Bearded dragons are popular pets for many reasons, including their relatively easy care requirements and their friendly personalities.
However, before getting a bearded dragon, it’s important to know how big they get so you can provide them with the proper enclosure and diet.
Bearded dragons grow rapidly during their first year of life, and their size and weight depend on various factors like diet, genetics, and habitat conditions.
Bearded dragon growth chart
The following growth chart shows the average length and weight of bearded dragons at different ages:
| Age (months) | Size (inches) | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 – 4 | 4 – 6 |
| 2 | 5 – 9 | 8 – 40 |
| 3 | 8 – 11 | 22 – 110 |
| 4 | 9 – 12 | 41 – 115 |
| 5 | 11 – 16 | 102 – 115 |
| 6 | 11 – 18 | 183 – 188 |
| 7 | 13 – 18 | 230 – 280 |
| 8 | 14 – 20 | 252 – 327 |
| 9 – 10 | 16 – 22 | 280 – 360 |
| 11 – 12 | 16 – 24 | 350 – 465 |
| 12-18+ | Female: 16-19 Male: 19-24 | 380 – 510 |
Bearded Dragon Growth Stages
1. Newborns (1-2 months): Bearded dragons hatch from eggs at around 3-4 inches in size and weigh 4-6 grams. They’re tiny, fragile creatures during this stage.
2. Juvenile (3-4 months): At 3 months, they’ve grown to 8-11 inches long and weigh between 22-110 grams. Rapid growth is evident.
3. Sub-Adult (5-7 months): By month 5, they measure 11-16 inches and usually weigh between 102-115 grams.
4. Early Adulthood (8-10 months): They reach 11-18 inches in length and typically weigh 183-188 grams.
5. Late Adulthood (11-12 months): Bearded dragons are nearly fully grown, ranging from 13-24 inches in size and weighing between 350-465 grams.
6. Adult (12-18 months and beyond): Once they hit the one-year mark and beyond, their growth slows down.
Adult bearded dragons can measure anywhere from 16-22 inches and weigh between 380-510 grams.
As a rule of thumb, males grow larger than females.
Factors affecting bearded dragon size
There are a few factors that can affect how big a bearded dragon gets, including:
- Genetics: Some bearded dragon morphs, such as the German Giant, are known to be larger than others.
- Diet: Bearded dragons that are fed a healthy diet with plenty of insects and vegetables will tend to grow larger than those that are fed a low-quality diet.
- Lighting: Bearded dragons need exposure to UVB light to help them metabolize calcium and grow properly.
- Health: Bearded dragons that are healthy and free from parasites will tend to grow larger than those that are sick.
If you want to ensure your bearded dragon grows to a healthy size, there are a few things you can do:
- Feed your bearded dragon a high-quality diet that includes plenty of insects and vegetables.
- Provide your bearded dragon with access to UVB light for at least 12 hours per day.
- Take your bearded dragon to the veterinarian for regular checkups to ensure they are healthy and free from parasites.
Bearded Dragon Growth FAQs
How big do bearded dragons grow?
Bearded dragons can grow to be between 16 and 24 inches long and weigh between 400 and 550 grams as adults.
However, there is a range of normal sizes for bearded dragons, and some individuals may be larger or smaller than average.
By providing your bearded dragon with a healthy diet, UVB light, and regular veterinary care, you can help them grow to their full potential size.
How long does it take for a bearded dragon to fully grow?
Bearded dragons reach full size at around 12-18 months old, but they may continue to grow slightly until they are about 2 years old.
This growth spurt is most rapid during the first year of life.
How big do bearded dragons grow in captivity vs the wild?
Bearded dragons in captivity typically grow larger than those in the wild.
This is because they have access to a more consistent diet, better healthcare, and more heat and UVB exposure.
In captivity, bearded dragons can grow to be between 16 and 24 inches long, while wild bearded dragons typically grow to be between 12 and 18 inches long.
What are the differences in size and weight between male and female beardies?
Male bearded dragons are typically larger and heavier than female bearded dragons.
This is because males need to be larger to compete for mates.
Male bearded dragons can grow to be up to 24 inches long and weigh up to 550 grams, while female bearded dragons typically grow to be 18-20 inches long and weigh up to 400 grams.
How can I tell if my bearded dragon is underweight?
If you can see your bearded dragon’s spine or ribs, or if their hip bones are prominent, then they may be underweight.
Other signs of underweight bearded dragons include loose skin around the neck and shoulders, lack of appetite, and lethargy.
If you are concerned that your bearded dragon is underweight, please consult with a veterinarian.
How can I tell if my bearded dragon is overweight?
If your bearded dragon has a potbelly, difficulty breathing, lethargy, difficulty moving around, or skin folds that are difficult to see through, then they may be overweight.
Overweight bearded dragons are at risk for a number of health problems, such as fatty liver disease and heart disease.
If you are concerned that your bearded dragon is overweight, please consult with a veterinarian to develop a weight loss plan.
BEARDED DRAGON QUICK LINKS
PetsWithScales.com is an informational website about big lizard pet care. We collect and provide information from different sources across the web on how to keep and care for reptiles as pets. The species we mainly deal with are tegus, monitor lizards, skinks and geckos. Our aim is to provide high quality information to help pet owners make better, more informed decisions about their animal’s diets, health and life.
PetsWithScales.com is an informational website about big lizard pet care. We collect and provide information from different sources across the web on how to keep and care for reptiles as pets. The species we mainly deal with are tegus, monitor lizards, skinks and geckos. Our aim is to provide high quality information to help pet owners make better, more informed decisions about their animal’s diets, health and life.