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Owning a reptile as a pet has become an unusual practice amongst many pet owners. In that manner, the bearded dragon is an ultimate choice for ample reasons. The bearded dragons are friendly, fun, and unique reptiles. But, there is a question that pops up in all pet parent minds, “How old is my bearded dragon?”
There has been increasing approval for reptiles as pets for several reasons. First and foremost, bearded dragons take up very little space to dwell. Similar to other pets like dogs or cats, they do not need a walk for refreshment purposes. The above is an ideal advantage for people who hate taking cats or dogs out for a walk. The bearded dragons are a tremendous pet for the family. They are affordable, friendly, excellent with kids, live long and easy caring.
Bearded dragons are lovely pet reptiles and live up to 7 to 12 years with proper care. Irrespective of the looks, they are gentle ones and relish being stroked by humans. Concluding the bearded dragon age during the adult size seems hard-hitting. Let us glimpse through a few ways of knowing the age of a bearded dragon.
To the question: How old is my bearded dragon? There are few ways to find that out.
- Head to toe measurement of the bearded dragon with a measuring tape.
- Keeping an eye on the reptile for sexual maturity.
- The final solution is by getting in touch with the seller or breeder.
Keep reading to know precise ways of determining the bearded dragon age.
1. Sexual maturity period
The estimation of the bearded dragon age during its sexual maturity period is possible. The pet owners need to analyze the underside of the dragon to find if it has attained maturity. On the underbelly, you may notice a bulge. The bulge determines the visibility of gender traits resulting in the age of sexual maturity.
A female dragon has a single bulger underside, whereas a male has two bulges. It is by 8 or 12 months the sexual features for the dragon appear. Make a note of the gender features that appear on beardies. The above indicates that the dragons are eight months to one year old.
2. Taking complete body measurement of bearded dragon
Knowing the age of the bearded dragon is successful by measuring the complete body of the reptile. This technique works tremendously for reptiles within a year. Pet owners should consider this factor as dragons possess different body sizes and development rates as they turn one.
The above is an effortless and instant process. The only requirement is measuring the bearded dragon from head to tail. A good piece of advice works by measuring the reptile while it falls asleep. Dragons that are active and always moving hinder the measuring process.
There is a standard chart that reveals the age of a bearded dragon according to its size. Make a comparison with the chart, to know the bearded age. Let me list out the measurement and its corresponding age.
| Length | Age |
| 3” to 4” inches | 0 to 1 month |
| 5” to 9” inches | 2 months |
| 8” to 11” inches | 3 months |
| 9” to 12” inches | 4 months |
| 11” to 16” inches | 5 months |
| 11” to 18” inches | 6 months |
| 13” to 20” inches | 8 months |
| 16” to 22” inches | 12 months |
A significant aspect to note is the table data does not reveal the correct age of the dragon. In reality, there is a variation in the actual size and the table. There are copious reasons for the differences as follows
- The environment they grow
- Their species
- Dragon gender
- Its health and nutrition
Let us dive into detail and learn the reasons above that determine the age.
- Dragon measurement variation due to environment
The growth of a bearded dragon to its maximum size truly depends on the environment it grows. Pet owners should bear in mind that bearded dragons placed in a cage or tank small in size may result in short or stunted growth. The original size or length of the dragon is not enclosed.
- Dragon measurement due to its species
The bearded dragons fall under eight categories of species. Based on the species, the measurement and size vary. Few species reach 6 inches, and few grow up to 24 inches long. The reality of obtaining maximum size is infrequent for dragons. Take a look at the different species and the measurement sizes.
Maximum length | Species |
24” inches | Pogona Vitticeps |
24” inches | Pogona Barbatta |
18” inches | Pogona Minor Mitchelli |
14 to 18” inches | Pogona minor minor |
14” inches | Pogona Nullabor |
12” inches | Pogona Henrylawsoni |
12” inches | Pogona Minor Minima |
4 to 6” inches | Pogona Microlepidota |
Let me highlight that the Pogona vitticeps are a usual species adopted as pets.
- Dragon measurement variation due to gender
Do you know that the male bearded dragons are vast than the females? By six months of age, the female dragon slows its growth. Hence female dragons are about an inch shorter compared to male dragons. If you are counting your female bearded dragon, bear in mind, it is smaller in measurement.
- Dragon measurement variation due to health and nutrition
If your bearded dragon has no complications and feeds on a healthy diet, then you need not worry as your bearded dragon is healthy. The indication for a healthy bearded dragon is the instant growth and attainment of maximum size. A malnutrition dragon would not perform up to mark.
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3. Contacting breeder
A perfect way to know the age of the dragon is by contacting the breeder of the dragon. The seller possesses the birth records of the dragon and renders you with accurate details of its birth. You also have the opportunity to gather other information such as the age of dragon parents, medical history, breed average life span, tips for caring for the dragon, and ways to determine the age of the bearded dragon.
4. Consulting veterinarian
If your efforts in determining the age of the bearded dragon failed, seeking the help of a veterinarian is an ideal choice. Reach out to veterinarian owing experience in handling reptiles. Only an expert vet would analyze your bearded dragon and give you its age. A thorough examination of the dragon is essential in this case.
5. Contact the seller
At times the seller and breeder may be different people. The seller may be a middle man during the reptile purchase. He owes information such as age, gender, and other details. Since they transact from one person to the other, they owe complete data. Hence seeking their help would be beneficial.
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Conclusion
The bearded dragon you owe may be a rescued one or bought at a store. You must have the query “how old is my bearded dragon”? Detecting the time it reaches sexual maturity, measuring the dragon from head to tail, and more may reap you rough numbers of the age.
There are limitations in the dragon’s age and growth based on nutrition, gender, and species. Some dragons grow faster or slower. Some pick up growth speed a little later. A perfect way to determine the age of a bearded dragon is by contacting the breeder or seller. These people hold records of ownership transfer and record transactions.
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