Like most animals, planning out their lifetime and how long they’ll be alive is essential when thinking about a bearded dragon. We’ll go through everything you need to know about bearded dragon age, age chart, longevity in captivity, as well as what factors influence how long your pet will live.
Table of Contents
What is a bearded dragon?
A bearded dragon is an exotic pet lizard that can you can adopt and expect it to live for at least 10 years. The Central Bearded Dragon is a common sight throughout Southern Australia, in regions such as Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales. The diverse array of locations naturally leads to a varied habitat. Shrublands take up extensive areas in arid and semi-arid lands across southern Australia as well as some regions of New South Wales.
What is bearded dragon age?
In captivity, bearded dragons may live for 8 to 10 years. Some are now living beyond these ages and can live for up to 14 years. It is important to know that their life expectancy is highly dependent on proper care. In the wild, bearded dragons have a much shorter lifespan not exceeding 8 years.
The life expectancy of a bearded dragon is also determined by its species. In general, smaller species have shorter lifespans than larger species. For example, pygmy and dwarf bearded dragons typically live 5 to 7 years while citrus and German giant bearded dragons can live 10 to 12 years.
What factors influence bearded dragon age?
The following are some of the factors that influence bearded dragon age:
– Diet: A well-balanced diet is essential for a bearded dragon to live a long and healthy life. Bearded dragons in captivity should be offered a variety of food items such as vegetables, fruits, insects, and protein sources.
– Housing: Bearded dragons should be kept in enclosures that provide them with enough space to move around, bask, and hide. The enclosure should also have the proper lighting and temperature to meet the needs of the bearded dragon.
– Health: Bearded dragons that are free from health problems and parasites tend to live longer than those that are not. It is important to take your bearded dragon to the vet for regular checkups and to address any health concerns as soon as possible.
– Genetics: Some bearded dragons are simply predisposed to having a longer lifespan than others. This is due to genetics and there is really nothing that can be done to change it.
What is the average bearded dragon age chart?
The following is a bearded dragon age chart that shows the average lifespan of different species of bearded dragons:
– Pygmy Bearded Dragon: 5 to 7 years
– Dwarf Bearded Dragon: 5 to 7 years
– Citrus Bearded Dragon: 10 to 12 years
– German Giant Bearded Dragon: 10 to 12 years
As you can see, the average lifespan of a bearded dragon is 10 years. However, this is just an average and some bearded dragons may live longer or shorter depending on the factors mentioned above.
What is the oldest recorded age of a bearded dragon?
The oldest recorded age of a bearded dragon in captivity is 19 years. This is an exceptional case and is not representative of the average lifespan of a bearded dragon.
How can I make my bearded dragon live longer?
There are several things that you can do to help your bearded dragon live a long and healthy life:
– Provide a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of vegetables, fruits, insects, and protein sources.
– Keep your bearded dragon in an enclosure that is large enough for it to move around, bask, and hide. The enclosure should also have the proper lighting and temperature to meet the needs of the bearded dragon.
– Take your bearded dragon to the vet for regular checkups and address any health concerns as soon as possible.
– Provide your bearded dragon with a stimulating environment that includes plenty of hiding places, toys, and branches to climb on.
By following these tips, you can help your bearded dragon live a long and healthy life.
Bearded dragon age chart:
Hatchling period – Month 0:
Your Bearded Dragon is a hatchling in the first month. At this point, your dragon’s growth is rapid. It’s critical that you feed your dragon the correct food at this time. The recommended feeding chart at this age is to give your beardie live food multiple times a day for growth and some greens/veggies daily.
At the hatchling age period, your beardie will grow to 3 inches and will weigh 4 to 6 grams.
Baby – 1 to 3 months:
At baby stage from month 1 to month 3, your beardie will grow in size to a length ranging from 3 to 9 inches and it will gain weight almost three times its birth weight – 4 to 20 grams. At this age, your beardie grows really fast. The metabolism is high, and they are always trying to eat.
The diet for a baby bearded dragon should be 70% live food and 30% greens/veggies. You can start offering adulthood foods like insects and vegetables, but in small quantities.
Juvenile – 4 to 11 months:
At the juvenile stage from 4 to 11 months, your beardie’s growth rate continues to accelerate reaching a height of 8 to 24 inches and attaining weight ranging from 20 to 400 grams.
The diet for a juvenile bearded dragon should be 50% live food and 50% greens/veggies. You can offer adulthood foods like insects and vegetables in larger quantities.
Adult – 1 year and older:
Once your bearded dragon reaches adulthood at around 1 year, growth will start to slow down. Adults reach a size of 18 to 24 inches and weigh between 400 and 550 grams.
The diet for an adult bearded dragon should be 30% live food and 70% greens/veggies. You can offer adult foods like insects and vegetables in larger quantities.
senior years:
As your bearded dragon enters its senior years, growth will stop completely. Your beardie will reach its full size and weight.
The diet for a senior bearded dragon should be 20% live food and 80% greens/veggies. You can offer adulthood foods like insects and vegetables in larger quantities.
Bearded Dragon Growth Chart and weight:
| Age | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchlings – (Month 0) | 3 inches | 4-6 grams |
| Babies (1-3 months) | 3-9 inches | 4-20 grams |
| Juveniles (3 to 11 months) | 8-24 inches | 20-400 grams |
| Adults (12-18 months) | Female: 16-19 inches Male: 19-24 inches | 400-550 grams |
FAQs
Q: At what age do bearded dragons reach sexual maturity?
A: Bearded dragons reach sexual maturity anywhere from 12 to 36 months of age.
Q: How can I tell if my bearded dragon is male or female?
A: Male and female bearded dragons can be distinguished by looking at their underbelly. Males have larger pores on their abdomens and femoral pores that are visible as two rows of small dots. Females have smaller pores on their abdomens and no femoral pores.
Q: How often do bearded dragons shed?
A: Bearded dragons typically shed every 4 to 8 weeks. Shedding frequency can increase with higher humidity levels and when the dragon is molting.
Q: What is the lifespan of a bearded dragon?
A: The average lifespan of a bearded dragon is 8 to 10 years. However, some dragons have been known to live 14 years or more.
Q: Do bearded dragons need to be bathed?
A: Yes, bearded dragons should be bathed weekly in warm water. This helps keep their skin healthy and hydrated and can also aid in the shedding process.
Q: Can I hold my bearded dragon?
A: Yes, you can hold your bearded dragon, but it is important to do so carefully. Bearded dragons are delicate and can be injured easily. Make sure to support the dragon’s entire body, especially its belly, when picking it up. It is also a good idea to wash your hands before and after handling your dragon.
Q: What should I do if my bearded dragon bites me?
A: If your bearded dragon bites you, wash the area with soap and water. Apply pressure to the wound if it is bleeding and seek medical attention if necessary. Bearded dragon bites can cause infections, so it is important to monitor the wound carefully.
Q: What should I do if my bearded dragon won’t eat?
A: If your bearded dragon hasn’t eaten in a few days, contact your veterinarian. Not eating can be a sign of illness, so it is important to get your dragon checked out by a professional.
Q: Why is my bearded dragon black?
A: Blackbeard dragons are not actually black. They are a type of albino bearded dragon that lacks pigment in their skin. Blackbeard dragons are very rare and typically have red or pink eyes.