Checkout the Bearded Dragon Age Chart. Find how big and old is your bearded dragon? This chart will tell you everything you need to know.
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet lizards, known for their docile nature, entertaining behaviors, and manageable size. As bearded dragons grow and mature, it’s important for owners to educate themselves on the proper husbandry required at each life stage.
In this complete guide, we will cover:
- Average bearded dragon lifespan and growth rate
- Detailed age to size charts for length and weight
- Growth timelines including key milestones
- Proper housing, feeding, and care by age
- Differences in females, males, and baby bearded dragon growth
Understanding how a bearded dragon’s needs change from a small hatchling to a fully grown adult will help ensure a long, healthy life for your pet reptile.
How Long Do Bearded Dragons Live? Average Lifespan
With good care, lighting, nutrition, and genetics, pet bearded dragons can live 6-14 years. The average lifespan is 8-10 years when kept properly.
Males and females have similar lifespans, though some variability occurs. Females tend to be slightly smaller than males once fully grown.
Hatchlings start under 5 inches long while adults reach lengths of 16-24 inches nose to tail depending on sex. Proper habitats and diet are vital as they rapidly grow and mature in two short years.
Bearded Dragon Age Chart
Here is a typical age chart for a bearded dragon showing their growth stages:
Hatchling: 0-3 months
- 2-4 inches long
- Rapid baby growth
- Eats 3-4 times a day
- Requires more protein
Juvenile: 4-12 months
- 4-14 inches long
- Slowing growth
- Eats 2-3 times a day
- Transitions from mostly insects to more veggies
Subadult: 12-18 months
- Reaches near adult size
- Growth is minimal
- Eats 1-2 times daily
- Can start adult feeding ratios
Adult: 18 months – 5 years old
- Typically full grown around 18-24 months
- Over 16 inches long when full size
- Eats vegetables and some live feeders 1-2 times daily
- Sexually mature; lay eggs (females)
Senior: 5+ years old
- Growth has stopped
- May see age-related changes
- Adjust nutrition for older age
- Can live 6-14 years in captivity
Tracking a bearded dragon’s age and stage will help ensure you provide proper care as they grow.
Bearded Dragon Size Chart by Age
Here is a bearded dragon growth size chart by age:
Age | Average Size Range |
0-4 weeks | 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) |
2 months | 6-8 inches (15-20 cm) |
4 months | 8-10 inches (20-25 cm) |
6 months | 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) |
8 months | 12-14 inches (30-36 cm) |
12 months | 14-17 inches (36-43 cm) |
18 months | 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) |
24 months | 18-22 inches (45-56 cm) |
36 months | 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) |
4-5 years | 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) |
6-8 years | 20-22 inches (50-55 cm) |
10+ years | 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) |
- Most growth happens in the first 1-2 years, slowing substantially after sexual maturity
- They typically reach near full adult size by about 18 months old
- The above sizes are averages – individual bearded dragons vary in size depending on genetic and care factors
Bearded Dragon Weight Chart by Age
Baby bearded dragons weigh just 5-20 grams when they first hatch.
The most rapid weight gain occurs in the first 12 months as they grow from juveniles to subadults.
Typical adults will weigh 400-650 grams once fully grown at about 2 years old.
Weight naturally decreases in geriatric dragons as they pass 5+ years old.
These are general averages – individual weights vary quite a bit based on sex, genetics, diet, and care.
Female Bearded Dragon Size Chart by Age
Age | Average Size Range |
0-1 month | 4-7 inches (10-18 cm) |
2 months | 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) |
4 months | 9-12 inches (23-30 cm) |
6 months | 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) |
12 months | 16-20 inches (40-50 cm) |
18 months | 18-22 inches (45-56 cm) |
2 years | 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) |
3 years | 22-26 inches (55-65 cm) |
4 years | 22-26 inches (55-65 cm) |
5+ years | 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) |
Key Notes:
- Females typically reach 18-22 inches when fully grown, compared to 20-24 inches for males.
- While younger, size is very similar between the sexes as juveniles and subadults.
- After reaching adulthood around 18 months, female growth slows down more than males.
- Ideal adult housing for females is usually 4 x 2 x 2 ft enclosures.
- Elderly females over 5 years slowly reduce in size as they age.
Baby Bearded Dragon Age Chart
Here is an age chart specific to baby bearded dragons.
- 0-4 weeks: Requires small separate enclosure, very delicate
- 2-6 months: Rapid growth, lots of insects 3x daily
- Upgrade habitat size progressively
- Ensure proper heat and UVB lighting as grow
- 6-12 months: Continue frequent feedings 2x daily
- Transition feed ratio to more greens and veggies
- Monitor growth rate and adjust habitat and diet
Bearded Dragon Weight by Age Guide
Along with rapidly increasing length, bearded dragon weight also fluctuates during maturation:
- Newly Hatched: 5 – 20 grams
- 2 – 6 months: 20 – 100 grams
- 6 – 12 months: 100 – 250 grams
- Adults: 300 – 700 grams
- Senior 5+ years: 300 grams
After hatching beardies weigh just 5 grams! But within their first year exceed 250 grams. Adult weights between 350 – 650 grams are normal once growth plates close.
Some key aspects that affect bearded dragon growth include:
- Genetics – Some bloodlines tend to run larger
- Sex – Males often grow bigger than females
- Diet – Appropriate nutrition fuels growth
- Habitat – Proper housing and temps
Now let’s cover some of the key changes to expect during each life stage when raising these popular pet lizards.
Bearded Dragon Life Stages and Care by Age
Baby Bearded Dragons (0 – 12 months)
The first year of life brings profound changes for young bearded dragons as they rapidly mature. From selecting an ideal starter habitat to a baby-friendly diet, special considerations are required.
Hatchlings emerge from the egg just 4-7 inches weighing 5-20 grams. Their small size means housing hatchlings separately from adults in ten gallon setups. Paper towels work well as baby beardie substrate.
Two main priorities are keeping tiny hatchlings warm enough with a basking spot up to 100°F while providing proper UVB exposure.
At two months juveniles upgrade to larger enclosures with appropriate lights. Chopped greens and vegetables are ideal beardie baby food along with small gut loaded insects multiple times per day.
Subadults reach adolescence around 8-12 months old. Homes over 40 gallons allow room for growth yet prevent stress. Transition beardies to more balanced adult diets reducing protein intake.
Adult Bearded Dragons (Over 18 Months)
After sexual maturity bearded dragons consider full grown and require adjusted care.
Adults thrive in roomy 4 x 2 x 2 ft. enclosures with continuous access to full spectrum lighting and linear tube UVB bulbs. Own a happy healthy adult dragon for years through ideal diet and habitat management optimized for larger sizes.
Monitor adults closely during breeding season for weight fluctuations and nutritional demands if producing eggs.
Senior Bearded Dragon Care (6+ Years)
While individual life expectancy varies, bearded dragons often live over 6 years. Reduce protein intake for elderly dragons to prevent obesity. Address aging reptile health issues through regular wellness exams with an exotic pet veterinarian.
Important Questions
At what age is a bearded dragon an adult?
Bearded dragons reach adulthood and sexual maturity between 12-18 months old. At this age their rapid juvenile growth has slowed down dramatically. Most beardies are considered fully mature adults once they pass about 18 months old.
How old is a 6.5 inch bearded dragon?
A 6.5 inch bearded dragon is likely around 2-3 months old. At this size, they are still a juvenile in the early stages of their fast growth phase as a hatchling and baby dragon. Most are 6 – 8 inches by 2 months old. Proper feeding and care will help support healthy growth.
Is 5 years old for a bearded dragon?
Yes, 5 years old is not uncommon for a pet bearded dragon. With proper care and enclosure conditions, bearded dragons generally live 6-10 years, so one that is 5 years old would be entering middle age. At 5+ years they are considered senior or geriatric dragons. Their care may need some adjustments like reduced protein and more vet checkups at this age.
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