Bearded dragons are widespread pets, and it is essential to know the way outdated yours is to supply the absolute best care. Their age can have an effect on their food regimen, housing, and total well being wants. Thankfully, there are a number of key indicators that may provide help to decide the age of your bearded dragon. By analyzing their dimension, weight, and bodily traits, you will get a very good estimate of their age and guarantee they get the suitable care they want.
One of the vital apparent methods to inform the age of a bearded dragon is by its dimension. Child bearded dragons are usually round 4-6 inches lengthy, and so they develop to be about 18-24 inches lengthy when totally mature. Nonetheless, it is essential to notice that dimension can fluctuate relying on the species of bearded dragon and its total well being. So, whereas dimension could be a useful indicator, it isn’t all the time 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, and so they achieve weight step by step as they develop. Grownup bearded dragons usually weigh between 350-500 grams, however once more, this may 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 protecting their whole physique, and these scales can present clues to their age. Juvenile bearded dragons have smaller, smoother scales which might be usually 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 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 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 and so they 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 Improvement
The event of toe and finger pads offers worthwhile clues a couple of bearded dragon’s age. Listed below are the distinct phases to watch:
0-2 Weeks
Pads are delicate and translucent, with no distinct definition.
2-4 Weeks
Pads begin to develop a slight definition, however stay comparatively clean.
4-6 Weeks
Pads turn 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 colour. The scales on the pads turn into extra pronounced and should begin to develop a granular texture. The pads can also turn into barely wrinkled.
Desk: Toe and Finger Pad Improvement Timeline
| Age (Weeks) | Toe and Finger Pad Improvement |
|---|---|
| 0-2 | Delicate, translucent, no definition |
| 2-4 | Slight definition, clean |
| 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 outstanding and should develop a barely bumpy texture.
Evaluating to Development Charts and Requirements
To precisely decide your bearded dragon’s age, you possibly can 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 primarily based on its present dimensions.
Nonetheless, it is essential to notice that progress charges can fluctuate amongst particular person bearded dragons as a result of elements akin to genetics, food regimen, and surroundings. Subsequently, these charts must be used as a basic guideline reasonably than an actual science.
Dimension and Weight Measurements
The desk under offers 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 certified reptile veterinarian is essentially the most dependable technique to find out the age of a bearded dragon. Skilled veterinarians can assess numerous bodily traits, akin to 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 primarily based 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 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 usually twice the size of its physique.
- Beard Coloration: The beard of a younger bearded dragon could also be lighter in colour, whereas grownup beards are often darker and extra vibrant.
- Eye Coloration: Child bearded dragons have darkish eyes, which step by step lighten as they age.
- Habits: Younger bearded dragons are usually extra energetic 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 widespread pets, and many homeowners are inquisitive about how outdated their dragons are. There are a number of methods to inform the age of a bearded dragon, however essentially the most correct technique is to take a look at their dimension and weight.
Bearded dragons develop quickly throughout their first 12 months 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 12 months outdated. After their first 12 months, their progress will decelerate significantly, and they’re going to solely achieve a number of inches in size annually.
Along with their dimension, you can too 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 12 months outdated. After their first 12 months, their weight will proceed to extend, however at a slower fee.
In case you are not sure about your bearded dragon’s age, it’s all the time greatest to seek the advice of with a veterinarian. A veterinarian can look at your dragon and offer you 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 obese?
In case you are involved that your bearded dragon could also be obese, it is best to search for the next indicators:
- A potbelly
- Extra fats round their tail
- Problem transferring
- Lethargy
What’s the common lifespan of a bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons usually dwell for 8-10 years. Nonetheless, with correct care, some dragons can dwell for as much as 15 years.
