To tell how old a bearded dragon is, the best way is to observe physical characteristics. The more mature bearded dragons have a larger size, longer beard, more pronounced thorns, and a wider and longer tail.
Their large spines are also linked to age, as juveniles have small spines that enlarge with age. Additionally, younger dragons typically have bright colors on their body, which may become duller and darker as they age.
It can also be beneficial to measure the length of the dragon’s head, including the snout, to get an estimate of their age. While this method is not definitive, it can give a general idea as to the age of the dragon.
You can also check their claws, as adult dragons will have worn down nails and claws, while younger dragons will have sharper, longer nails. Lastly, the size of the cloaca, the external opening of the digestive and reproductive systems, may also be indicative of age.
Young dragons typically have smaller cloacas while adults have larger cloacas. Ultimately, the most accurate way to tell the age of a bearded dragon is to ask the previous owner, if possible.
How old is my bearded dragon by size?
The age of a bearded dragon can be estimated by its size. The average adult bearded dragon is between 16 and 22 inches long from head to tail, so if your bearded dragon is smaller or larger than that it is still developing or maturing.
For hatchlings, their size can range anywhere from 1. 5 – 3. 5 inches. Every few months, a bearded dragon can grow between 1–3 inches, depending on their sex and diet. To estimate the age for a bearded dragon, you can use the following guide:
Under 4 inches: Under 2 months old
4-6 inches: 2–4 months old
7-9 inches: 4–6 months old
10-12 inches: 6–8 months old
13-15 inches: 8–12 months old
16-22 inches: 1 year old or older
If you want a more specific estimate, it’s best to take your bearded dragon to the vet for a more detailed examination of its health. They can provide a better assessment by examining the beardie’s teeth, fur, and overall condition.
How big is a 3 month old bearded dragon?
A 3 month old bearded dragon generally measures 6-8 inches in length from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. Depending on its diet and environment, a 3 month old bearded dragon may be slightly larger or smaller than average.
Bearded dragons grow quickly and can quadruple in size within 4-6 months of hatching. By the time they reach 6 months, they can measure up to 12-14 inches in length, although this will vary depending on the individual.
On average, an adult bearded dragon can reach up to 24 inches long.
How old is a 10 inch beardie?
A 10 inch beardie could be anywhere from two to three years old, depending on how fast the beardie grows. Adult beardies range from 8 to 12 inches in size and their growth rate slows as they get older.
Breaking this down further, a beardie could be a year old if it’s 10 inches, two years old if it’s 11 inches, and three years old if it’s 12 inches in length. Additionally, some factors like diet and age could contribute to a beardie’s growth rate.
In short, a 10 inch beardie could be between two and three years old.
At what age is a bearded dragon considered a juvenile?
Bearded dragons generally reach sexual maturity by 8 to 10 months of age, so they are considered juveniles until then. Depending on their size, they may still be considered juvenile up to 12 months of age.
In general, they are considered juveniles up to one year old. After that age, they are considered adults. It’s important to note that even after they reach sexual maturity, they may still look juvenile, as they can continue to grow and develop until they reach two years old.
How old are the bearded dragons that Petco sells?
Petco typically sells juvenile and sub-adult bearded dragons aged anywhere from 4 to 14 months. Though rare, some stores may have hatchlings ranging from 3 to 6 months old. Bearded dragons require specialized care for their first few months; so if you’re considering bringing a hatchling home, it’s important you research the necessary care and setup beforehand.
Many stores are now offering thermometers and memory stick recordings to monitor their enclosures — which is an excellent way to ensure their health and well-being. The age of the bearded dragon can usually be determined by checking things like their size, color, behavior patterns, and overall health.
Talk to the store clerk or get a copy of the dragon’s purchase record to get more information about your young dragon before making a decision.
How often should you hold a juvenile bearded dragon?
You can handle a juvenile bearded dragon up to twice a day, as long as the time spent out of its enclosure is no longer than 10-15 minutes at a time. It is recommended to have your hands washed before and after handling the bearded dragon, to avoid the spread of any potential illnesses or parasites.
You can also use a towel to help keep the bearded dragon secure during handling and introduce it slowly to the sensation of being held. be sure to not jostle or drop the bearded dragon as it can cause stress or injury.
Additionally, it is also important to provide a warm basking spot for the bearded dragon to rest after handling, to help keep its environment at the ideal temperature and humidity.
How big do bearded dragons get in 3 months?
Bearded dragons typically reach their adult size in about 12 to 18 months, although some can grow faster or slower depending on the individual. At 3 months of age, they usually range between 8-12 inches (20-30 cm) in length, including the tail.
They can weigh anywhere from around 70 to 90 grams at this point, but again, this can vary from lizard to lizard. During the first few months of their life, bearded dragons grow rapidly, gaining about.
5-1 inch (1-2 cm) every month.
At what age do bearded dragons eat mostly vegetables?
Bearded dragons of all ages eat a balanced diet that includes both proteins and vegetables. However, the proportion of proteins to vegetables can vary at different stages of their life. For juvenile bearded dragons, proteins should make up most of their diet and be offered daily.
This should be combined with a variety of vegetables, preferably clickable greens like collard greens, turnip greens, and cabbage as well as yellow or orange vegetables such as winter squash, sweet potato, and carrots.
Vegetables should make up about 25-30% of the diet.
As the bearded dragon gets older, the proportion of proteins in the diet should be reduced and replaced with more vegetables. Adult bearded dragons should have a diet that consists of 60-70% vegetables, while proteins should make up only a portion of the diet.
This diet should include a variety of dark leafy greens as well a offering yellow and orange vegetables. For adult bearded dragons, proteins should only be offered two to three times a week.
What all should I feed my baby bearded dragon?
You should feed your baby bearded dragon a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits and protein sources such as mealworms, crickets, earthworms, and waxworms. For vegetables, serve up a variety of dark, leafy greens such as collard greens, mustard greens, and kale.
For fruits, provide grapes, melon, apple, and other sweet treats. Among the suitable proteins, you can feed mealworms, crickets, waxworms, and earthworms. You can mix those up with a variety of vegetables and fruits to provide a healthy, balanced diet.
You should also give your bearded dragon a supplement of calcium and vitamins once a week. Avoid feeding wild-caught insects or other types of animal proteins such as mice, as they could be carrying diseases or parasites.
Additionally, keep rinsing off all fruits and veggies before feeding them to your baby bearded dragon, as they may contain pesticides.
Are bearded dragons hard to keep alive?
Bearded dragons are surprisingly hardy creatures and can, when given the proper environment, be relatively easy to keep alive. That said, there are several key factors which must be accounted for to give them a healthy and comfortable home.
If a few simple guidelines are followed, bearded dragons can thrive and have long lifespans.
The habitat for a bearded dragon should mimic a desert environment and should include a habitat heater and UVB light, which is essential for the production of Vitamin D3, which is important for the development of strong, healthy bones.
The tank should also contain items such as rocks and branches which aid in basking and climbing activities. A large, water-filled bowl should also be provided, which should be kept clean. Proper nutrition and day-to-day hygiene should also be observed – a diet that consists of leafy greens and insects, with multivitamins, should be provided every day, and fecal matter should be cleaned and disposed of daily.
In addition to these guidelines, it is important to consider the stress factors and environmental changes that could lead to health concerns or diseases. As long as proper care is given to the bearded dragon, it should not be difficult to keep them alive.
Does bearded dragons like to be held?
Bearded dragons (Pogona Vitticeps) tend to enjoy being held, although it depends on the individual dragon and on how they were raised. Some bearded dragons will rest in the palm of their owners or curled up on their shoulders, while others may take some time adjusting to the experience.
As with most other animals, it is important to handle a bearded dragon regularly so that they become comfortable being held. Before handling, make sure to wash your hands thoroughly to ensure that they do not spread bacteria or parasites to the dragon.
When first introducing your dragon to being handled, do it in a slow, gentle manner. Let the dragon become comfortable and familiar with the sounds and surroundings so that it doesn’t feel threatened.
Offer the dragon treats, such as mealworms and vegetables, to further increase the comfort level. If a bearded dragon does not appear to enjoy being held, there is no need to force it – just take things slowly, and offer a little extra love.
Do bearded dragons recognize their owners?
Bearded dragons are known to be friendly, gentle lizards – so it is no surprise that they are able to learn to recognize their owners! Like other reptiles, they can form strong bonds with their owners, through frequent handling and positive reinforcement.
Bearded dragons will come to recognize their owners and even show excitement when they see them. Owners can facilitate this process by creating a regular routine and schedule, as this helps them to become familiar with the environment and ever-present faces.
The behavior of the bearded dragon can vary from individual to individual, but it is not unheard of for some to become quite comfortable around their owners, displaying friendly behaviors such as head bobbing.