Understanding the lifestyle and health of a bearded dragon is essential for every owner. This affects their overall well-being and growth, including height, weight, and eating habits. It’s crucial to consult a professional who knows the species and how they adapt in nature.
Bearded dragons are active throughout the day and are typically happy in their environment. If you’re considering getting one as a pet, you may wonder how big they get. Let’s explore the answer to this question.
How Big Do Bearded Dragons Get?
Bearded dragons experience significant growth during their first year. They typically reach 16-24 inches in length and weigh between 0.63 and 1.1 pounds. This growth is impressive for any animal.
Full growth is usually achieved when they reach sexual maturity at 8-18 months.
The largest recorded bearded dragon is a breeding product, not a specific species. This dragon measures about 24 inches long. However, not all bearded dragons grow to this size. Some may experience slow growth due to defects. These affected dragons often grow only up to 16 inches and weigh around 0.62 pounds.
Growth defects can stem from factors like inadequate light, poor nutrition, or parasitic infections.
Growing Phase
During the growing phase, an animal’s growth is determined by its genes and the nutrition it receives. Sometimes, even if the genes suggest good height, insufficient nutrition can limit growth. The growth rate for a healthy baby bearded dragon is faster than in other life stages.
- In the first three months after birth, beardies grow 3 to 11 inches, which is ideal for their development. They typically gain 4 to 6 inches in length each month.
- Once they enter the juvenile phase, their growth slows down. During this stage, they only grow about 1 to 1.5 inches per month.
Making an exact estimate can be challenging, as each bearded dragon is unique. However, you can make an approximate assumption to get a general idea of their growth. A beardie owner needs to understand the detailed growth patterns of a bearded dragon before it’s too late.
Bearded Dragons Growth Rate
After understanding the diet and habitat needs of a bearded dragon, let’s explore their growth rate. Bearded dragon babies grow 1-3 inches each month during the first year. This rapid growth slows down after the initial months.
As adults, bearded dragons typically reach 16-24 inches in length. Their height is a defining characteristic within the lizard family.
Along with height, a bearded dragon’s weight should be maintained between 380-510 grams for optimal health. This weight range supports reproduction and sexual maturity. Healthy beardies tend to produce offspring that are less prone to parasites and are generally more fit.
Rapid growth is important for their overall health and vitality. Smaller beardies may be seen as less active or less potent, affecting their interest in reproduction. The growth rate is impressive; they can grow from small to large in just a few months. During this phase, they shed skin two to three times a month.
Bearded Dragons Size Chart
The growth of a bearded dragon is a good indicator of its health. However, just measuring its length may not give a complete picture of its well-being. Several factors contribute to how a beardie grows, helping owners and breeders understand growth patterns. Key factors include genetics, nutrition, light exposure, gender, and age.
Bearded dragons can be divided into several different categories depending on when they were born:
- Hatchlings (0-2 months)
- Juveniles (3-11 months)
- Sub Adults (12-18 months)
- Full Adults (18+ months)
Hatchlings typically weigh between 0.1 and 2.82 ounces, which is considered healthy. As they grow, their weight gradually increases. A juvenile should weigh between 2.82 and 16 ounces and stand 8 to 20 inches tall. Sub-adults should measure 16 to 22 inches and weigh between 10.5 and 17.6 ounces. A fully grown adult bearded dragon should weigh 11 to 18 ounces and reach a height of 16 to 24 inches. These size ranges are normal for each age group. If these specifications aren’t met, the beardie may have a health issue or congenital disability.
Bearded Dragons Sizes By Breed
Bearded dragons are classified into different species based on traits like height, weight, and other features. There are eight subspecies within the bearded dragon family, each originating from various regions. Some subspecies result from breeding two different types to improve genetics and offspring characteristics.
A sub-adult bearded dragon typically measures 16-22 inches in length and weighs between 10.5-17.6 ounces. An adult bearded dragon should reach a weight of 11-18 ounces and a height of 16-24 inches. The size varies with age and is an indicator of health. Any deviation from these measurements may suggest health issues or congenital disabilities.
- Pogona Microlepidota: These are the smallest bearded dragons, measuring just 4-6 inches and weighing 0.2-1.4 ounces.
- Pogona Henrylawsoni: Slightly larger than the previous species, these weigh 1.7-7 ounces and grow to 9-12 inches in length. They are quite active.
- Pogona Minor Mina: This species weighs 3.5-7 ounces and grows to 10-12 inches, making them noticeable in bushy areas.
- Pogona Nullarbor: Found in Australia, these lizards are typically 12-14 inches long and weigh 7-8 ounces. However, further details are needed to identify the issue fully.
- Pogona Minor: Slightly larger than their predecessors, these lizards reach 14-18 inches in height and weigh 8-15 ounces, thriving in Australia.
- Pogona Minor Mitchell: A species from Australia’s southwest coast, they weigh 13-15 ounces and grow to 16-28 inches.
- Pogona Vitticeps: Known as central bearded dragons, they inhabit Australia’s arid regions. These sub-adult dragons are 16-24 inches long and weigh 13-15 ounces.
- Pogona Barbata: Fully grown, these adult eastern bearded dragons are found in Australia’s woody regions. They reach 20-24 inches and weigh 14-15 ounces.
These specifications describe the bearded dragon species. They help identify and understand the unique traits of each bearded dragon within a specific category.
4 Factors that Affect the Size of A Bearded Dragon
Several factors can impact the growth of a bearded dragon. New beardie owners should be aware of these factors better to understand their pet’s body and growth patterns. These elements can either positively or negatively affect your bearded dragon’s development. Let’s look at some of these factors.
1: UV Lightening
UV lighting plays a vital role in bearded dragon growth. UVB, either from the sun or specialized UV lights, prevents stunted growth. UV light provides essential nutrients for proper development. Without adequate UV exposure, bearded dragons may experience stunted growth. UV light also aids in skin cell rejuvenation and strengthens bones by activating vitamin D production in their bodies.
2: Genetics
Genetics is essential in determining the growth and characteristics of an organism. In bearded dragons, genetics significantly impact their size, including their height. For example, the largest bearded dragon ever recorded was a German bearded dragon. If a bearded dragon’s genes are predisposed to height, these traits will likely be passed down to its offspring.
However, genetics alone isn’t enough. Nutrition plays a vital role in growth as well. Poor nutrition can hinder the expression of genetic potential, leading to stunted growth in bearded dragons.
3: Nutrition
Nutrition, alongside genetics, significantly influences an animal’s growth and final height. A bearded dragon’s diet must change according to its life stage. Baby bearded dragons need a high-protein diet, which evolves as they grow.
Proper nutrition is essential for all living beings. It supports the body’s development, strengthens the immune system, and provides protection against illnesses and external threats.
4: Gender
Gender plays a key role in determining the final height of a bearded dragon. Males are typically taller and bulkier, while females tend to be slimmer and smaller. These differences in size are helpful in distinguishing between males and females. At first glance, it can be difficult to tell the gender of a beardie, but these physical traits offer a clear indication.
Conclusion
A full-grown bearded dragon typically reaches 16 to 24 inches in length and weighs 13 to 15 ounces. During their first year, bearded dragons grow rapidly. By 12 months, they are considered fully grown and will not increase significantly after 18 months. With proper nutrition and a reliable water source, they will mature into healthy, active adults.
FAQs
How long is a baby bearded dragon?
A baby bearded dragon typically ranges from 3 inches to 9 inches in size. Their growth is influenced by factors such as genetics and nutrition. In the first few months, they experience rapid growth.
How long is a juvenile bearded dragon?
The juvenile stage of a bearded dragon ranges from 3 to 11 months. During this period, their height increases by 1-3 inches each month. As a result, a juvenile bearded dragon’s height should be between 8 and 24 inches.
How long is an adult bearded dragon?
Adult height in bearded dragons differs based on gender, much like other species. Females typically reach a height of 16-19 inches, while males grow between 19-24 inches.
How fast do bearded dragons grow?
A healthy bearded dragon typically grows 1-3 inches in height. They experience rapid growth during their first year, often increasing faster than other breeds.
How big is a fully-grown bearded dragon?
A fully grown bearded dragon typically reaches a height of 16-24 inches. This is the average size for most commonly kept bearded dragons. They are known for their sturdy build and active nature.
When do bearded dragons stop growing?
Bearded dragons stop growing after their first year, around 12 months old. Fully grown, they typically reach 16-24 inches in length. Most of this size comes from their tail, which can be 10-12 inches or longer.