Bearded dragons are a type of lizard that have become increasingly popular as pets in the last few years. If you’ve recently adopted a bearded dragon, you may be wondering how to tell its age. Knowing your bearded dragon’s age is important for making sure it gets the proper diet, housing, and care it needs.
Although it’s impossible to know a bearded dragon’s exact age without a record from its previous owners, there are a few ways you can make an educated guess. In this article, we’ll discuss how to tell a bearded dragon’s age, as well as how to provide the best care for your bearded dragon regardless of its age.
1. Look at Its Size
The first step in determining a bearded dragon’s age is to look at its size. Bearded dragons grow quickly in the first few years of their life, making size one of the most reliable indicators of age.
The size of a bearded dragon will vary depending on the species, but generally, adult bearded dragons are between 16 and 24 inches long. A full-grown bearded dragon will have a large head and a full, thick beard.
If your bearded dragon is less than 16 inches long and still has a small head and thin beard, it’s likely a juvenile. Juveniles are usually between 4 and 12 months old.
If your bearded dragon is only a few inches long and has a tiny head and minimal beard, it’s probably a hatchling. Hatchlings are usually between 1 and 4 months old.
2. Look at Its Color and Pattern
In addition to size, the color and pattern of your bearded dragon’s scales can be another indicator of age. Bearded dragons are born with grayish or brownish scales, which become brighter and more colorful as they age.
Although the colors and patterns a bearded dragon develops are highly individual, you can expect to see some of the following changes as your bearded dragon matures:
- Juveniles will usually have light grayish or brownish scales.
- Adolescents will usually have pale yellow or orange scales with brown bands.
- Adults will usually have deep orange and yellow scales with bold bands and stripes.
3. Consider Its Activity Level
In addition to size and color, you can also use your bearded dragon’s activity level to help determine its age. Younger bearded dragons tend to be more active, while older bearded dragons are often calmer and more subdued.
Juveniles and adolescents will often run around and explore their habitat, as well as display their beard and arm wave. Adults may still be active, but they’ll often spend more time resting and basking in the sun.
4. Ask the Previous Owners
If you adopted your bearded dragon from a pet store, breeder, or previous owner, you can ask them for an approximate age. While their estimate may not be exact, it can still be a helpful guide for providing your bearded dragon with the proper care and nutrition it needs.
5. Provide Proper Care Regardless of Age
Knowing your bearded dragon’s age is important for providing proper care, but it’s also important to remember that every bearded dragon is different. Some may grow faster or slower than others, and some may have different dietary needs.
Regardless of your bearded dragon’s age, it’s important to provide a habitat with plenty of space, a varied diet, and regular veterinary checkups. This will ensure your bearded dragon stays healthy and happy for years to come.
Conclusion
Telling your bearded dragon’s age can be difficult, but there are a few things you can look for to make an educated guess. By looking at its size, color, and activity level, you can get an idea of how old your bearded dragon is. If you got your bearded dragon from a pet store, breeder, or previous owner, you can also ask them for an approximate age.
Regardless of your bearded dragon’s age, it’s important to provide proper care, including a habitat with plenty of space, a varied diet, and regular veterinary checkups. This will ensure your bearded dragon stays healthy and happy for years to come.