Introduction

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptilian pets in the UK. They are friendly, docile creatures that are relatively easy to take care of. However, before you decide to become a bearded dragon owner, it’s important to know the full cost of owning one. In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know about bearded dragon cost in the UK, from the initial setup to ongoing expenses.

The Cost of a Bearded Dragon in the UK

The first thing you’ll need to consider is the cost of buying a bearded dragon. The cost can vary depending on where you buy it and whether you choose a certain morph (colour variation). On average, you can expect to pay around £40-£150 for a young bearded dragon.

Bearded Dragon Setup Costs

Once you have bought your bearded dragon, you will need to set up its enclosure. Here are the costs you can expect to pay:

Vivarium

The cost of a vivarium can vary depending on the size and quality. For a bearded dragon, you’ll need at least a 4ft vivarium. A brand new vivarium can cost around £100-£300. However, you can find second-hand vivariums for cheaper if you look around on websites like Gumtree.

Heating and Lighting

A heat lamp and UVB lighting are essential for a bearded dragon’s health. You can buy both of these together in one kit or separately. A kit can cost around £50-£100, while buying the two pieces separately can cost around £30-£50 each.

Substrate

Substrate is the flooring you put in the vivarium. It’s important to choose a substrate that won’t harm your bearded dragon if it ingests it (which they often do). A 10-litre bag of substrate can cost around £10-£20.

Decorations

Bearded dragons need decorations in their vivarium to provide stimulation and enrichment. Decorations such as climbing logs, hides and fake plants can cost around £20-£50.

Ongoing Costs

Now that you have the initial setup complete, there are ongoing costs to consider. Here are the main expenses you’ll have:

Food

Bearded dragons eat live insects (crickets, locusts, and mealworms) and fresh vegetables. The cost of live insects can add up, with a box costing around £10-£30 depending on the size. You’ll also need to buy fresh vegetables, which can cost around £10-£20 a month.

Supplements

To ensure your bearded dragon is getting all the necessary vitamins and minerals, you’ll need to buy supplements. These can cost around £5-£10 a month.

Vet Bills

Like all pets, bearded dragons occasionally get sick and may require a visit to the vet. Vet bills can vary depending on the issue your bearded dragon is experiencing. It’s important to have a veterinary practice that is experienced in treating reptiles. Veterinary bills can range from £30 for a consultation to £500 for more serious illnesses.

Conclusion

Owning a bearded dragon can be a rewarding experience. However, it’s important to know the full cost of owning one before making the commitment. In this guide, we’ve gone over the expected costs involved in buying and setting up the initial vivarium, as well as ongoing expenses. By taking these costs into account, you’ll be able to enjoy your new pet without any unexpected surprises.