You just got a new bearded dragon. He is tiny. He fits in the palm of your hand. You start to wonder, how big does a bearded dragon get? This is a common question. It is an important one. The size of your lizard affects many things. It changes the size of his tank. It changes the amount of food he needs.
The simple answer is this. A healthy adult bearded dragon can grow to be 16 to 24 inches long. That length includes their tail. Their body length is about half of that. A beardie is ready for his final home at that size. A big part of the journey is his growth. A lot of things affect their growth. This guide will walk you through everything. Let’s find out.
From Tiny Hatchling to Full-Grown Adult
A bearded dragon’s growth is fast. It happens in stages. They grow very quickly in their first year. This is the most exciting time to watch them.
Hatchling Stage (0 to 3 months old)
These are the babies. They are very small. They are usually between 3 and 5 inches long. They are very delicate. They are mostly tail. They eat a lot of tiny insects. You should feed them small crickets. You should also offer them fresh greens. A baby beardie grows very fast. You will notice a change every week.
Juvenile Stage (3 to 12 months old)
This is the major growth phase. Your lizard will start to get big. Their body will fill out. Their tail will get longer. They can grow 1 to 2 inches per month. By the end of this stage, they are about 12 to 18 inches long. They are eating a lot. This is a crucial time for their diet.
Sub-Adult Stage (12 to 18 months old)
Growth starts to slow down here. Your bearded dragon is nearing its full size. He will get a bit thicker. The last few inches will be added. Most beardies are sexually mature at this point. They are getting closer to their final adult size. The average is about 16 to 20 inches.
Adult Stage (18 months and older)
This is the final stage. The growth stops almost completely. Your bearded dragon has reached his full size. He is in his prime. A full-grown adult is between 18 and 24 inches long. Some get a little bigger. This is rare.
What Makes a Bearded Dragon Big?
Not all bearded dragons get to the same size. Several factors influence their growth. Understanding them helps you provide the best care.
1. Genetics
This is the most important factor. The size of a bearded dragon’s parents plays a huge role. If both parents are big, their babies are more likely to be big. You can’t control this. It is a part of their DNA. A healthy diet and good care are still vital. Even a well-cared for small dragon will never be a giant. He will be a healthy dragon.
2. Proper Diet and Nutrition
A good diet is key for growth. Bearded dragons need a lot of protein when young. They need live insects. They also need calcium and vitamins. Without them, their bones can’t grow. Their muscles can’t develop. A poor diet can stunt their growth. It can cause health problems. A study by the University of Florida found that bearded dragons often suffer from metabolic bone disease. This is a direct result of poor nutrition. The study recommends a calcium-rich diet to prevent it. A bearded dragon needs calcium.
Here are some foods they need:
- Insects: Crickets, dubia roaches, and mealworms.
- Veggies: Collard greens, mustard greens, and squash.
- Fruit: Only a little, like apples or berries.
3. The Right Environment (Husbandry)
The tank is their whole world. It must be set up correctly. The right temperature and lighting are vital. They need proper basking temperatures. They need to get warm enough to digest their food. They need UVB light. UVB helps them absorb calcium. This is crucial for their bones.
4. The Tank Size
This is a common myth. People think a bearded dragon will only grow to the size of its tank. This is not true. It is a very bad idea. A small tank can make them feel cramped. It can limit their exercise. It can cause stress. Stress can stunt their growth. An adult bearded dragon needs a large tank. The minimum size is 75 gallons. A bigger tank is always better.
A reptile vet shares some insight. Dr. Kevin Wright, a well-known reptile veterinarian, says
“I see so many cases of stunted growth because the owner didn’t provide a large enough enclosure for their bearded dragon to thrive. A small tank leads to a lack of exercise, which can negatively impact muscle and bone development.”
5. Parasites and Illnesses
Poor health can also stop growth. Parasites are a common issue. They can steal nutrients from the dragon. This prevents healthy development. Illnesses can also make them stop eating. A sick beardie will not grow. Regular vet check-ups are important. They can find and treat problems early.
Male vs. Female: A Size Difference?
Do males get bigger than females? The answer is often yes. Males usually grow a little bigger. They are longer. They have a bigger head. This is not always true. A well-fed female can be bigger than a poorly cared for male. It all comes back to genetics and good care.
The Problem with an Overly Fat Beardie
Size isn’t just about length. It’s about weight too. A bearded dragon should not be fat. Being overweight is a major health risk. It can lead to liver problems. It can lead to heart disease. A healthy bearded dragon’s body is flat. Its stomach should be level. It should not bulge out. Its legs should not be too skinny. You should be able to see its ribs a little.
Debunking a Common Myth
The “tank size myth” is one of the biggest. Many new owners believe this. They think a smaller tank is okay. They believe the beardie will not get too big. This is very wrong. Your bearded dragon will not grow to the size of his tank. His growth is set by his genetics. The tank size does not change this. A small tank only causes problems. It makes the dragon stressed. It can make him sick. It can stop him from growing. He will become a small, unhealthy lizard.
A good rule of thumb is this. A hatchling can live in a small tank. A young dragon needs a 40-gallon tank. An adult needs a 75-gallon tank or larger. A bigger tank is always a good idea. Give your beardie room to run. Give him room to climb. Give him room to be happy.
A Look at a Healthy Adult
A healthy adult bearded dragon is a sight to see. Their scales are bright. Their eyes are clear. They are alert. They have good muscle tone. A healthy adult can grow up to 24 inches long. Their tail is about half of that. Their body is long and flat. They should have a lot of energy. A healthy dragon is a happy dragon.
So, how big does a bearded dragon get? The answer is a mix of things. It’s genetics. It is a good diet. It is a proper home. The maximum size is about 24 inches. A good owner knows this. They provide for their pet. They do not skimp on care. They give their bearded dragon everything he needs to thrive.
Knowing the answer helps you plan. It helps you prepare. It helps you give your pet a long, healthy life. A big, healthy beardie is a sign of a good owner. It shows you did your research. You put in the effort.
It is an investment. An investment in a healthy pet. An investment in a happy pet. A big bearded dragon is a joy to have. It’s the ultimate reward.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: At what age does a bearded dragon stop growing?
A1: A bearded dragon’s growth slows down after 12 months. They usually reach their full adult size around 18 months old. Their growth is nearly complete by this point. They may get a little thicker, but not much longer.
Q2: My bearded dragon is a year old but is only 12 inches long. Is that too small?
A2: A 12-inch bearded dragon at one year old is a bit smaller than average. The average size for that age is closer to 16 inches. This could be due to genetics. It could also be from a poor diet. Or maybe the tank is too small. Make sure you are providing the right diet and a proper habitat.
Q3: How much should a bearded dragon weigh?
A3: An adult bearded dragon should weigh between 380 and 600 grams. Their weight should be in proportion to their length. A healthy dragon has a flat belly. He should have no extra skin folds. Overfeeding can lead to obesity. A bearded dragon is a lizard. He is not a cat or a dog.
Q4: Do female bearded dragons get bigger than males?
A4: Female bearded dragons are often a little smaller than males. Males are typically a few inches longer. They also tend to have larger heads. The difference in size is not huge. The health of the individual lizard matters more than its gender.
Q5: Can I make my bearded dragon grow bigger?
A5: You cannot force a bearded dragon to grow bigger than its genetics allow. You can make sure they reach their full potential. You do this by providing a perfect diet. You give them proper UVB lighting. You give them a large enclosure. These things help them grow strong and healthy. It helps them reach the size they are meant to be.