Bearded dragons, or “beardies,” as they are also called, are medium-sized lizards that occur only in Australia. Their size matters a lot to owners because it dictates how much space they need, what they’ll be fed, and how they’ll be looked after.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into how big bearded dragons get!
How big do bearded dragons get?
Bearded dragons are a member of the genus Pogona and there are many species. One of them is the Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps), the most common wild specimen. Let’s see their size, by species.
Central Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps)
- Average Size: 18-24 Inches head to tail
- Adult Weight: 350-550 grams
- Details: The most common pet species. They are adaptable and they get larger than most of the other animals.
Rankin’s Dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni)
- Size: 12-14 inches on average
- Weight: 150 to 250 grams
- Information: Rankin’s dragons are smaller and more portable, so they are perfect for those of you who are in a tight space.
Other Lesser-Known Species
- Pogona barbata: Can be 24 inches but rare in the wild
- Pogona microlepidota: A much smaller plant (4-5 inches)
The average weight of a healthy adult bearded dragon ranges from 350 to 550 grams.
Growth Stages of a Bearded Dragon
With the growth stages, you know what to track and if they are going in the right growth direction.
Hatchling Stage
- Age Range: 0-2 months
- Size: 3 to 4 inches
- Hatchling Growth Rate: Hatchlings develop quickly, 1-2 inches a month at this stage
Juvenile Stage
- Age Range: 2-6 months
- Size: 6 to 12 inches
- Growth Rate: This is the fastest growth period and needs special care and nutrition
Adult Stage
- Age Range: 12+ months
- Larger: 16-24 inches (species to species)
- Rate of Growth: It slows down and weight increases over length
Factors Influencing Bearded Dragon Size
Many factors decide how big your bearded dragon is going to get. This is all you need to know:
Genetics
It is largely genetic, which means that your bearded dragon can only get as big as it wants to be. Their children may be genetic descendants of those parents if the parents were especially big.
Diet and Nutrition
Critical requirements for optimal development:
- High-quality protein sources
- Calcium supplementation
- Essential vitamins
- A bad diet can stunt their growth
Habitat and Environment
- Good tank size and sufficient activity
- Digestion and development depend on a basking location at 95-110°F
- Calcium needs to be absorbed into the bones by UVB light
Health and Stress Levels
Stress, disease, parasites, and the like can inhibit development. They need regular health visits and a stress-free environment.
How to Measure Your Bearded Dragon
You can keep track of the development of your bearded dragon if you know how it is measured.
Steps to Measure Accurately
- Apply a soft ruler or measuring tape
- Pull your bearded dragon gently down on a table
- Measure from the point of the nose to the end of the tail
Tools Needed
- Flexible measuring tape
- Notebook for recording growth
- Peace of mind to take the edge off
Proper Handling Techniques
Be sure to lift their whole body and don’t bite on their tail as you won’t cause harm.
Average Size of Bearded Dragons at Each Stage
Size Chart by Age
| Age | Length (inches) | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling | 3-4 | 4-6 |
| Juvenile | 6-12 | 50-200 |
| Adult | 16-24 | 350-550 |
How to Ensure Healthy Growth
If you want a bearded dragon to grow into its full size and flourish in your home, then you need to be diligent about what it eats, where it lives, and how it behaves. Let’s talk about these fundamental details.
Providing a Balanced Diet
Food is the foundation of good development. Bearded dragons are omnivores — that is, they require a mixture of plant and protein sources.
Required food items:
- Foods for Protein: Feed baby dragons live crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms. Adults may have them less often
- Veggies: Collard greens, dandelion greens and squash are great
- Calcium: Sprinkle calcium powder on their food 2-3 times per week for strong bones
Setting Up the Right Habitat
A well-kept enclosure resembles the environment they inhabit and promotes proper growth.
Essential habitat requirements:
- Size of Tank: Kids should have at least a 20-gallon tank and adults need between 50 and 120 gallons
- Lighting: 10-12 hours daily of UVB light will help you absorb the calcium
- Substrate: Be sure to use a safe substrate such as reptile carpet or tiles so it won’t be impacted
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Regular medical visits may catch potential illness early on so your dragon can maintain growth milestones.
When to Worry About Stunted Growth
If your bearded dragon isn’t growing as it should, it’s best to get the problem right at an early stage. Here’s what to watch for.
Signs of Poor Growth
Critical warning signs include:
- Failure to get longer or weigh more within a few weeks
- Bones visible or an emaciated, flimsy shape
- Lethargy or lack of appetite
Causes of Stunted Growth
- Nutritional Under-nutrition: If your child does not have the right nutrients like calcium and protein, they may develop poorly
- Disease or Parasites: Internal parasites or infections can rob you of energy and reduce growth
- Mismatch of Habitat: Unstable light or temperatures interfere with digestion and absorption
What to Do
- Check with a reptile vet if you observe these symptoms
- You might need to make adjustments to diet, lighting, and tank parameters to clear it up
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are cool creatures and can attain 24 inches long if taken properly. You can give your dragon the proper environment, and adequate diet, and monitor it regularly to help him/her reach his full potential.
Learn about how they are growing and what they need to provide a healthy and happy life for your scaly friend.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How big do bearded dragons grow in the wild?
Bearded dragons, especially in captivity, average between 16 and 24 inches, depending on species and quality of care
When do bearded dragons stop growing?
Bearded dragons stop growing at 12 months of age, but can get fat and girthy until 18-24 months of age
Does diet make a bearded dragon bigger?
Sure, if you aren’t getting sufficient protein and calcium, then growth is hindered, and a balanced diet helps to develop healthy kids
What is the smallest bearded dragon?
Rankin’s dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni) is the smallest at 12-14 inches long
Does a bearded dragon need a big tank?
Tank size doesn’t have a direct effect on their development, but a larger tank means they get enough exercise and mental stimulation, which is important for their health