Bearded dragons are common pets, and it is necessary to understand how previous yours is to supply the absolute best care. Their age can have an effect on their weight-reduction plan, housing, and general well being wants. Luckily, there are just a few key indicators that may make it easier to decide the age of your bearded dragon. By inspecting their dimension, weight, and bodily traits, you will get an excellent estimate of their age and guarantee they get the suitable care they want.
One of the apparent methods to inform the age of a bearded dragon is by its dimension. Child bearded dragons are usually round 4-6 inches lengthy, they usually develop to be about 18-24 inches lengthy when totally mature. Nevertheless, it is necessary to notice that dimension can fluctuate relying on the species of bearded dragon and its general well being. So, whereas dimension could be a useful indicator, it is not at all times an actual science.
One other solution to inform the age of a bearded dragon is by its weight. Child bearded dragons usually weigh round 10-20 grams, they usually achieve weight steadily as they develop. Grownup bearded dragons usually weigh between 350-500 grams, however once more, this could fluctuate relying on the species and well being of the person. In the event you’re uncertain concerning the weight of your bearded dragon, seek the advice of with a veterinarian for an correct evaluation.
Inspecting Scales and Scutes
Bearded dragons have overlapping scales overlaying their complete physique, and these scales can present clues to their age. Juvenile bearded dragons have smaller, smoother scales which are usually barely translucent. As they age, their scales change into bigger, thicker, and extra opaque.
Scutes
Along with scales, bearded dragons even have bigger, rectangular scales referred to as scutes on their stomach, again, and head. The scutes on the stomach are referred to as ventral scutes, and the scutes on the again are referred to as dorsal scutes. The scutes on the top are referred to as supraocular scutes and they’re positioned above the eyes.
Juvenile bearded dragons have fewer scutes than adults, and their scutes are sometimes extra pointed. As they age, their scutes change 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 under:
| 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 precious clues a couple of bearded dragon’s age. Listed below are the distinct levels 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 change into extra outlined and the scales begin to seem.
6-8 Weeks
Pads attain their full growth, changing 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 change into extra pronounced and will begin to develop a granular texture. The pads can also change into barely wrinkled.
Desk: Toe and Finger Pad Growth Timeline
| Age (Weeks) | Toe and Finger Pad Growth |
|---|---|
| 0-2 | Delicate, translucent, no definition |
| 2-4 | Slight definition, easy |
| 4-6 | Outlined, scales seem |
| 6-8 | Absolutely 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 change into extra outstanding and will develop a barely bumpy texture.
Evaluating to Progress Charts and Requirements
To precisely decide your bearded dragon’s age, you’ll be able to examine its dimension and weight to established progress charts and requirements. These charts present common measurements for bearded dragons at totally different ages, permitting you to estimate your pet’s age based mostly on its present dimensions.
Nevertheless, it is essential to notice that progress charges can fluctuate amongst particular person bearded dragons on account of components resembling genetics, weight-reduction plan, and setting. Due to this fact, these charts must be used as a normal guideline somewhat than an actual science.
Dimension and Weight Measurements
The desk under supplies approximate dimension and weight measurements for bearded dragons at totally 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 essentially the most dependable methodology to find out the age of a bearded dragon. Skilled veterinarians can assess varied bodily traits, resembling dimension, weight, bone construction, and tooth put on, to supply an correct age estimate.
Listed below are some extra suggestions for estimating the age of a bearded dragon based mostly on its bodily traits:
- Dimension: Youthful bearded dragons are typically smaller than adults. Child beardies are usually 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 enamel might 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 normally darker and extra vibrant.
- Eye Colour: Child bearded dragons have darkish eyes, which steadily lighten as they age.
- Conduct: Younger bearded dragons are usually 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 interested by how previous their dragons are. There are just a few methods to inform the age of a bearded dragon, however essentially the most correct methodology is to have a look at their dimension and weight.
Bearded dragons develop quickly throughout their first yr of life, and their dimension could be a good indicator of their age. A wholesome bearded dragon will usually 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 just a few inches in size annually.
Along with their dimension, you can even use your bearded dragon’s weight to estimate their age. A wholesome bearded dragon will usually 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 charge.
In case you are uncertain about your bearded dragon’s age, it’s at all times finest to seek the advice of with a veterinarian. A veterinarian can study your dragon and offer you a extra correct estimate of their age.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Inform How Previous My Bearded Dragon Is
How can I inform if my bearded dragon is obese?
In case you are involved that your bearded dragon could also be obese, you need to search for the next indicators:
- A potbelly
- Extra fats round their tail
- Problem shifting
- Lethargy
What’s the common lifespan of a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons usually stay for 8-10 years. Nevertheless, with correct care, some dragons can stay for as much as 15 years.
