The Cost of Owning A Bearded Dragon

[@allygraffham4518]

My boyfriend is absolutely in love with bearded dragons. anddd I think im going to buy him one for Christmas and I've been watchin your videos to make sure I get the very best for him and the bearded dragon. Love your videos keep it up!

[@EmmysPets]

Thank you for saying they are not beginner pets.. so many of my friends come over and are like “I want one” and when I try to explain to them they aren’t good for beginners they never listen to me 🤦‍♀️

[@ellesreptiles]

Yes! They're pretty easy once they're established and you have a system down for their care. But getting to that point takes time and effort haha

[@EmmysPets]

Elle's Reptiles yes! It’s taken me like 7 months of owning my dragon to a point where I’m proud of his tank, which was a lot of money and time!

[@MOOSEFITNESS]

same i had a beardy for about 3 years now and im finally liking her tank

[@tidocastillo6824]

I want one too😂

[@Anonymous-sg4tr]

If I were to get a reptile and I didn't have experience with animals at all I'd start with a Gecko.

[@colleenm9144]

Great video! Thanks for explaining how much it cost to own a bearded dragon. A lot of people don't realize that it can get very expensive especially if your beardie gets sick. They also need A lot of attention if you want a happy and friendly bearded dragon.

[@ellesreptiles]

Yes! I completely agree! 😊

[@andiiiciara]

This is the most informative video I’ve found on the topic! I have never had a reptile and have wanted a bearded dragon for a long time. I’m finally in a financial position to get one and want to be as prepared as possible. So this is super helpful! Thank you!!!

[@ellesreptiles]

Yay! I'm so happy this was helpful! 🥰 good luck and congrats on your future beardie! 😁

[@Whoareyoupeople900]

Well no pet is a beginner pet. You're taking care of another life. I'd never had a reptile up until a month ago. I got my bearded dragon and all the stuff for him and he isn't hard to take care of at all. He's expensive but not difficult to keep happy at all. The only annoying thing is the crickets. I live in Florida so Dubias are illegal here.

[@ellesreptiles]

Yea, once you get them established, they're super easy! It's just getting to that point that some people don't understand. Congrats on the beardie! It sounds like he's off to a fantastic start 😁. And yea, the Florida dubia roach thing would be a pain.

[@maddiesmithyx4637]

I usually feed mine some fruit mine loves it x

[@Anonymous-sg4tr]

Crickets are hard to feed your pet. Don't get me wrong I don't have experience with reptiles but have done some research. Worms are better because they don't die straight after buying them.

[@maddiesmithyx4637]

I know I brought some crickets and they are CrAzY I swear we start to feed him worms now there much slower and not flippin crazy xx

[@user-oh6xq8lx3z]

an ant is a beginner pet and sea monkeys are lol.

[@bige8549]

As someone who is considering one in the future, this was extremely helpful! What about batteries for the temp gun and monitors? What about a pet carrier for going to the vet? And a leash & harness for walking him occasionally?

[@gailcousins3693]

Hello Elle! Thank you for sharing this very informative video on the different items you must have to purchase on your Bearded Dragon!

[@SupremeGecko]

Yes, sharing great info as usual. Perfect explanation on the cost of a beardie. Love them but...... $$$

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you! And I completely agree - they're wonderful, but not enough people know how much money goes into them.

[@gracierhame9637]

There really not that much if u ho online and look up research it really isn't that much

[@zareptiles]

It’s crazy to sit down and actually think about how much we spend as reptile keepers 😂

[@ellesreptiles]

🤣 my husband was watching this before I uploaded it, and he stopped the video and yelled "THIS IS HOW MUCH WE'VE SPENT ON HER!?" And I couldn't stop laughing. 😂🤣

[@zareptiles]

Elle's Reptiles my boyfriend and I were trying to decide who spends more $$ ... me with reptiles or him with fishing ..... I made him stop calculating how much I’ve spent because I decided I’d rather not know 😅😂

[@mamashanshan2772]

You are so awesome!! I grew up loving reptiles, well, any critter!! These dragons are so precious!! Me and my grandkiddos adopted this guy a week ago actually, he’s so amazing, they deserve the best. We’ve been blessed with two in our family. One lives with one of my granddaughters, one lives with me, grandmoms!! He’s the best guy!! I cannot tell you how your info has already helped! We’re building them incredible homes, your info is valuable!!

[@KimmyVapes]

Watching this video made me realize how much I might have over paid for a lot of this stuff. I bought a brand new front opening 40gal breeder for $190 and now I wish I would have checked on something like FB marketplace. Will def be looking for a used 120 gallon enclosure.

[@matthewjoseph6902]

35$ that's a deal that I'm getting for my beardy and that's with two sales on it,usually its 60$ plus tax its around 65-70

[@fheidnnd9834]

So, I'm getting my first beardie on Thursday, and, your vids help, A LOT. My beardie was $80, tank was $240 for everything in the tank. So.. yeah, we haven't bought food yet.. and my dad is freaking out cause of the price lol.

[@Anonymous-sg4tr]

Congrats on getting your beardie!

[@fheidnnd9834]

Anonymous 2357 thanks! his name is dorito and he lives peacefully at my house 💕😌

[@DemmyChan]

You are on point with the costs, that's pretty much what I paid and monthly costs. If someone wants a cheap pet, I would recommend a rock. Thanks again!

[@Risici_Bloom]

Which hood and light do you actually use? We are trying to find a good hood and bulb setup..

[@Magixcrafts]

Great video! Would you recommend starting off with crickets as a baby and waiting for the Dubia until their bigger

[@Frannyyt.4012]

Hi! This video was really informative. I used to have a hamster(sadly passed away) and Cinnabun had a repurposed enclosure made out of a storage bin. It has 600 square inches at the bottom, and I was wondering if it would be suitable for a bearded dragon? My teacher has one and he lets me feed him, have him on my lap while I do work, and hold him. It’s really nice, and I want to get my own. Thank you!

[@Justanotherlevisimp]

It really depends on the size and age of your dragon, so if your getting a baby or should be fine but when they get older they'll grow to about 2 feet so you preferably need a 4ftx2ftx2ft tank, but a 40-60 gallon tank would be the minimum size for an adult dragon. I hope I could help 😅

[@callieestra1095]

Another thing as advice is that if you start out feeding your babies dubia roaches, they tend to eat less. I give mine 4 dubias each along with a couple of worms and they’re good until they’re next feeding

[@brittanys1570]

You only paid $35?!?!?! Lucky! Around here beardies are usually $100 or more

[@havonjrjones4165]

I paid 80 for mine

[@anthonypitcher9046]

Just an idea I sometimes go dumpster diving at petsmart and Petco and find tanks all the time some are really bad and sometimes it just has scratches on or small cracks still works for reptiles

[@piperstar3979]

I live in Australia and currently doing research to see if the bearded dragon or the BTS is better for me, I love both but what what one do you think is easier and cheaper to care for, also what one is more sociable??

[@rpggaming8950]

Well damn i live in ny and i spent like 800 on everything i needed for spike but i do buy extra lighting so just incase i need a light in a hurry plus i bought extra calcium and vitamins

[@pdv3526]

I am Looking forward to your other videos on the cost. It is something I do not think about until recently.

[@Cisfruity]

I understand why tanks are so largely priced, because the people making the tanks have to use silicone and the glass which can be pretty expensive. Also what I do is I just buy the starter kits that have some things that I would need for the animal and I would keep what I don't need for future animals.

[@jessicasisk7832]

My adult beardie sideye 60 a month.. hes 2lbs 24in loved.

[@KingOGgamer]

I don’t know why I thought it would be like a thousand dollars for the set up and every thing. Thanks for explaining great video

[@chbrski2091]

Nicholas Washington it could be technically depending on where you go

[@ellesreptiles]

Haha those monthly costs definitely add up fast though. Thank you! 😊

[@Aj-ue6pg]

There are also these dried Dubia roach pellets with calcium and everything (all natural) on amazon that you can buy for like $30 and they do so well! He’s healthy and happy. :)))

[@gyovanna3045]

Hey how often do you feed your beardie the dried dubias?

[@ingeloak]

Dragon - $35 is extremely lucky and cheap. The baby dragons at my local store are $129.99. I think her prices are VERY low. Enclosure - She says you want a front opening tank to avoid "predator stress" (my term), but then she quotes a 40 gallon breeder with a top opening. Expect your tank to cost a LOT more for a front opening version. If money is an issue, try second hand. Otherwise, about $200 or more for the 40 gallon (Petsmart). An adult dragon enclosure is about 120 gallons (48"x 24"x 24") or higher (custom build). This can get into hundreds of dollars. A 40 gallon breeder tank is pretty cramped for a lizard that gets about 24 inches long. Lighting - fixtures are obscenely overpriced. Expect to pay $50-70 for a 24-36" fixture, and nearly the same for a replacement UVA/UVB bulb. You might find one cheaper, but that would be the exception. Enrichment - $30+ sticks at pet store, or bake driftwood you find outside. Good luck! More money, or risk bringing in some microbes from the wild.

[@tiffanismall3649]

Completed agree with this. Maybe because this video is 3 years old. But prices are definitely NOT the same. At least double anything she has said. Edit to add: we're bearded dragon owners. This video is very informational towards what you need to have.

[@generalguderian9677]

I've had my baby beardie for 2 weeks now. The little did is amazing. I'm amazed at how many baby crickets he's gone through. I'm on my third bucket. I live in Australia and my beardie cost $220 AUD as he's more exotic. It has cost a bit so far but he is worth it.

[@22elliotellis78]

Where did you get him from

[@michael-bz5qz]

I bought a cheap and longer lasting Arcadia t5 bulb 12% UVB and a fixture on Pangea Reptiles website. Arcadia is better than Reptisun and cheaper. It's only 20+ dollars versus the 30-40+ dollars that Reptisun offers at petco/petsmart. You only have to change the t5 once a year.

[@CrazySerbian]

I am from Serbia(europe) and I bought tank 100CMx50SMx50Sm(idk how many inches it is sry)with full lighting and heating for 160usd and my beardie costed 80 usd.And buying him food cam be pretty expensive.He is my first reptile and I dont know if that was a good deal or not.Also i got food an vitamins for 1 month together so my inital cost wasabout 240usd

[@dogwithavlog344]

I'm a beginner I've never had a reptile but I researched ALOT and I wrote everything I need I'm going to the pet shop to get everything. I'm not going to petsmart or petco for my beardie I'm going to a biologist who breeds them. She's a 2 week old baby beardie

[@mrsquidftw6826]

How did that go did you get it yet

[@dogwithavlog344]

@@mrsquidftw6826 yes I did! She’s 6 months already. She’s a red hypo and she’s really sweet. We’re getting her a 75 gallon in a few days

[@ThinqAJ]

If you have a sub adult/adult and feed them once a day, what time would you recommend feeding them, afternoon or morning, or does it matter when?

[@ellesreptiles]

Sorry, I just saw this. It doesn’t matter the time, but I like to make sure they have at least an hour of basking before and after they eat, to make sure everything digests correctly. 😊

[@ThinqAJ]

Elle's Reptiles ah no worries, thank you!

[@trippinonlizard54]

$45 for the tank?? My 67 gallon on sale just cost $400. Granted it was a double door Reptizoo

[@MOOSEFITNESS]

my beardy has stuck shed and i have been giving him warm baths for weeks now and there is no progress do you have any ideas that can help her

[@andrealocks124]

Paradox Moe honestly I would recommend taking him to the vet. Stuck shed for too long can result in tail rot because it will cut of the circulation in the tail

[@andrealocks124]

Also, if you can’t afford the vet, 1st off start saving money so you can, and second, I would rely on google. 😂

[@MOOSEFITNESS]

@@andrealocks124 lol

[@MOOSEFITNESS]

@@andrealocks124 thank you so much im going to take her in the next few days

[@andrealocks124]

Paradox Moe no problem! Glad I could help 😁😁

[@eleezakaine3028]

Dubia Roaches are ilegal in Florida. How much would it be for the crikets instead of the dubias?

[@Cinnamontoastcrunch1029]

Where should I order my bugs?

[@sandyelliott3350]

Best video on beardies I've seen.

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you! 😊

[@inspiringlove4560]

Also you can use half water half vinegar to clean your bearded dragons tank

[@JeremyGoneWildPets]

Lots of great information in this video. Thanks

[@bobobo5611]

I just spent almost 360 for a tank and all the lights and substrate then 400 for a zero dragon 😯

[@lorijohnson3620]

I watch elles vids cuz of the three GOOD beardie info people on youtube she defiantly the easiest on the eyes

[@ToshiToshift]

This is annoying as hell. Enclosures in Australia cost like $200-$300 2nd hand and sometimes way more. lights cost $50 each and for a normal bearded dragon with no morphs or anything $100 plus!

[@ellesreptiles]

😱!!! Someone told me that the beardies there were much more expensive, but I didn't realize EVERYTHING was that much more expensive. That's crazy.

[@brown4692]

Same in the us

[@KrazyPotato1416]

Thanks so much for the video because I know they are expensive but I'm willing to save up for a long to time make sure i can have the bearded dragon happy. Plus im waiting till our other animals are gone before i take on something new and that will take up time.

[@ellesreptiles]

That's good! Knowing what goes into them and still wanting one means you're already on the right track 😊

[@ashphodeldimixtry26]

I got a tank, heating dome, and uvb hood for 50 dollars second hand, honestly the most expensive thing for me was the decor (WHY IS TANK DECOR SO EXPENSIVE ITS LITERALLY A PIECE OF SANDED WOOD)

[@henryclay-barbour8544]

Are you allowed to feed done roaches to babies? If so h ow much do dobe( not sure if that is correct spelling) roaches cost for baby bearded dragon?

[@elise4596]

I paid $250 plus shipping for my bearded dragon. She is a hypo leatherback het translucent and so pretty

[@michelledepietro6957]

I feel like my dragon doesn't eat nearly that many worms or crickets I only throw a few in and he maybe eats 6 crickets and maybe 6 worms not same time but I feel I feel he should be eating more

[@mellodyromaine6907]

Where can I sell my bearded dragon zero juvenile

[@matteosomma554]

Just got a crested gecko and never new how much it could be but it’s totally worth it

[@nancypina341]

Wow great video. This helps a lot.

[@Enmiiity]

Is 50 dollars good for a 55 gallon tank? I found one on facebook for that but I'm not sure-

[@ellesreptiles]

Yes! I think anything at about $1/gallon or less is a good deal 😊

[@kathleenmonsegue9700]

I found my complete bearded dragon 40 gallon breeder tank setup in the letgo app, for $185.00. Bought a new uvb t5 10.0 bulb, cuz the old one is not working anymore.

[@fubrfhutgugfjteqf7481]

I'm thinking of getting one but I don't know if my mum would be able to afford the food :(

[@YourLocal_Happiness1121]

We have a bearded dragon and the whole cost of everything was about $700 but it was a red blue bar so about 250 for him/her(we don't know yet).

[@MMAMG1]

Can I begin to grow and feed my beardie Dubia roaches from the very get go? I’m thinking of farming Dubia and maybe a secondary insect group.

[@reptitan5498]

Yeah they are the best feeder insect. Just make sure they are the right size.

[@ellesreptiles]

What Reptitan said! 😊 the only reason I didn't was because I didn't know they were an option when I first got Zsasz

[@hannahtrent1956]

How often do you use the multivitamin

[@ellesreptiles]

Once a week

[@hannahtrent1956]

Elle's Reptiles thank you!

[@TheosAmarto]

Heat pads shouldn't be used for bearded dragons... They cannot feel heat on the stomachs and they will end up burning themselves.

[@maddykiss9991]

You can't burn yourself with a heating pad

[@TheosAmarto]

@@maddykiss9991 people can't but animals can.

[@ellesreptiles]

That’s why it’s so important to use a thermostat with a heat pad if use one. Since it’d only be used as supplemental heat, you could easily set it to 75-80°F and run no risk of burns 😊

[@MOOSEFITNESS]

Great Video! :)

[@ellesreptiles]

Thank you!

[@chbrski2091]

Are snakes or bearded dragons more expensive to own in the long run. I own a bearded dragon and he cost a lot.

[@ellesreptiles]

Bearded dragons by far. Once you get a snake set up, you're just buying one rat or mouse (or what ever based on the snake size) once a week.

[@chbrski2091]

Elle's Reptiles I would probably buy frozen rats so I would technically have those for a long time. I’m trying to convince my family to get one but my stepdad is scared of them

[@mellodyromaine6907]

Where can I sell my zero

[@ellesreptiles]

You can try Craigslist

[@skyethesolarwing939]

I'm getting a bearded dragon I've had lots of pets I've had dogs a cat and a bunny and im getting to next month so I need to do research cuz in a beginner at owning a reptile. I need to get rid of my bunny cuz she doesn't let me sleep so im going to try to do my best when I get a bearded dragon

[@charleshatten]

I am down to 3 choices for my first ever reptile. 1) Beardie 🙃 lol 2) water dragon..... 3) ball python....what do you think?

[@ellesreptiles]

Very good choices.😊 I’m assuming you’ve already done all the research on all of them (so you know the extensive requirements of a water dragon as well). Personally, I’d go with Ball Python, they’re the easiest of the three and the most fun to handle, they also require the least amount of care time (they only eat once a week as opposed to everyday, they only eat rats as opposed to variety, etc) That being said, if building setups is what you like, you could do so much more with a water dragon setup - you could do an entire pauldarium. (I would love to build a pauldarium for a water dragon one day. 😁) With those three choices, I would honestly just look at how much free time you have, and pick that way haha.

[@charleshatten]

Elle's Reptiles Thanx for reply and yes I believe I'm going with a Ball Python for now then see what next. Again thx

[@stephaniemartinez7488]

Just in the dragon and tank setup I spent well over $800

[@GameBoyPlayz]

40 gallon is not suitable for an adult bearded dragon, in my opinion the bare minimum is 75 gallons with 120gallons or a 4x2x2 recommend.

[@lcyakko3237]

bearded dragon is a beginner pet. for handling you don't need to spent much of time on them . they just chill

[@malikyesummers9936]

My local pet shop sells baby bearded dragons for 100 dollars and they are just normal ones

[@DAntior]

You do not need to buy dimable hood. You do not need a light hood. a 27watt uva/uvb is more than enough light. I have learned that the animal knows how to regulate heat my beardie knows which level he needs to be to get the heat he needs.

[@DAntior]

Keep it simple to start and build up to bigger and better stuff

[@apolloniabogacka6625]

In Chicago the bearded dragon costs $100 and the 40 gallon tank costs $200-$250

[@apolloniabogacka6625]

In petsmart at least

[@middleschooldrama8343]

I am getting a leopard gecko for my first reptile

[@ellesreptiles]

Congrats! 😊

[@joaquinplantinga350]

Petco is cool and al but uhm i dont live anywhere near a petco so yeah😞

[@ViJay-he4sy]

Can you do the next series about ball python or turtle or something like chameleon

[@ellesreptiles]

Yes! I can definitely do the ball python next 😊

[@lyndsaytucker349]

Can you do ball pythons for your next video!? I’m interested in getting one soon😊

[@ellesreptiles]

I can! 😊 it won't be the very next video but it can be the next one in this small series

[@stephaniemartinez7488]

I paid $250 for each of mine. One is a citrus and the other is just a “fancy” normal

[@Ahriman_II]

Oh I'm here. A little late but I'm here

[@ellesreptiles]

🦎👀 that's ok 😊

[@Ahriman_II]

@@ellesreptiles 🦎👀s you know I'm coming through. I even had leftover Popeye's for a salute to Mr Husband 🤣🤣🤣

[@nem-otteraj7569]

Tea turtle shirt?🧐 ( I love it 🥰 )

[@bellethiessen4113]

Well In my pet store just the baby alone costs 200$ Canada sucks for that hahah so make that total around 500-600 (:

[@Reaghansdad1]

You are gorgeous! You could be talking about grinding rocks into dust and I’d still watch.

[@robertloera8906]

I love beared dragons there my favorite i used to have one long time ago tho

[@ellesreptiles]

They're awesome creatures 😊

[@robertloera8906]

@@ellesreptiles yup i wanna get me another one just idk where to buy one at right now i wanna buy 2 baby ones

[@Ayanaamariaa]

Omg you’re from Decatur! I’m from Auburn :)

[@keithdouglass3618]

🐍🐸🐨🌏 yes they need a mature person to look after pets. upkeep. observation . Keith Australia

[@envoarc75x69]

When she said fancy dragons I was like haha because that is the name of the breed of my dragon

[@JordyEllira]

Australia you pay $100+ for a bearded dragon, can go up to $500 and $250+ for an enclosure 😂

[@ellesreptiles]

Oh wow 😳 thats quite the difference.

[@keithdouglass3618]

🐍🐸🐨🌏 two enclosures. lamps. some items .but all worth it for happy lizards. Keith Australia

[@olyveaeaeae6973]

omg what i got my bearded dragons terrarium for like $399.99-

[@olyveaeaeae6973]

no probably 299.99 i forgot lol

[@Kefffler]

I am really annoyed at my friend. She wanted to get a reptile, Which is great! I recommended a Leopard gecko or a Crestie, because she had no experience, one day she came to school and guess what shes getting... A bearded dragon. And guess how much research she did. She googled how to feed it and THATS ALL!

[@Brandon_Duculan9-11]

I got a 55 gallon tank for 45$ on facebook

[@menacetosociety9136]

👌

[@BellaBaileyforever]

I got a bearded dragon a month ago and his name is mr.mustachio😂

[@txrbobread]

i swear amazon is so high

[@ethanwinston2672]

Sound like she has five bulbs at once lol

[@robertloera8906]

Hey elle how can i get a shout out lol 🙂 i want a shout out plus my birthday is on the July 23. Its around the corner lol shoot also when is your next giveaway lol(:

[@ellesreptiles]

My shoutouts are from instagram 😊 you just have to follow me there and like a bunch of my pictures. As of right now, the next giveaway I have planned is at 10,000 subscribers. 😁 HAPPY EARLY BIRTHDAY! 😊🎉

[@robertloera8906]

@@ellesreptiles oh okay well okie dokie then ima go fallow you on Instagram then and of course ill like every single picture so u can give me a shout out lol

[@robertloera8906]

@@ellesreptiles and aslo thank you 🙂 i hope you get 10,000 subscribers soon maybe god will bless me to be the giveaway winner for my birthday lol 😎👌 lol I have faith youll get 10,000 subscribers like nothing watch

[@robertloera8906]

@@ellesreptiles ok i followed u and i liked every pic there was 😍

[@uchibauki2515]

Veterinarian will charge for blood check $113 😰

[@gracierhame9637]

U act like it cost so much to care to a bearded dragon when it really isn't u just go way over doar with printing backgrounds and vet bill I u woul just wash o food and take extra procasgon it wouldn't cost that much

[@ericross5921]

Do not use distilled water

[@kennalynch1376]

Pet co it’s doing that now

[@jenniferwilson4900]

I am getting a gecko because my fish died

[@teebear3036]

People are always giving away free pets and equipment on craigslist.

[@ellesreptiles]

Yes! Love Craigslist for that! 😊

[@theopedersen3413]

' ' small children or other animals ' ' lol

[@Depresso_Espresso_420]

That's an unrealistic start up cost. Even with the alternatives, its closer to $500.