Bearded dragons are common pets, and it is vital to understand how previous yours is to offer the absolute best care. Their age can have an effect on their food plan, housing, and total well being wants. Fortuitously, there are a couple of key indicators that may allow you to decide the age of your bearded dragon. By analyzing their measurement, weight, and bodily traits, you will get a great estimate of their age and guarantee they get the suitable care they want.
Probably the most apparent methods to inform the age of a bearded dragon is by its measurement. Child bearded dragons are sometimes round 4-6 inches lengthy, they usually develop to be about 18-24 inches lengthy when absolutely mature. Nonetheless, it is vital to notice that measurement can fluctuate relying on the species of bearded dragon and its total well being. So, whereas measurement is usually a useful indicator, it isn’t at all times a precise science.
One other technique to inform the age of a bearded dragon is by its weight. Child bearded dragons sometimes weigh round 10-20 grams, they usually achieve weight progressively as they develop. Grownup bearded dragons sometimes weigh between 350-500 grams, however once more, this could fluctuate relying on the species and well being of the person. For those who’re not sure in regards to the weight of your bearded dragon, seek the advice of with a veterinarian for an correct evaluation.
Analyzing Scales and Scutes
Bearded dragons have overlapping scales masking their complete physique, and these scales can present clues to their age. Juvenile bearded dragons have smaller, smoother scales which can be typically barely translucent. As they age, their scales turn into bigger, thicker, and extra opaque.
Scutes
Along with scales, bearded dragons even have bigger, rectangular scales known as scutes on their stomach, again, and head. The scutes on the stomach are known as ventral scutes, and the scutes on the again are known as dorsal scutes. The scutes on the pinnacle are known as supraocular scutes and they’re situated above the eyes.
Juvenile bearded dragons have fewer scutes than adults, and their scutes are sometimes extra pointed. As they age, their scutes turn into extra rounded they usually enhance in quantity. The variety of ventral scutes on a bearded dragon can be utilized to estimate its age, as proven within the desk beneath:
| Variety of Ventral Scutes | Age Vary |
|---|---|
| 25-30 | 0-6 months |
| 30-35 | 6-12 months |
| 35-40 | 12-18 months |
| 40-45 | 18 months+ |
Learning Toe and Finger Pad Growth
The event of toe and finger pads supplies priceless clues a few bearded dragon’s age. Listed here are the distinct phases to watch:
0-2 Weeks
Pads are comfortable and translucent, with no distinct definition.
2-4 Weeks
Pads begin to develop a slight definition, however stay comparatively easy.
4-6 Weeks
Pads turn into extra outlined and the scales begin to seem.
6-8 Weeks
Pads attain their full improvement, turning into agency, well-defined, and coated in scales. The scales could also be barely tough to the contact.
8-12 Weeks
Pads proceed to thicken and darken in coloration. The scales on the pads turn into extra pronounced and will begin to develop a granular texture. The pads may additionally turn into barely wrinkled.
Desk: Toe and Finger Pad Growth Timeline
| Age (Weeks) | Toe and Finger Pad Growth |
|---|---|
| 0-2 | Tender, translucent, no definition |
| 2-4 | Slight definition, easy |
| 4-6 | Outlined, scales seem |
| 6-8 | Totally developed, agency, outlined, scaled |
| 8-12 | Thicken, darken, granular scales, slight wrinkles |
12+ Weeks
Pads proceed to thicken and develop a extra wrinkled look. The scales on the pads turn into extra distinguished and will develop a barely bumpy texture.
Evaluating to Development Charts and Requirements
To precisely decide your bearded dragon’s age, you possibly can examine its measurement and weight to established progress charts and requirements. These charts present common measurements for bearded dragons at completely different ages, permitting you to estimate your pet’s age primarily based on its present dimensions.
Nonetheless, it is essential to notice that progress charges can fluctuate amongst particular person bearded dragons on account of components corresponding to genetics, food plan, and atmosphere. Subsequently, these charts needs to be used as a basic guideline reasonably than a precise science.
Measurement and Weight Measurements
The desk beneath supplies approximate measurement and weight measurements for bearded dragons at completely different ages:
| Age (Months) | Snout-Vent Size (inches) | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 | 20-30 |
| 2 | 4-5 | 40-60 |
| 3 | 6-7 | 60-90 |
| 4 | 8-9 | 90-120 |
| 5 | 10-11 | 120-150 |
| 6 | 12-13 | 150-180 |
| 7 | 14-15 | 180-210 |
| 8 | 16-17 | 210-240 |
| 9 | 18-20 | 240-270 |
| 10 | 20-22 | 270-300 |
| 11 | 22-24 | 300-330 |
| 12 | 24-26 | 330-360 |
Consulting with a Reptile Veterinarian
Consulting with a professional reptile veterinarian is probably the most dependable technique to find out the age of a bearded dragon. Skilled veterinarians can assess varied bodily traits, corresponding to measurement, weight, bone construction, and tooth put on, to offer an correct age estimate.
Listed here are some extra ideas for estimating the age of a bearded dragon primarily based on its bodily traits:
- Measurement: Youthful bearded dragons are usually smaller than adults. Child beardies are sometimes 2-4 inches lengthy, whereas adults can develop as much as 24 inches in size.
- Weight: Child bearded dragons weigh round 10-15 grams, whereas adults can weigh as much as 1 pound.
- Bone Construction: The cranium and bones of younger beardies are softer and fewer developed than these of adults.
- Tooth Put on: As bearded dragons age, their tooth could present some put on and tear.
- Head Form: Child bearded dragons have a extra rounded head form, whereas adults have a extra angular head form.
- Tail Size: The tail of a bearded dragon is often twice the size of its physique.
- Beard Coloration: The beard of a younger bearded dragon could also be lighter in coloration, whereas grownup beards are often darker and extra vibrant.
- Eye Shade: Child bearded dragons have darkish eyes, which progressively lighten as they age.
- Habits: Younger bearded dragons are sometimes extra lively and curious, whereas adults are extra laid-back and relaxed.
- Intercourse: Feminine bearded dragons are inclined to develop bigger than males.
How To Inform How Previous My Bearded Dragon Is
Bearded dragons are common pets, and many house owners are inquisitive about how previous their dragons are. There are a couple of methods to inform the age of a bearded dragon, however probably the most correct technique is to take a look at their measurement and weight.
Bearded dragons develop quickly throughout their first yr of life, and their measurement is usually a good indicator of their age. A wholesome bearded dragon will sometimes develop to be about 12-18 inches lengthy by the point they’re one yr previous. After their first yr, their progress will decelerate significantly, and they’re going to solely achieve a couple of inches in size annually.
Along with their measurement, you can too use your bearded dragon’s weight to estimate their age. A wholesome bearded dragon will sometimes weigh between 200 and 400 grams by the point they’re one yr previous. After their first yr, their weight will proceed to extend, however at a slower price.
In case you are not sure about your bearded dragon’s age, it’s at all times greatest to seek the advice of with a veterinarian. A veterinarian can study your dragon and provide you with a extra correct estimate of their age.
Folks Additionally Ask About How To Inform How Previous My Bearded Dragon Is
How can I inform if my bearded dragon is chubby?
In case you are involved that your bearded dragon could also be chubby, you must search for the next indicators:
- A potbelly
- Extra fats round their tail
- Issue shifting
- Lethargy
What’s the common lifespan of a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons sometimes reside for 8-10 years. Nonetheless, with correct care, some dragons can reside for as much as 15 years.
