolize their food naturally.
They also require many environmental adaptations as well as nutritional supplements for survival. They shouldn’t be bought.
Dunners Morphs
This particular morph was created by Kevin Dunn and remains highly sought-after.
Dunners morphs are highly specific extremely difficult to breed and extremely rare. They are priced between $300 and $500.
They have distinct characteristics of scalation and pigmentation.
The scales of their scales are not well-organized and are oriented outwards rather than being stacked on top of one the other, and facing downwards. Also, they have diagonal stripes.
A Dunner often has an distinctive “S” shaped line going through their spine.
Giant Morphs
German Giants are the largest bearded dragon species that you can purchase.
They are the only real size morphs and cost between $300 and $500..
Giant Morphs are bred by carefully breeding the biggest natural Beardies.
Bearded Dragon Cost of Ownership
The initial cost for setting the foundation of a Bearded Dragon’s residence could be between around $200 to $1,100. The range is based on the type and size of tank you choose to purchase as well as how good the equipment you buy.
Alongside one-time cost of installation, you’ll encounter monthly charges of $50-$100 for heating and food, and annual expenses between $100 and $200 for bulbs replacement or vet visit.
Instead of purchasing each item separately you can purchase the bearded dragon kit.
Kits typically cost around $300 and usually contain the 50 gallon tank of glass. They are generally appropriate for babies Bearded Dragons. It is necessary be able to purchase a larger 120-gallon tank when your pet has reached the age of full grown.
These kits are perfect for those who are just starting out because it makes the process much more simple and speedier. Kits include a variety of permanent pieces for your bear’s adult environment, including the basking lamp (with dome lamp fixture) and tank lids.
As well as any kit you’ll need to purchase a T5 High output UVB lamp. Do not use a coil-UVB light even if it’s included in the kit.
There are many T5 fixtures with prices ranging from $10 to $40.
- T5 canopies – T5 tube that is integrated into the hood.
- T5 light reflectors – fixtures that use aluminum that can amplify the light.
- Standard T5 fixtures can be purchased at any hardware store.
To help with lighting, you can purchase a power cord or outlet timing device, and program it to be all day, every day.
Regular heating and lighting will provide the Bearded Dragon a nice environment to be in and help them to metabolize their food regularly. Automated lighting and heating will also provide you with peace of mind as there is no need to turn off or on manually. or off.
You’ll need to purchase digital thermometers as well as humidity gauges. The ones in kits are often subpar.
Temperature gauges, humidity and thermometers that are digital are not expensive and can be purchased in two packs, priced at $5-$15. Set one in the area of basking and another to the “cool” side of the tank.
The final thing to purchase is decoration. Decor can add a splash of color and also enhances the temperature gradient of the tank. Hides plants, hammocks, and other items are priced differently based on the items you buy.
One-time Setup Fees The range is between $200 and $1,100.
The following list will provide a comprehensive guide to everything you’ll require to purchase prior to you can bring home your pet!
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 50-120-gallon Glass Tank | $100 – $600 |
| UVA Basking Lamp Fixture | $15 – $30 |
| T5 UVB Fixture | $15 – $80 |
| Reptile Mat | $5 – $30 |
| Ceramic Tiles ( optional) | $5 |
| Ceramic Heating Element | $15 – $25 |
| Food Dish | $2 – $10 |
| Bath Dish | $10 – $30 |
| Hides | $5 – $40 |
| Branching | $5 – $25 |
| Hammocks | $5 – $35 |
| Flowers ( real or fake) | $5 – $15 |
| Digital Thermostats 2 | $5 – $40 |
| Humidity Gauges | $5 – $15 |
| Outlet Timer | $10 – $25 |
| Total | $200 – $1,100 |
Monthly Costs: $50- $100
Food and electricity are the two expenses that you should consider when you keep the bearded dragon.
Food costs more for young children, but gradually lowers the cost when they get older and start eating less insects and more vegetables!
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| Insects | $25 – $60 |
| Fruits and vegetables ( some fruits too) | $15 – $30 |
| Electricity | $10 – $15 |
| Total | $50 – $105 |
Annual Costs: $100 – $200
It’s easy to forget the annual expenses since they’re not always crucial. It is crucial to make sure your reptile undergoes regular check-ups. Vets are susceptible to health problems that you might not have seen like scale rot as well as obesity or anorexia.
| Item | Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 50 – 75 Watt UVA Basking Bulb x2 | $8 – $15 |
| T5 (High Output) UVB tube light x2 | $15 – $30 |
| Vitamin and Calcium Supplements x2 | $10 – $15 |
| Annual Vet Checkup | $75 – $140 |
| Total | $100 – $200 |
How to Save Money
The initial setup costs of between $200 and $1,100 are based on the assumption that you buy all the equipment fresh at a pet shop. If you have the ability to locate used tanks as well as rocks that are wild, you could cut the cost considerably.
Tanks that are used can be purchased for around $100. Make sure you thoroughly clean it with bleach that is diluted.
If you decide to go with wild decor, cook it to 400 ° before adding to your tank.
Many owners seek to reduce their monthly cost of food through breeding insect or buying bulk.
The Bearded Dragons Buyer’s Handbook
The Pogona subspecies called vitticeps from the Bearded Dragon has been domesticated in the 1970s. They are legally owned in all 50 states.
If you are interested in any other subspecies, you must check laws of the state to find out their status prior to purchasing. A number of states do not permit the possession of exotic animals.
How to Find A Breeder
The best place to purchase the Bearded Dragon is from a reliable private breeder.
The breeders of private breeding are more likely to create morph variants. This is crucial for those who is looking for unique patterns, scalation or unique colors.
Breeders are usually found in:
- Local reptile business.
- Regional reptile exhibitions.
- Groups of enthusiasts.
Begin by locating an expo for reptiles near you and they’re ideal for bringing breeding groups of private individuals together. If you’re not able to go to local expos, then talk to local reptile stores to find their distributor.
When you are at the show, meet with breeders. Make use of it as an occasion to study different vendors and see how their reptiles are taken care of.
Be sure to speak with other attendees at the expo to get their opinions and reviews from the inside.
Things to Know Before Buying
If you spot an Bearded Dragon that you like, it is important to look for indicators of health and well-being:
- There is a lot of activity in their enclosure.
- A well-shaped and smooth jaw.
- Eyes that are bright and clear.
- Straight spine running from the back of the head
- A good tail in good condition – free of any kinks or nips.
- All toes counted.
- A good muscle tone on legs.
If you buy online, be sure to check the seller’s details regarding the shipping method they use. There are secure ways for shipping Bearded Dragons but it is typically difficult for them and they are unpredictable.
Summary
When purchasing a bearded Dragon, ensure that you avoid wild-caught species, morphs that are not ethical (e.g. Silkbacks) and undemonstratized subspecies.
A great place to purchase bearded dragons is at an expo for reptiles.
A typical baby bearded dragon cost between $40 and $75. However, adult morphs can run over $900.
There are a variety of choices (e.g. pet stores, expos, or private breeders) to purchase bearded dragons. There are plenty of places to purchase gear and food!
Enjoy yourself, enjoy yourself, and be sure to refer to our shopping list to find the exact items you require.
