Introduction

Bearded dragons are one of the most popular pet reptiles, and for good reason. They are docile, friendly, and relatively easy to care for. One of the most fascinating aspects of owning a bearded dragon is watching them grow and develop over time. In this guide, we will take you through every stage of a bearded dragon’s growth, from hatching to adulthood, and give you tips and tricks for each stage of the way!

Stage One: Hatchling

The first stage of a bearded dragon’s growth is the hatchling stage. Hatchlings are tiny and fragile, and require a lot of care and attention to ensure they develop into healthy adults. Your hatchling bearded dragon will be around 3-4 inches in length, and will need a small enclosure that is easy to keep warm and humid.

At this stage, it’s important to feed your hatchling often and monitor their growth closely. Hatchlings should be fed a diet high in protein, such as crickets and mealworms, and should be given fresh vegetables and fruit as well. You may also want to consider getting a UVB light for your hatchling, as this will help them grow and develop properly.

Stage Two: Juvenile

Once your bearded dragon reaches 3-4 months old, they will enter the juvenile stage. At this point, they will be around 8-10 inches long and will require a larger enclosure that can accommodate their growing size. You may also need to adjust their diet, as juvenile bearded dragons require less protein and more vegetables than hatchlings.

During the juvenile stage, it’s important to provide your bearded dragon with plenty of space to climb and explore. Your enclosure should include branches, rocks, and other objects that they can climb on. You should also continue to monitor their growth closely and make sure they are getting the nutrients they need to grow into healthy adults.

Stage Three: Sub-Adult

The sub-adult stage is when your bearded dragon truly starts to come into their own. At this point, they will be around 16-20 inches long and will require a larger enclosure that can accommodate their growing size. Sub-adult bearded dragons require a diet that is low in protein and high in vegetables.

During the sub-adult stage, your bearded dragon will be very active and will require plenty of space to explore and play. You should continue to provide them with climbing objects and a varied diet, and should also consider getting a larger enclosure if necessary.

Stage Four: Adult

The adult stage is when your bearded dragon will reach their full size and maturity. At this point, they can be anywhere from 20-24 inches long and will require a large enclosure that can accommodate their size. Adult bearded dragons require a diet that is low in protein and high in vegetables, with occasional treats like fruit or insects.

During the adult stage, your bearded dragon will be less active and will require less space to play and explore. However, you should still provide them with a varied diet and a comfortable enclosure that meets all of their needs.

Conclusion

Watching your bearded dragon grow and develop is a truly rewarding experience. By following the tips and tricks outlined in this guide, you can help your bearded dragon grow into a healthy and happy adult. Remember to monitor their growth closely at each stage, adjust their diet as necessary, and provide them with plenty of space to play and explore. With proper care, your bearded dragon will thrive and become a beloved member of your family!