Bearded dragons were originally introduced to the United States as pets in the 1990s, but they have since become one of the nation’s most popular pet reptiles. These friendly beings have scales like reptiles and spikey beard that grows larger depending on how they’re feeling.
within this blog, you will understand… As friendly creatures by nature, bearded dragons are typically active during the day. In Australia, where they are native, you may most likely find them in and around deserts, scrublands, and dry regions. So you’ve probably wondered how big bearded dragons get, whether you’re thinking about getting one as a pet or are just amazed by these amazing lizards. Below, we address that query as well as others.
Till What Size Can Bearded Dragons Reach?
Bearded dragons can reach lengths of 16 to 24 inches and weigh between 0.6 and 1.1 pounds. Between 8 and 18 months after birth, they often reach their full size directly after becoming sexually mature. Not a species of bearded dragon, but bearded dragons that have been bred for size, are the largest kind.
German bearded dragons are what they are known as, and they are nowadays incredibly rare. The central bearded dragon, which can grow to a length of 24 inches, is the largest species of bearded dragon you’ll encounter in nature.
Bearded dragons occasionally experience stunted growth. After a year, an average bearded dragon should reach at least 16 inches long and weigh 0.62 pounds. Therefore, if your bearded dragon is over a year old and remains shorter than 16 inches or heavier than 0.62 pounds, its growth may have been impeded.
There are many potential causes for this, including inadequate lighting, poor nutrition, illnesses, or parasites. The growth of young bearded dragons happens pretty quickly. They expand to a length of between 3 and 11 inches in the first three months after birth. Consequently, they lengthen by roughly 4-6 inches per month on average.
What Aspects Does a Baby Bearded Dragon Have?
After two months from birth, baby bearded dragons, usually referred to as hatchlings, can grow to a maximum length of 9 to 11 inches. They grow and develop at this time quite quickly, as was already said. They typically grow by about 1-1.5 inches in length per week. Additionally, they gain 0.011 to 0.077 pounds each month in weight. At this point, they need to be fed frequently to be alive.
They should periodically be weighed to make sure they are continuing to grow at the anticipated rate. It is advisable to check their food intake if you notice at any time that they aren’t developing as quickly as you would expect. Perhaps they aren’t getting enough. Check the lighting as well; high ultraviolet output light bulbs must be used indoors to mimic the ultraviolet light that bearded dragons experience in the wild as closely as possible.
Given that they need more protein in their diet to support growth, they should be fed more insects than vegetables. If a bearded dragon isn’t eating adequately, especially if they have metabolic bone disease, it should be evaluated.
What Dimensions Do Juvenile Bearded Dragons Have?
At 2 to 7 months old, bearded dragons are categorized as juveniles. They grow slower throughout this period than they did during the first two months. For juveniles, a growth rate of roughly 1-1.5 inches each month is typically noted. At this stage of their development, juveniles require exceptional, high-quality nutrition.
Proper monitoring is necessary throughout this stage as well, particularly with regard to their nutrition. After hatching, larger bearded dragons may overpower smaller ones and devour their food, depriving them of nourishment if several young bearded dragons are kept together.
What Size is a Bearded Dragon as an Adult?
Bearded dragon adults typically measure 16 to 22 inches in length (up to 24 inches), and weigh between 10 and 18 ounces. When a bearded dragon reaches sexual maturity, it usually becomes an adult. Typically, this occurs 8 to 18 months after birth.
Factors that Affect Bearded Dragon Growth
A bearded dragon’s development rate could be positively or negatively impacted by a variety of variables. Let’s take a look at a few of them.
Biological
The size of bearded dragons is greatly influenced by genetics. The size of the bearded dragon is determined by the genes it got from its parents. For instance, we already noted that German bearded dragons are the biggest bearded dragons in the world. These bearded dragons are not a distinct species; rather, they are the result of careful mating between enormous bearded dragons to produce a larger “breed.”
Nutrition
In all stages of development, bearded dragons need to eat a healthy, balanced diet. To hasten their quick growth, young bearded dragons should be fed high-protein meals like insects. Vegetables can then be added as they grow older and larger.
It is critical to understand that inadequate feeding of bearded dragons, particularly during their rapid growth stage, may cause stunted growth and maybe other health issues. Older dragons should always be fed a balanced diet to prevent indigestion that is common to them.
UV Lights
Bearded dragon growth is hampered in captivity by a lack of UV lighting from the sun or high ultraviolet output light bulbs. UVB from the sun (for wild bearded dragons) or specialized UVB light (for captive bearded dragons) may help to prevent stunted growth.
Gender
Gender Males are typically thicker and larger than females. Females have wider bodies than males, who have slimmer bodies and tails. This should influence your decision between a male and female bearded dragon. UV Lights Bearded dragon growth is hampered in captivity by a lack of UV lighting from the sun or high ultraviolet output light bulbs.
UVB from the sun (for wild bearded dragons) or specialized UVB light (for captive bearded dragons) may help to prevent stunted growth.
Shelter
It is critical to ensure that you have enough space in your bearded dragon’s enclosure. Adult bearded dragons may also experience stunted growth due to a lack of space to grow and exercise their bodies. Make sure to give your bearded enough space when building their enclosures!