Bearded dragons make great pets, with their calm personalities and seemingly endless array of behaviors and movements. Their size is one thing many prospective owners wonder about. If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: male bearded dragons tend to grow larger than females.
In this approximately 3000 word guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bearded dragon sizes. We’ll look at average sizes for males and females, examine what impacts their growth, and provide tips for making sure your dragon reaches a healthy size.
Average Sizes of Male vs Female Bearded Dragons
Typical Lengths and Weights
When it comes to size, there are some notable differences between male and female bearded dragons. Here’s an overview of their typical lengths and weights:
So in most cases, male bearded dragons tend to get a bit larger than females. The size difference becomes most apparent once they reach adulthood at around 12-18 months old. Prior to that, male and female juveniles are usually similar in length and weight.
There can be exceptions though. Some female bearded dragons grow nearly as large or even bigger than males. But on average, mature males achieve greater overall mass and length compared to mature females of the same age.
Factors That Influence Size
While gender plays a key role, there are other factors that affect the ultimate size of bearded dragons:
So the individual dragon’s genetics, upbringing, and wellness can cause size variations between different males or females. But if all else is equal, male bearded dragons generally achieve greater lengths and weights compared to females.
Owners should aim to optimize their pet’s husbandry based on science-backed beardie growth charts. This allows their dragon to thrive and reach a healthy adult size, regardless of gender.
Ideal Habitat Conditions for Proper Growth
Enclosure Size Recommendations
Bearded dragons require ample space as they grow to an average length of 18-24 inches. The general rule is that the vivarium’s length and width should be at least as long as the adult lizard’s total length.
For juveniles, start with a 20-gallon tank and upgrade to an enclosure of at least 48x24x24 inches for adults. Overcrowding can stress dragons and lead to aggressive behavior.
Line the tank bottom with reptile carpet or newspaper – avoid loose substrates like sand or wood chips that can cause impaction if accidentally ingested while feeding. The habitat should also include hiding spots, climbing branches, a basking spot, temperature gradient, and unobstructed access to UVB lighting.
Proper Heating & Lighting
Two essentials for healthy growth and development are proper temperatures and UVB exposure, allowing dragons to properly thermoregulate and metabolize calcium. The ideal temperature gradient in the habitat is 90-100°F on the warm end and 80-85°F on the cooler side.
This is achieved through overhead incandescent basking bulbs lasting 10-12 hours per day along with an under tank heating pad on one side.
In addition, the habitat needs a linear UVB fluorescent bulb spanning at least half the enclosure, turned on for 12-14 hours daily. Without adequate UVB, dragons can suffer from metabolic bone disease manifesting as softened bones, bumps, and deformities.
Nutrition & Hydration Needs
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet accompanied by proper hydration is key for bearded dragons to reach their growth potential. Feed babies and juveniles up to three times daily with a diverse mix of finely chopped vegetables, calcium-fortified insects, and healthy fruits.
Offer veggies like collard greens, squash, bell peppers, and carrots along with feeder insects like crickets, worms, and small roaches.
Provide food items the size of the space between the dragon’s eyes to avoid overfeeding. Place insects in a shallow bowl to teach juveniles to forage and hunt. Lightly dust insects with calcium supplements at every other feed. As adults, most bearded dragons eat 80% vegetables and 20% insects.
Ensure clean, fresh water is always available, either in a sturdy bowl that cannot be tipped over or using a misting bottle for hydration intake.
| Age | Enclosure Size | Lighting Hours | Feedings Per Day |
| Hatchling | 20 gallon | 14 hours | 2-3 small meals |
| Juvenile | 40 gallon breeder | 12-14 hours | 2-3 meals |
| Adult | 48x24x24 inches minimum | 12 hours | 1-2 meals |
By meeting all the habitat conditions and care guidelines covered, both male and female bearded dragons are able to thrive and reach their maximum healthy sizes.
Signs Your Bearded Dragon is Not Growing Properly
Monitoring Weight Gain
Keeping track of your bearded dragon’s weight is crucial to ensuring they are growing at a healthy rate. Generally, a baby bearded dragon should gain around 5-10 grams per week. If you notice your dragon is not steadily putting on weight or is losing weight, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue.
Some things to look out for include:
- Lethargy and lack of appetite
- Visible bone and muscle loss around the head and limbs
- Weight fluctuating up and down instead of gradually increasing
If your dragon is rapidly losing weight or stays underweight for their age, a vet visit is recommended to diagnose potential causes like parasites, infections, or metabolic bone disease.
Activity Levels & Behaviors
In addition to weight, keeping an eye on your bearded dragon’s energy levels and behaviors can indicate healthy growth. Baby and juvenile dragons tend to be very active – climbing, running, and exploring their habitat.
As they reach adulthood around 18-24 months, they begin to slow down and lounge more often.
Signs your bearded dragon may have growth or health issues include:
- Lethargy, lack of curiosity or weak mobility at a young age
- Not basking or spending excessive time hiding
- Aggressive behavior like hissing, arm waving, or black beard
- Jerky movements or tremors
If you notice any of these worrying symptoms in your dragon, taking them to an exotic vet is highly recommended. Blood tests and fecal tests can help diagnose problems that may be inhibiting healthy development.
By routinely tracking weight, activity levels, appetite, and behaviors, red flags can be caught early to get your dragon any treatment they may need. Every dragon grows at their own pace, but abnormal changes warrant a vet visit to ensure their growth and health stays on track.
Potential Health Issues That Can Impact Size
There are several health problems that bearded dragons can develop that may stunt their growth or cause them to stop growing altogether. Being aware of these issues and providing proper care is key to helping a bearded dragon reach its full size potential.
Metabolic Bone Disease
Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is perhaps the most common health issue affecting bearded dragon growth. MBD occurs when a bearded dragon lacks proper calcium or vitamin D3, resulting in softening and deformities of the bones and stunted growth.
Bearded dragons require high levels of calcium and vitamin D3 to support bone development and growth. If they do not receive adequate amounts, they will suffer from this painful disease that can significantly impact their potential size.
According to veterinary studies, over 50% of pet bearded dragons have early signs of MBD.
Prevention involves providing proper lighting and supplementation as well as an appropriate diet. UVB exposure allows a bearded dragon’s body to produce vitamin D3 naturally. Additionally, dusting feeder insects with calcium + D3 supplementation 2-3 times a week is recommended.
Parasites
Intestinal parasites like coccidia and pinworms unfortunately are quite common in captive bearded dragons. A heavy parasite load robs a growing dragon of vital nutrients, and chronic infections will cause stunted growth, low energy, and poor body condition.
Fecal testing at the vet can diagnose parasites, allowing for prompt treatment. Prevention involves keeping enclosures clean, washing hands before handling, and quarantining new dragons. Providing optimal husbandry can help strengthen the immune system against parasites as well.
Respiratory Infections
Respiratory infections may not seem directly related to size, but the resulting lack of appetite and improper nutrient absorption can contribute to reduced growth in young dragons.
Bearded dragons with respiratory infections often have discharge from the nose as well as labored breathing, especially when basking. Antibiotics from an exotic vet are required for treatment. Prevention measures include maintaining proper temperatures and humidity in the habitat.
By being aware of these potential health issues, beardie owners can monitor for symptoms, provide preventative care, and obtain veterinary treatment when needed. Ensuring excellent husbandry and nutrition from a young age is key for helping a bearded dragon achieve its maximum genetic size potential.
Conclusion
While male bearded dragons tend to outgrow females, proper care and habitat conditions are key for supporting healthy growth in dragons of both sexes. Monitor your dragon’s development, provide optimal nutrition and environment conditions, and address any health issues promptly.
With good husbandry practices, your bearded dragon can thrive and reach a healthy adult size.
