Bearded dragons are some of the most popular pet reptiles in the world, and understanding their age can be an important factor when it comes to caring for them. Knowing a bearded dragon’s age is also important for research purposes as well since many studies involving bearded dragons require detailed knowledge of their lifespan and growth. So how can you tell the age of a bearded dragon? Here’s what you need to know.
Physical Appearance
One way to estimate a bearded dragon’s age is by looking at its physical appearance. As they grow older, they will become larger in size and gain more weight than younger dragons. Additionally, look at the length of their beard older dragons typically have longer beards than younger ones. Furthermore, adult bearded dragons tend to have larger and more prominent crests along their backs than juveniles do.
Shedding Habits
Another way to tell how old your dragon is is by observing its shedding habits. Young bearded dragons tend to shed more frequently (about once every four weeks or so) than adults do (approximately every 6–8 weeks). They also shed much more quickly juvenile dragons may take only one or two days to shed completely compared to the several days that an adult may take.
Behavioral Patterns
A third way you can figure out your bearded dragon’s age is by looking at its behavior. Younger lizards are often more active and adventurous than adults, while older ones tend to be heavier sleepers who don’t move around as much during the day. Juveniles also tend to be bolder when it comes to interacting with humans, while adults usually prefer not to be handled too often or too roughly.
8 Signs That Can Help You Estimate The Age Of Your Bearded Dragon
The age of your beloved bearded dragon can be difficult to determine, especially if you haven’t had it for very long. Fortunately, there are several signs that can help you estimate the age of your bearded dragon with greater accuracy. In this article, we will discuss 8 signs that can help you estimate the age of your bearded dragon.
Size
The size of your bearded dragon is a good indication of its age. Generally speaking, younger dragons tend to be smaller than older ones. A young bearded dragon might be around 10 inches in length, while an adult could reach up to 24 inches in length. Looking at their overall size and body proportions can give you a better idea of how old they are.
Coloration
Another clue to look for when estimating the age of a bearded dragon is its coloration. Young dragons typically have brighter colors with more vivid patterns than older ones do. As they age, their colors usually become duller and less distinct over time.
Appetite
When it comes to food consumption, younger dragons tend to eat more often than older dragons do due to their higher activity levels and faster metabolism rates. If you notice that your beardie isn’t eating as frequently as before or is not interested in food at all, then this may be an indication that they’re getting older and need less food than before in order to stay healthy and active.
Activity Levels
As mentioned above, younger dragons tend to have higher activity levels and are usually much more active throughout the day when compared to older dragons who might be content spending most of their time lounging about basking in the sun or simply just sleeping for prolonged periods throughout the day or night.
Shedding Habits
The frequency with which a beardie sheds its skin is another indicator of its age; young beardies tend to shed more often due to their rapid growth rate whereas adult beardies may only need to shed a few times a year depending on their diet and other factors such as humidity levels within their enclosure environment.
Sudden Behavioral Changes
Sudden changes in behavior can also signal to age in your beardie; some common changes include becoming increasingly territorial over his territory/tank, being more aggressive towards people he/she previously got along well with, lying motionless during the middle of the day (when they should typically be quite active), etc. These changes may all signal aging but it’s important to keep an eye out for any behavioral shift so proper medical care can be sought if necessary.
Jawbone Development
A final sign indicating aging in beardies is jawbone development; as they grow older their jawbones will become larger and longer compared with those of younger beardies. This helps them chew tougher foods such as vegetables or harder insects like crickets something they would otherwise struggle with if still considered young by comparison.
Health Issues
Finally,, certain health issues may arise as part of the natural aging process. For instance, ailments like joint pain/stiffness, poor vision,respiratory issues, etc., may occur as your bearded dragon gets older. It’s important that regular visits with a reptile vet are made for preventative care so any minor health issue doesn’t turn into something bigger down the line leading potentially costly treatments or even death from untreated diseases.
Conclusion
Knowing your lizard’s age can be beneficial in many ways; it helps you understand their diet needs better, allows you to make sure they’re getting enough exercise each day, and informs you about any potential health concerns that may arise over time due to advancing age. Ultimately, taking care of a lizard is an ongoing process that requires ongoing attention so use these pointers as tools for figuring out how old your hairy friend really is.