Have you ever wondered how long it takes for a bearded dragon to grow? These fascinating creatures are popular with reptile enthusiasts due to their docile nature and unique appearance. But, as with any pet, it’s important and their growth process to ensure they receive the proper care and environment needed to thrive.
Bearded dragons are known for their rapid growth rate, with many reaching adulthood in less than a year. However, the growth rate can vary based on several factors, including genetics, diet, and environment. In this article, we will explore the growth process of bearded dragons and answer how long it takes them to reach their full size.
How Long Does It Take for a Bearded Dragon to Grow?
Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures that make great pets. One of the most commonly asked questions by new owners is how long it takes for their bearded dragon to grow. The answer is complex, as it depends on several factors, such as genetics, diet, and environment.
On average, bearded dragons grow to almost their entire length by their first birthday. The growth in the first year is rapid, and they can grow anything up to an inch per month. After their first year, they continue to grow, but at a slower rate. By the time they reach three years old, they will be fully developed.
It’s important to note that the growth rate can vary depending on the type of bearded dragon. For example, a Pogona vitticeps, the most common type of bearded dragon, can grow up to 24 inches long. However, a smaller species of Pogona minor only grows up to 12 inches long.
Another factor that affects how long it takes for a bearded dragon to grow is their diet. A balanced diet is essential for healthy growth. e omnivores and require a mix of vegetables, fruits, and insects. Feeding a diet that is too high in protein can lead to rapid growth and problems such as metabolic bone disease.
Lastly, the environment in which a bearded dragon lives can also affect its growth rate. They require a temperature gradient within their enclosure, with a basking spot that reaches 100-110°F and a cooler area around 80°F. They also need access to UVB lighting to help them absorb calcium, which is essential for healthy growth.
In conclusion, how long it takes for a bearded dragon to grow depends on several factors, including genetics, diet, and environment. On average, they grow to almost their entire length by their first birthday and continue to grow slowly until they reach three years old. Providing them with a balanced diet and a suitable environment is essential for healthy growth.
How Big Do Bearded Dragons Get?
Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptile pets, known for their friendly personalities and easy-to-care-for nature. But how big do they get? According to various sources, bearded dragons can grow to be anywhere from 16 to 24 inches long and weigh between 380 and 510 grams.
However, their size can vary depending on genetics, diet, and environment. Most of their size comes from their tail, which is at least the same length as their body, if not longer. As they grow, they tend to gain weight and length slower. Typically, a bearded dragon is considered fully grown once they’ve reached 11 to 12 months in age. However, some may continue to grow for a bit longer, with full-grown bearded dragons reaching lengths of up to 26 inches, although this is incredibly rare.
It’s important to note that while bearded dragons can grow relatively large, they are still manageable pets, making them an excellent choice for those with limited space. They can thrive and live happy, healthy lives as long as they are given proper care and attention.
Growth Phases
Hatchling Stage
Bearded dragons hatch from their eggs at around 3 inches long and will grow quickly in their first few months. During this stage, providing them with the proper lighting and diet is important to ensure healthy growth. Hatchlings should be fed small insects such as crickets or mealworms multiple times a day, and their enclosure should have a basking spot of around 105°F.
Juvenile Stage
After about three months, bearded dragons enter the juvenile stage. During this stage, they will continue to grow rapidly and should be fed a variety of insects and vegetables. It is important to monitor their growth and adjust their diet to prevent obesity. Juvenile bearded dragons should have a basking spot of around 100°F, and their enclosure should have plenty of space for them to move around and explore.
Sub-Adult Stage
Between 8-12 months, bearded dragons enter the sub-adult stage. During this stage, their growth rate will slow down, and they will start to develop their adult coloration. It is important to continue providing them with a balanced diet and proper lighting to ensure they reach their full potential. Sub-adult bearded dragons should have a basking spot of around 95°F.
Adult Stage
By 18 months of age, bearded dragons are considered adults and sexually mature. At this stage, their growth rate will have significantly slowed and reached its full size. Adult bearded dragons should be fed a diet mainly consisting of vegetables with occasional insects as treats. Their enclosure should have a basking spot of around 90°F.
Overall, the time it takes for a bearded dragon to grow depends on several factors, such as genetics, diet, and environment. You can ensure they reach their full potential and live a happy and healthy life by providing them with the proper care and attention.
Factors Affecting Growth Rate
Several factors can affect the growth rate of bearded dragons. Understanding these factors can help you ensure that your pet is growing at a healthy rate and that you are providing the best possible care.
Diet
Diet plays a crucial role in the growth rate of bearded dragons. A balanced diet that includes a variety of insects, vegetables, and fruits is essential for their growth and development. Young bearded dragons require a higher protein diet than adults, and they should be fed insects such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. Vegetables such as collard greens, mustard greens, and squash should also be included in their diet.
Their diet should shift towards more vegetables and fewer insects as they age. Feeding them too many insects can lead to obesity, negatively impacting their growth rate. Providing them with a balanced diet is important to ensure they grow healthily.
Temperature
The temperature of the bearded dragon’s habitat is also essential for its growth rate. They require a basking spot with a temperature of around 100°F to aid digestion and metabolism. The cool side of their habitat should be around 80°F. Fluctuations in temperature can cause stress, which can slow down their growth rate.
Maintaining a consistent temperature in their habitat is essential to ensure that they are growing at a healthy rate. A temperature gradient can be achieved by using a heat lamp and a thermostat to regulate the temperature.
Lighting
Lighting is also crucial for the growth rate of bearded dragons. They require UVB lighting to help them produce vitamin D3, which is essential for calcium absorption. Without proper UVB lighting, they can develop metabolic bone disease, negatively impacting their growth rate.
It is important to provide them with a UVB bulb that is specifically designed for reptiles and to replace it every six months to ensure that it is providing adequate UVB radiation.
Habitat Size
The bearded dragon’s habitat size can also affect its growth rate. They require a significant enough habitat to move around freely and exercise, and a too small habitat can lead to stress, slowing their growth rate.
It is recommended that a single adult bearded dragon should be housed in a habitat that is at least 4 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet tall. Providing them with a significant habitat can help ensure that they are growing at a healthy rate.
Genetics
Finally, genetics can also play a role in the growth rate of bearded dragons. Some bearded dragons may grow faster than others due to their genetics. It is important to remember that each bearded dragon is unique, and their growth rate may vary.
Providing them with proper care and nutrition can help ensure that they grow healthy, regardless of their genetics.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures that can make great pets. One of the most common questions that new owners have is how long it takes for their bearded dragon to grow. Based on our research, we can conclude that:
- Bearded dragons grow very quickly during their first year of life, with hatchlings starting at around 3 inches long.
- They can grow to about 8 to 11 inches long within three months.
- They can be up to 16 to 20 inches long by reaching one year old.
- After their first year, bearded dragons will continue to grow, but at a much slower rate.
It’s important to remember that these are just general guidelines and that every bearded dragon is unique. Factors such as diet, genetics, and environment can influence how quickly or slowly a bearded dragon grows.
If you’re a new owner, monitoring your bearded dragon’s growth is important to make sure they are healthy and developing correctly. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.
Overall, bearded dragons can make wonderful pets for those willing to take the time and effort to care for them properly. With patience and a lot of love, you can watch your bearded dragon grow and thrive for many years.
