Weight is a critical factor in the health and overall well-being of bearded dragons. Too much weight can lead to a number of health problems, while too little weight can also be dangerous. A healthy bearded dragon should have a gradual weight loss over time if they are not eating enough, or a healthy weight gain if they are eating more than they need. This guide will help you determine the ideal weight for your bearded dragon, as well as how to tell if your beardie is overweight or underweight.
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What is the weight of a baby and juvenile bearded dragon?
A baby beardie’s weight can vary a lot because they are growing so quickly. A healthy baby dragon aged 1 to 3 months should weigh between 4 and 20 grams (1-2 ounces). At this period the length of the beardie ranges from 3 to 9 inches.
A hatchling beardie weighs just 4 to 6 grams and its length doesn’t exceed 3 inches.
A juvenile beardie aged 3 and 11 months should weigh anywhere from 20 to 400 grams depending on the quality of food and ideal environment.
What is the weight of an adult bearded dragon?
An adult bearded dragon’s weight will depend on their size and age. A healthy, full-grown adult dragon should weigh between 400 to 550 grams.
A male dragon usually weighs a bit more than the female. The age of your bearded dragon will also affect its weight. A younger dragon will generally weigh less than an older one.
Factors that impact bearded dragon’s weight:
There are a number of factors that can impact your bearded dragon’s weight.
- Diet: A healthy diet is critical to maintain a healthy weight for your beardie. Bearded dragons need a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. A common mistake people make is feeding their dragons too many insects and not enough vegetables. This can lead to weight gain and health problems.
- Environment: The temperature of your bearded dragon’s habitat can also impact its weight. If the temperature is too cold, your beardie may not be able to digest its food properly and could lose weight. Conversely, if the temperature is too hot, your dragon may not eat as much and could also lose weight.
- Age: As bearded dragons age, they naturally slow down and become less active. This can lead to weight gain if their diet is not adjusted accordingly.
- Sex: Male bearded dragons tend to be larger and heavier than females. This is due in part to their higher levels of testosterone.
- Genetics: Some bearded dragon species are naturally larger and heavier than others. For example, the Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) typically weighs more than the Eastern Bearded Dragon (Pogona barbata).
- stress: Stress can also impact your bearded dragon’s weight. If your beardie is feeling stressed, it may not eat as much and could lose weight. Bearded dragons can become stressed for a variety of reasons, including changes in their environment, being handled too much, or not getting enough food or water.
- Health problems: Health problems can also lead to weight loss in bearded dragons. If your beardie is sick, it may not have a appetite and could lose weight. Common health problems that can cause weight loss include parasites, respiratory infections, and gastrointestinal issues.
How to tell if your bearded dragon is overweight or underweight
There are a few ways you can tell if your bearded dragon is overweight or underweight.
One way to tell is by looking at your beardie’s appearance. An overweight bearded dragon will typically have a large, round belly and thick thighs. An underweight beardie will look thin and frail, with visible ribs and hips.
Another way to tell if your bearded dragon is the right weight is by feeling its body. You should be able to feel your beardie’s ribs, but they should not be protruding. If you can’t feel your dragon’s ribs, it may be overweight.
If you think your bearded dragon is either overweight or underweight, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up. The vet will be able to determine if there is a problem and will offer advice on how to get your beardie back to a healthy weight.
| Bearded Dragon Subspecies | Size (inches) | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Pogona microlepidota | 4 – 6 | 6 – 40 |
| Pogona henrylawsoni | 9 – 12 | 50 – 200 |
| Pogona minor mina | 10 – 12 | 100 – 200 |
| Pogona nullarbor | 12 – 14 | 200 – 250 |
| Pogona minor | 14 – 18 | 250 – 450 |
| Pogona minor mitchelli | 16 – 18 | 380 – 450 |
| Pogona vitticeps | 16 – 24 | 380 – 510 |
| Pogona barbata | 20 – 24 | 400 – 510 |
How to help your bearded dragon lose weight
If your bearded dragon is overweight, there are a few things you can do to help them lose weight.
First, you’ll need to adjust their diet. Bearded dragons should be fed a diet that is high in protein and low in fat. You’ll need to reduce the number of insects you feed them and increase the amount of vegetables.
It’s also important to make sure your bearded dragon is getting enough exercise. Bearded dragons are naturally lazy creatures, so you’ll need to be creative in finding ways to get them moving. Some ideas include putting them in a larger enclosure so they have to move around more, providing hiding places that they have to climb to reach, and offering food items that they have to chase.
If your bearded dragon is still having trouble losing weight, you may need to take them to the vet. The vet will be able to determine if there is a health problem that is causing the weight gain and will offer advice on how to treat it.
How to help your bearded dragon gain weight
If your bearded dragon is underweight, there are a few things you can do to help them gain weight.
Bearded dragons should be fed a diet that is high in protein and fat. You’ll need to increase the number of insects you feed them and decrease the amount of vegetables.
It’s also important to make sure your bearded dragon is getting enough food. Bearded dragons can be picky eaters, so you may need to experiment with different types of food to find something they like. You can also try offering smaller meals more often throughout the day.
Bearded Dragon Weight Chart by Age
| Age (months) | Size (inches) | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 – 4 | 4 – 6 |
| 2 | 5 – 9 | 8 – 40 |
| 3 | 8 – 11 | 22 – 110 |
| 4 | 9 – 12 | 41 – 115 |
| 5 | 11 – 16 | 102 – 115 |
| 6 | 11 – 18 | 183 – 188 |
| 7 | 13 – 18 | 230 – 280 |
| 8 | 14 – 20 | 252 – 327 |
| 9 – 10 | 16 – 22 | 280 – 360 |
| 11 – 12 | 16 – 24 | 350 – 465 |
| 12+ | 16-24 | 380 – 510 |
Tips for maintaining a healthy weight in your bearded dragon
There are a few things you can do to help your bearded dragon maintain a healthy weight.
First, it’s important to feed them a balanced diet that is high in protein and low in fat. You should also offer a variety of different foods so they get the nutrients they need.
It’s also important to make sure your bearded dragon gets enough exercise. Bearded dragons are naturally lazy creatures, so you’ll need to be creative in finding ways to get them moving. Some ideas include putting them in a larger enclosure so they have to move around more, providing hiding places that they have to climb to reach, and offering food items that they have to chase.
Finally, it’s a good idea to take your bearded dragon to the vet for regular check-ups. The vet will be able to monitor your beardie’s weight and offer advice on how to keep them healthy.