The eastern bearded dragon, also known as a coastal bearded dragon, is often seen in wooded parts of Australia. Many people mistake this species for a frill-necked lizard. Frill’s beard goes all over their head, whereas Eastern Beardies’ is shorter and less impressive.
However, this member of Pogonas does know how to protect itself. As this species ages, they develop markings on their forehead, ranging from pale blue to yellow or green.
One easy way to differentiate eastern dragons from their close relative, like pogona vitticeps, is their row of spines, which can easily be spotted along their side, continuing up to their forearms. They’re mostly grey, but sometimes they may be black or black & brown.
I’ve also seen some with ochre shades, helping them blend better with their surrounding environments, like logs, rocks, bark, etc.; as said, they’re great at hiding from their predators. Below, you’ll find more details.
Eastern Bearded Dragon Habitat
After studies & research, we got to know that eastern bearded dragons are native to eastern and southeastern parts of Australia. Hence, we can expect to spot them in areas including:
- Victoria
- South Of The Cape York Peninsula
- New South Wales
- Queensland
- South Australia.
As per the Toohey Forest Environmental Education Centre, this species loves to inhabit open forests.
Eastern Bearded Dragon’s presence is abundant in areas with fire-tolerant moderately tall tree species and a reasonably open canopy that lets in some sunlight. Usually, they often look for tall trees that allow easy sun-basking opportunities and quick escape from their predators. Some of their favorites are:
- Toohey Forest
- Scrub
- Heathland
- Open Woodland
- Savanna
Eastern bearded dragons also like to inhabit coastal heath habitats, where they perch on tree branches or logs, and on farmland, where they use fence posts for sun-baking
Eastern Bearded Dragon Picture
Eastern Bearded Dragon Size
If you’ve got a male pet eastern bearded dragon, expect it to grow up to 60cm (24 in) long, from nose to tail tip. On the other hand, the National Parks Association of Queensland suggests that females will grow up to 50cm (20 in) in length. The average weight of an eastern bearded dragon is unaccounted for yet, but full-grown ones can weigh around 380 to 500 grams. However, an eastern bearded dragon’s weight & height may vary depending on a few factors, such as:
- Stage Of Life (Each Beardies’ Life Stage Comes With Different Sets Of Challenges For Owners)
- Diet (What They Eat In The Wild Or What They’re Fed)
- Gender (Females Grow Slower Than Males)
- Genetics (Genetics Plays Crucial Role In Beardies’ Growth Rate)
- Health Condition (Any Health Issue Interfere With Pet’s Weight, Growth Rate, & Behavior)
- Age (Bearded Dragons’ Growth Slow Down As They Age, Especially After Sexual Maturity Or 12 Months Of Age)
- Care (Pet Beardies Need Proper Tank Setup, Best Lighting & Nutritious Diet Which Vary As They Age)
Eastern Bearded Dragon Lifespan
On average, the Bearded Dragon is said to have a life span of 8-15 years. However, Human Ageing Genomic Resources suggest that an Eastern Bearded Dragon will likely live around 9.9 years, on average, in captivity. In the wild, many bearded dragons even fail to live more than five years of age.
The wild eastern bearded dragon will likely live around 3 to 5 years, depending on predation, availability of their preferred food, and scarcity of protection due to habitat loss. The most common reason for beardies’ low life expectancy is due to predatory birds like hawks & buzzards. In captivity, eastern bearded dragons can live ten years on average, and some even live more up to 15 years, but depends on:
- Where Do You Keep Them? (They Need A Proper Tank Setup With Hiding & Climbing Decorations, Adequate Temperature & Lighting)
- What You Feed Them? (They Need An Omnivorous Diet That Fulfills All Their Nutritional Needs & Appetite For The Best Health)
- How You Care For Them? (They Must Gently Be Handled To Avoid Stress And Played With Or Trained With Patience)
Eastern Bearded Dragon Diet
Because of being omnivorous, the Eastern bearded dragon’s diet consists of:
- Vegetable
- Fruits
- Small Animals
- Insects
- Flowers & Leafy Greens
Like its subspecies, Eastern bearded dragons also like to feed on small animals, insects, and mammals. Additionally, adults & sexually matured beardies are likely to eat Vegetable matter, possibly covering up to 80-90% of their total diet.
When the Eastern bearded dragons are young or juvenile, insects will be a major portion of their diet, which shift to vegetable matter as they age. However, adult eastern bearded dragons may also need insects, fruit, leaves, and animal-based food occasionally as a treat to balance their overall diet & nutrition consumption. Below is a Good Example for you.
| Vegetables: | Collard Greens, Mustard Greens, Carrots, Bell Peppers, Squash, Zucchini | Daily |
| Fruits: | Apples, Blueberries, Peaches, Strawberries, Watermelon | 2-3 times per week |
| Small Animals: | Crickets, Mealworms, Dubia Roaches, Silkworms | Daily |
| Insects: | Waxworms, Hornworms, Butter Worms | 1-2 times per week |
| Leafy Greens: | Dandelion Greens, Turnip Greens, Escarole | 3-4 times weekly |
Eastern Bearded Dragon Care
Terrarium
To house a single eastern bearded dragon, you will need a minimum 40-gallon-sized terrarium with a screen top offering proper ventilation. Many suggest that the sides can be either mesh or glass, but I prefer glass as Temperature is tough to maintain with full mesh sides.
Temperature
As you know, the bearded Dragon tank must have a proper temperature gradient, which requires two thermometers installed on each side of the enclosure for proper temperature maintenance & monitoring. During the daytime, you must maintain the eastern bearded dragon’s enclosure temperature between 80-88° F on the cooler side and 95-105° F on the warmer side/basking spot. At night, you can let the temperature drop as low as 70° F, but not more.
Humidity
For the best health & skin condition, you must keep your beardie’s terrarium humidity level around 40-60%. Use a good quality hygrometer to measure humidity in the eastern bearded dragon terrarium.
Lighting
It’s important to keep your eastern bearded dragon exposed to 12 hours of photoperiod using proper lighting, which helps them appropriately process calcium and vitamin D.
One of my favorite all-in-one options that are very effective in providing heat, UVB, and UVA in one bulb is Powersun, Zoo Med. But I highly advise replacing the bulb every six months Because the UVB fades in, no matter how visible light the six-month-old bulb emits. Another great bulb that effectively provides heat & UVB rays is Reptisun.
Substrates & Decorations
Firstly, I warn you against using sand, wood chips, fine gravel, calcium sand, corn cob granules, or crushed walnut shells as substrates. You should avoid any substances that are easy to swallow/ingest for beardies, causing impaction and sometimes death.
The best substrates I find healthy for eastern bearded dragon terrariums are newspaper or, the newest trend, ceramic tile. Indoor or outdoor carpeting is also an acceptable substrate for eastern bearded dragons. As Advanced Veterinary Care of San Elijo suggests, you should start with reptile carpets, as these are best & 100% safe for all beardies.
Since eastern bearded dragons like to climb, their Terrarium must have thick branches or rocks as climbing enrichments. Also, it’s a must to place burrows & hiding areas on both sides of your pet terrarium.
Grooming & Handing
Be extra cautious when handling young eastern bearded dragons as young eastern bearded dragons can be fast & wily. It’s best to scoop one hand under your pet’s chest near the front legs and support the tail with the other hand to pick up your beardie.
Your pet will feel more secure if you hold it closer to your body. Many beardies love sitting on the owner’s shoulder for a better view of their environment. The more you keep your pet out, the more docile they will become. It’s best to handle or let your pet outside only for 30-60 minutes a day.
When grooming a eastern bearded dragon, occasionally bathe it Using warm water at least 2-3 times a week. However, Animal Care Hospital warns against the depth Because eastern bearded dragons can drown in just a few inches of water.
A General guideline to bath baby eastern bearded dragons is ½ inch to 1-inch deep water and 1-2 inch water for Adult eastern bearded dragons. Also, offer something to climb on if he wants, like a roll of towel or rock.
Avoid using soap or detergent; ensure water doesn’t get in your pet’s eye or ear. Pour warm water on your eastern bearded dragon’s back and tail with a small cup. Also, let your pet soak in it for a few minutes, increasing hydration while cleaning off any dirt, debris, or shedding from their body.
Cleanliness & Maintenance
Firstly, you need to do spot cleaning of your eastern bearded dragon terrarium daily, including refreshing water dishes, removing old food, or any bowel movement. Also, you must do a deep cleaning of your pet’s terrarium every week and thoroughly dry the area before returning your pet inside it. Avoid using any noxious Chemicals when cleaning an eastern bearded dragon cage.
It’s best to either go with the homemade solution or choose a disinfectant that I use, like F10SC veterinary disinfectant. If you use carpet as a substrate, you must change that every week. Depending on the other type of substance you are using, like Newspaper or paper towel, change it as needed.
Food
For adult eastern bearded dragons, 50-55% of their total diet must have 2-3 varieties of dark leafy greens daily. Vegetables like broccoli, Zucchini, peas, carrots, or butternut squash shouldn’t compromise more than 20%.
Also, Fruits should be included, but as a treat, no more than 5% of their total diet. 20-25% of the eastern bearded dragon’s total diet should be insects or animal-based foods, but rotate them for different nutrients.
Always feed insects that are gut-loaded to make them more nutritious. Also, PetMD veterinarians recommend offering general multivitamins every week. My pet’s favorite & my preferred choice is Repashy Plus, which provide multivitamin & calcium supplement. 🙂 Both in one product.
Vet Care
At a minimum, you must get your eastern bearded dragon examined by a professional veterinarian every year. Some necessary examinations include:
- Proper Teeth Examination
- Body Condition Evaluation
- Assessment For Metabolic Bone Disease
- Fecal Analysis For Intestinal Parasites
- Blood Work To Check Internal Organ Function And Calcium Level.
Click Here To Learn More About Bearded Dragon Vet Cost.
Eastern Bearded Dragon Price
On average, eastern bearded dragons can cost you between $299-$399 depending upon gender, age, breeder reputation, and your residential locality. Also, male ones will cost $30-$40 extra when adopting. Make sure to ask for proper health checkup certificates & insurance, if any. Most reputable breeders with healthy & genuine beardies species will offer/show these.
Eastern Bearded Dragon For Sale
Interestingly, it’s tough to find eastern bearded dragons for sale at any location. You must research or ask the locality to find a reputable breeder. At TortoiseWorld, an eastern bearded dragon for sale is listed at $299, but these are hybrids with additional costs as you choose. You’ll pay $50 extra for male beardies and $10 extra for females.
5 Eastern Bearded Dragon Facts
- Surprisingly, the demand for eastern bearded dragons is so high that they are sometimes caught/collected from their natural habitat (wild) for pet trade, putting tremendous pressure on wild populations.
- During the breeding season, male eastern bearded dragons fight & combat, which often breaks their teeth. In the wild, many eastern bearded dragons have tooth damage.
- Did you know that south-eastern Australians often call the bearded dragon “Frilly”?
- Even though this species is not currently endangered, the National Parks Association of Queensland found that the eastern bearded dragon population is declining continuously due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Around March, you’ve better chances of witnessing Eastern Bearded Dragon youngsters emerging from the soil. Because of their size, you might think of missing them, but it’s easy to spot them as they make up for in numbers.
Eastern Bearded Dragon Vs Central Bearded Dragon
| Differences | Eastern Bearded Dragon | Central Bearded Dragon |
| Color | Mostly Grey Color | Dull Brow To Tan With Gold Or Red Highlights |
| Behavior | More Aggressive Than The Central Bearded Dragon | Less Aggressive & Friendliest Among The Species |
| Spikes | More Arrow Shaped | More Straight Set Pattern |
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