
Figuring out the age of a bearded dragon might be essential for offering applicable care and understanding its life stage. Nonetheless, not like people who’ve start certificates or pets with microchips, figuring out a bearded dragon’s age generally is a bit more difficult, particularly for those who’re not an skilled reptile handler. However concern not, with a eager eye and understanding of their bodily traits, you can also make an informed guess about your scaly good friend’s age. So, let’s delve into the intriguing world of bearded dragons and uncover the secrets and techniques to unlocking their age.
Hatchlings: These tiny dragons, recent from their eggs, are the best to determine. Their dimension is often round 2-4 inches, they usually possess a vibrant coloration with distinct patterns. Their pores and skin is delicate, they usually could exhibit a barely translucent look. Child bearded dragons have a voracious urge for food and spend most of their time exploring their environment. As they develop, their colours will change into extra subdued, and their development fee will steadily decelerate.
Juveniles: As bearded dragons enter their juvenile stage, their dimension will increase steadily, starting from 6-12 inches in size. Their colours proceed to mature, though they could nonetheless retain a few of their hatchling patterns. The juvenile section is characterised by fast development and growth. Their appetites stay robust, they usually change into extra lively and social. Throughout this stage, you may count on important modifications of their look and conduct.
Bodily Examination
Dimension and Weight
Bearded dragons develop quickly throughout their first yr of life, reaching a most size of about 24 inches from head to tail. Their weight will range relying on their dimension, however a wholesome grownup bearded dragon ought to weigh between 350 and 550 grams. To measure your bearded dragon’s size, use a measuring tape to measure from the tip of their nostril to the top of their tail. To weigh your bearded dragon, use a kitchen scale or a reptile-specific scale.
Physique Form
Child bearded dragons have a slender physique form, with an extended tail and comparatively quick limbs. As they mature, their physique form will change, turning into extra stocky and muscular. Their tail will even change into shorter and thicker.
Pores and skin texture
Child bearded dragons have easy, delicate pores and skin. As they age, their pores and skin will change into thicker and extra wrinkled. They might additionally develop some scales on their stomach.
Coloration
Child bearded dragons usually have a brilliant, vibrant coloration. As they mature, their coloration could change into extra muted. They might additionally develop some darker spots or patches on their pores and skin.
Different Bodily Traits
Here’s a desk summarizing another bodily traits that may assist you to decide the age of a bearded dragon:
Age |
Bodily Traits |
0-3 months |
– Slender physique form
– Lengthy tail
– Quick limbs
– Easy, delicate pores and skin
– Vibrant, vibrant coloration |
3-6 months |
– Physique form begins to change into extra stocky
– Tail turns into shorter and thicker
– Pores and skin turns into thicker and extra wrinkled
– Coloration could change into extra muted
– Might develop some darker spots or patches on pores and skin |
6-12 months |
– Physique form is absolutely stocky
– Tail is brief and thick
– Pores and skin is thick and wrinkled
– Coloration is absolutely muted
– Might have some darker spots or patches on pores and skin |
12+ months |
– Physique form could start to say no
– Tail could change into thinner
– Pores and skin could change into looser and extra wrinkled
– Coloration could change into much more muted
– Might have some well being issues |
Scale Situation
The situation of a bearded dragon’s scales can present clues to its age. Juvenile dragons have easy, shiny scales which might be typically freed from blemishes. As they mature, their scales change into duller and should develop minor imperfections.
Nonetheless, it is vital to notice that the situation of a dragon’s scales may also be affected by different components, similar to weight loss program, hydration, and publicity to the weather. Subsequently, it isn’t all the time attainable to find out a dragon’s age solely primarily based on its scales.
Here is a desk summarizing the standard scale situations of bearded dragons at totally different ages:
Age |
Scale Situation |
Juvenile (0-6 months) |
Easy, shiny, and customarily freed from blemishes |
Subadult (6-12 months) |
Scales change into duller and should develop minor imperfections |
Grownup (over 12 months) |
Scales change into even duller and should have extra pronounced imperfections |
Bone Construction
As bearded dragons age, their bones endure a number of modifications. Youthful dragons have softer, extra versatile bones, whereas older dragons have tougher, extra brittle bones. That is as a result of gradual ossification, or hardening, of the cartilage within the bones.
As well as, the bones of older dragons are typically extra porous than these of youthful dragons. It is because the bone marrow, which is chargeable for producing blood cells, turns into much less lively with age. In consequence, the bones change into much less dense and extra fragile.
The next desk summarizes the important thing modifications in bone construction that happen with age in bearded dragons:
Age |
Bone Construction |
Younger (0-1 years) |
Smooth, versatile bones |
Grownup (1-5 years) |
Tougher, much less versatile bones |
Senior (5+ years) |
Exhausting, brittle bones with elevated porosity |
You will need to be aware that these are basic pointers and that there might be some variation in bone construction between particular person dragons. Nonetheless, by understanding the important thing modifications that happen with age, you may higher assess the well being and age of your bearded dragon.
Claw Put on
A bearded dragon’s claws will put on down over time as they stroll, climb, and dig. The speed at which their claws put on down will range relying on quite a lot of components, together with the substrate they reside on, how typically they climb, and the way a lot they dig. Nonetheless, typically, the older a bearded dragon will get, the extra worn down its claws will likely be.
Claw Put on by Age
The next desk offers a basic information to the damage of a bearded dragon’s claws by age:
Age |
Claw Put on |
0-6 months |
Claws will likely be sharp and pointed. |
6-12 months |
Claws will start to indicate some put on, however will nonetheless be sharp. |
1-2 years |
Claws will likely be extra worn down, however will nonetheless be purposeful. |
2+ years |
Claws will likely be very worn down and could also be blunt. |
You will need to be aware that that is only a basic information, and there will likely be some variation between particular person bearded dragons. If you’re involved in regards to the put on of your bearded dragon’s claws, you need to seek the advice of with a veterinarian.
Habits Patterns
Be Bearded Dragons are diurnal, that means they’re lively in the course of the day. As they age, their exercise ranges could lower barely, however they may nonetheless be lively and alert.
Younger bearded dragons are sometimes extra lively than adults. They may spend their days exploring their environment, basking within the solar, and attempting to find meals. As they become old, they may change into extra sedentary and spend extra time basking within the solar.
Grownup bearded dragons are usually extra docile than juveniles. They’re much less prone to chunk or scratch, and they’re extra prone to tolerate being dealt with.
As bearded dragons age, they could start to indicate indicators of decreased urge for food. They might additionally change into extra torpid and fewer attentive to their environment.
The next desk summarizes the standard conduct patterns of bearded dragons at totally different ages:
Age |
Exercise Degree |
Temperament |
Urge for food |
Juvenile (0-1 yr) |
Excessive |
Lively and alert |
Good |
Grownup (1-5 years) |
Average |
Docile |
Average |
Senior (5+ years) |
Low |
Sedentary |
Decreased |
Tail Size
The size of a bearded dragon’s tail is a helpful indicator of its age. Bearded dragons are born with tails which might be about half the size of their our bodies. As they develop, their tails develop longer. By the point they’re adults, their tails are usually about twice the size of their our bodies.
The next desk exhibits the common tail size of bearded dragons at totally different ages:
Age |
Tail Size |
0-3 months |
6-12 inches |
3-6 months |
12-18 inches |
6-12 months |
18-24 inches |
12-18 months |
24-30 inches |
18 months and older |
30 inches or extra |
You will need to be aware that these are simply averages. Some bearded dragons could have tails which might be shorter or longer than the common. Nonetheless, in case you are not sure of your bearded dragon’s age, measuring its tail may give you a great estimate.
Dimension and Weight
The dimensions and weight of a bearded dragon can range considerably relying on its age and intercourse. Usually, male bearded dragons are typically bigger and heavier than females. The next desk offers approximate dimension and weight ranges for bearded dragons at totally different ages:
Age |
Dimension (inches) |
Weight (grams) |
0-6 months |
4-8 |
50-200 |
6-12 months |
8-12 |
200-500 |
12-18 months |
12-16 |
500-800 |
18-24 months |
16-20 |
800-1200 |
2+ years |
20+ |
1200+ |
It is vital to notice that these are solely approximate ranges, and particular person bearded dragons could range in dimension and weight. Elements similar to genetics, weight loss program, and general well being can even affect a bearded dragon’s dimension and weight.
Development Price
Bearded dragons usually develop quickly throughout their first yr of life. The expansion fee then slows down as they attain maturity, which normally happens round 18-24 months. After reaching maturity, bearded dragons could proceed to develop slowly all through their lives, however not on the identical fee as they did throughout their first yr.
Annual Rings
Bearded dragons, like most reptiles, have development rings that can be utilized to estimate their age. These rings are fashioned yearly because the dragon grows, and they are often seen on the scales of the dragon’s stomach and tail. To depend the rings, maintain the dragon belly-up and take a look at the scales below its stomach. The rings will likely be seen as faint strains operating throughout the scales.
The primary few rings are normally essentially the most troublesome to see, as they are often very faint. Nonetheless, because the dragon will get older, the rings will change into extra pronounced. After getting counted the rings, you may estimate the age of the dragon by including one yr for every ring.
You will need to be aware that this technique isn’t 100% correct. Nonetheless, it may give you a basic thought of how outdated your bearded dragon is.
Age |
Variety of Rings |
0-1 yr |
1-4 |
1-2 years |
5-8 |
2-3 years |
9-12 |
3-4 years |
13-16 |
4-5 years |
17-20 |
5-6 years |
21-24 |
6-7 years |
25-28 |
7-8 years |
29-32 |
8-9 years |
33-36 |
9-10 years |
37-40 |
Veterinary Estimation
A veterinarian can decide the age of a bearded dragon via a mix of the animal’s dimension, weight, and maturity of its bodily traits similar to:
Dimension and Weight
Child bearded dragons are usually lower than 6 inches lengthy from nostril to tail and weigh round 1 ounce. As they develop, they achieve each size and weight steadily, reaching a median grownup dimension of 18-24 inches lengthy and weighing 400-600 grams.
Scales
Child bearded dragons have keeled scales, that means they’ve a ridge operating down the middle of every scale. As they age, the scales steadily change into smoother, and the keel disappears by maturity.
Head Form
Child bearded dragons have a comparatively giant head in proportion to their physique. As they mature, the top grows proportionally smaller.
Facial Options
Child bearded dragons have a outstanding nuchal crest, the row of spiky scales on their neck. Over time, the nuchal crest turns into much less pronounced.
Beard
Child bearded dragons shouldn’t have a completely developed beard. The beard develops steadily and turns into extra seen because the animal matures. By maturity, the beard is often giant and spiky.
Enamel
Child bearded dragons have small, sharp enamel. As they age, the enamel change into bigger and extra blunt. By maturity, the enamel are well-developed and used for chewing a wide range of meals.
Desk: Age Estimation Based mostly on Bodily Traits
Age Vary |
Traits |
0-3 Months |
Dimension: <6 inches; Weight: <1 ounce; Scales: Keeled |
3-6 Months |
Dimension: 6-12 inches; Weight: 1-2 ounces; Scales: Partially keeled |
6-12 Months |
Dimension: 12-18 inches; Weight: 2-4 ounces; Scales: Principally easy |
12-24 Months |
Dimension: 18-24 inches; Weight: 4-6 ounces; Scales: Easy; Beard: Giant and spiky |
Combining Indicators
Figuring out find out how to assess a number of indicators and mix them to estimate a bearded dragon’s age is essential for correct care and welfare. Here is find out how to mix these indicators:
1. Dimension and Weight
Examine the lizard’s dimension and weight to common development charts. Nonetheless, be aware that variations exist inside people, and these measurements might be influenced by weight loss program, well being, and genetics.
2. Physique Proportions
Take into account the ratio of the lizard’s head to physique dimension. Younger bearded dragons have comparatively bigger heads in comparison with older people.
3. Tail Size
Measuring the tail size might be useful, as tails typically develop longer with age.
4. Coloration
Juvenile bearded dragons typically show extra vibrant colours and patterns, whereas older dragons could have light hues.
5. Beard Coloration
Hatchlings and younger bearded dragons have black or darkish brown beards. As they mature, their beards steadily change to a yellowish or orange tint.
6. Stomach Coloration
Younger bearded dragons have a darkish, nearly black stomach, which steadily lightens with age to a cream or mild brown coloration.
7. Eyes
Child bearded dragons have brilliant, shiny eyes that change into duller as they get older.
8. Ridge Dimension
The spiky ridge alongside the again of a bearded dragon turns into extra outstanding with age.
9. Habits
Hatchlings and younger bearded dragons are extra lively and playful, whereas older dragons could change into extra sedentary.
10. Well being and Food regimen
A bearded dragon’s well being and weight loss program can considerably influence its development and look. A well-nourished dragon will usually develop sooner and have higher general well being than a poorly nourished one.
Age (Months) |
Dimension (Head to Tail) |
Weight (Grams) |
0-3 |
4-8 inches |
10-30 |
4-6 |
8-12 inches |
30-60 |
How To Inform The Age Of A Bearded Dragon
Bearded dragons are well-liked pet reptiles, and one of the crucial widespread questions new homeowners have is find out how to inform their dragon’s age. Whereas there is no such thing as a actual science to it, there are a couple of key indicators that may assist you to make an informed guess.
One of the vital dependable methods to inform the age of a bearded dragon is by its dimension. Child bearded dragons are usually just a few inches lengthy, whereas adults can develop to be over 2 ft lengthy. Nonetheless, it is very important be aware that dimension can range relying on the person dragon’s genetics and weight loss program.
One other indicator of a bearded dragon’s age is its coloration. Child bearded dragons are usually mild in coloration, with brownish-gray or greenish scales. As they age, their scales will darken and change into extra vibrant. Grownup bearded dragons could have brilliant orange, crimson, or yellow scales.
Lastly, you may also inform the age of a bearded dragon by its conduct. Child bearded dragons are usually very lively and curious. They might spend hours exploring their enclosure and interacting with their environment. As they age, bearded dragons change into extra docile and should spend extra time basking within the solar or sleeping.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Inform The Age Of A Bearded Dragon
Can You Inform The Age Of A Bearded Dragon By Its Enamel?
No, you can’t inform the age of a bearded dragon by its enamel. Bearded dragons lose their enamel all through their lives, and the speed at which they lose enamel can range relying on the person dragon. Subsequently, the variety of enamel a bearded dragon has isn’t a dependable indicator of its age.
Can You Inform The Age Of A Bearded Dragon By Its Tail?
No, you can’t inform the age of a bearded dragon by its tail. Bearded dragons can lose their tails, they usually can even regenerate them. Subsequently, the size or situation of a bearded dragon’s tail isn’t a dependable indicator of its age.
Can You Inform The Age Of A Bearded Dragon By Its Nails?
No, you can’t inform the age of a bearded dragon by its nails. Bearded dragons’ nails develop constantly all through their lives, and the speed at which they develop can range relying on the person dragon. Subsequently, the size of a bearded dragon’s nails isn’t a dependable indicator of its age.