Bearded Dragon
The most popular pet lizard in the UK — placid, active by day and genuinely interactive. Demanding to set up correctly, with UVB lighting and a large vivarium essential.
Key facts
Lifespan
8–12 years
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
First-time owners
Suitable
About the Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are desert lizards from Australia, diurnal and tolerant of handling, which makes them the usual first reptile recommendation. The equipment is where beginners go wrong: they need a large vivarium (120cm minimum for an adult), a basking spot around 40°C, a proper thermal gradient, and high-output UVB replaced every 6–12 months. Without correct UVB and calcium, metabolic bone disease develops quickly and is often irreversible.
Living with a Bearded Dragon
Minimum 120cm × 60cm × 60cm vivarium for an adult, kept alone. Basking zone ~40°C with a cool end around 22–26°C, plus 10–12% UVB.
- Good with children
- Good with other pets
- Suitable for first-time owners
Health
Conditions this breed is commonly predisposed to. This is general information, not veterinary advice — speak to a vet about any specific animal.
- Metabolic bone disease from inadequate UVB or calcium
- Impaction from unsuitable substrate or oversized prey
- Atadenovirus; mouth rot
- Obesity from an over-rich insect diet in adults
Ask the breeder for
- Ask for feeding records and check for a clean vent, clear eyes and full tail base
- Confirm UVB type and how recently it was replaced
Buying a Bearded Dragon
Budget more for the setup than the animal — a correct vivarium, lighting and thermostat typically cost £250–£400. Never house two bearded dragons together.
Read the full safe-buying guideBearded Dragons for sale
No Bearded Dragon adverts are live right now. New adverts are posted daily — or set your sights a little wider.
All reptiles for saleBearded Dragon FAQs
How long do Bearded Dragons live?
A Bearded Dragon typically lives 8–12 years.
Are Bearded Dragons good for first-time owners?
Yes — Bearded Dragons are generally suitable for sensible first-time owners who will train and exercise them consistently.
What health tests should a Bearded Dragon breeder have done?
Ask for feeding records and check for a clean vent, clear eyes and full tail base. Confirm UVB type and how recently it was replaced.
Breed information is general guidance compiled by the PetHome team. Every animal is an individual — meet it, and its mother, before you commit. This is not veterinary advice.