Bearded dragons are well-liked pets, and their lifespan will be as much as 10 years. Nevertheless, it may be tough to inform the age of a bearded dragon with out some prior data. On this article, we are going to give you some tips about the way to inform the age of a bearded dragon so to higher care in your pet.
One of the necessary issues to think about when attempting to find out the age of a bearded dragon is its measurement. Bearded dragons sometimes develop to be between 18 and 24 inches lengthy, and so they attain their full measurement by the point they’re 2 years outdated. Nevertheless, there will be some variation in measurement relying on the person dragon’s genetics and weight loss plan. In case you are uncertain about how outdated a bearded dragon is, it’s at all times greatest to seek the advice of with a veterinarian.
One other option to inform the age of a bearded dragon is by its scales. As bearded dragons develop, they shed their pores and skin a number of instances. The frequency of shedding decreases because the dragon will get older. A younger bearded dragon might shed its pores and skin each few weeks, whereas an grownup dragon might solely shed its pores and skin a couple of times a 12 months. The scales of a younger bearded dragon are additionally extra more likely to be clean and glossy, whereas the scales of an older dragon could also be extra tough and uninteresting.
Analyzing Scale Texture and Coloration
Bearded dragons bear important bodily adjustments as they age, and their scales present helpful clues in figuring out their age.
Scale Texture
As bearded dragons mature, their scales regularly change in texture. Juveniles have clean, shiny scales, whereas older dragons develop rougher, drier scales. That is as a result of pure put on and tear that happens over time. Moreover, juvenile dragons usually have a velvety look as a result of presence of small scales referred to as keeled scales. As dragons attain maturity, these keeled scales turn into much less pronounced, giving the scales a extra uniform look.
Coloration
The coloration of a bearded dragon’s scales additionally gives helpful age-related data. Juveniles are inclined to have brilliant, vibrant colours, comparable to yellow, orange, or purple. As they mature, their colours sometimes turn into extra subdued, with shades of brown, olive, or grey turning into extra widespread.
Analyzing the feel and coloration of a bearded dragon’s scales can present a basic estimate of its age. Nevertheless, it is necessary to notice that these components can range relying on particular person genetics, environmental circumstances, and well being standing.
Observing Nail Progress
As bearded dragons age, their nails will regularly develop longer and thicker. The speed of progress can range relying on the person dragon’s well being and surroundings. Nevertheless, there are some basic patterns that may enable you estimate your dragon’s age based mostly on its nail size.
Here’s a desk that reveals the typical nail size for bearded dragons of various ages:
| Age | Nail Size |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Lower than 1/2 inch |
| 6-12 months | 1/2 to 1 inch |
| 1-2 years | 1 to 1 1/2 inches |
| 2+ years | 1 1/2 inches or longer |
You will need to observe that these are simply basic pointers. The precise nail size of your bearded dragon might range relying on its particular person progress charge. In case you are uncertain about your dragon’s age, it’s at all times greatest to seek the advice of with a veterinarian.
Along with nail size, it’s also possible to have a look at the form of your dragon’s nails to assist estimate its age. Youthful dragons can have nails which might be extra pointed and sharp. As they age, their nails will turn into extra rounded and blunt.
Assessing Eye Traits
Analyzing the eyes of a bearded dragon can present helpful clues about its age:
Bulging Eyes
In younger bearded dragons, the eyes are sometimes giant and bulging. As they age, the eyes are inclined to turn into smaller and fewer outstanding.
Pupil Dimension
The pupils of younger bearded dragons are normally giant and darkish. As they mature, the pupils turn into smaller and extra oval in form.
Iris Coloration
The colour of the iris (the coloured a part of the attention) may change with age. Younger bearded dragons usually have brilliant inexperienced irises, whereas older people might have irises which might be extra brown or golden in colour.
Further Traits
Along with the attention traits talked about above, there are a number of different bodily attributes that may assist decide a bearded dragon’s age:
| Attribute | Younger Dragons | Older Dragons |
|---|---|---|
| Dimension | Smaller | Bigger |
| Weight | Lighter | Heavier |
| Tail | Shorter and thinner | Longer and thicker |
| Head | Smaller and rounder | Bigger and extra angular |
| Beard | Shorter and fewer developed | Longer and extra outstanding |
Analyzing the Beard
One of the noticeable traits of bearded dragons is their beard. As they age, the beard undergoes some adjustments that may present clues to their age.
**Juvenile Bearded Dragons (0-6 months):** Younger bearded dragons have a clean, unwrinkled beard. The scales on the beard are small and tightly packed collectively.
**Subadult Bearded Dragons (6-12 months):** As bearded dragons enter adolescence, their beards start to develop wrinkles. The scales on the beard begin to turn into bigger and extra spaced out.
**Grownup Bearded Dragons (12 months+):** Grownup bearded dragons have a full, bushy beard with deep wrinkles. The scales on the beard are giant and extensively spaced.
| Age | Beard Look |
|---|---|
| Juvenile | Clean, unwrinkled |
| Subadult | Wrinkled, with bigger, extra spaced-out scales |
| Grownup | Full, bushy beard with deep wrinkles and enormous, extensively spaced scales |
Studying Progress Bands on the Tail
Analyzing the tail of a bearded dragon can present helpful clues about its age. The tail comprises progress bands, that are skinny, darkish strains that run perpendicular to the size of the tail. These bands are fashioned during times of speedy progress, much like the expansion rings on a tree trunk. Counting the variety of progress bands may give you an approximate concept of the dragon’s age.
Process:
- Lay the bearded dragon on a flat floor, holding its tail firmly however gently.
- Begin counting the expansion bands closest to the physique and work your method in direction of the tip of the tail.
- Keep away from counting the very first band close to the physique, as it could be much less distinct or not seen in any respect.
- Depend every skinny, darkish line as a single band.
- Some bands could also be nearer collectively or overlap, making it tough to rely. On this case, divide the world with overlapping bands into equal sections and rely every part as a band.
- After you have counted all the expansion bands to the tip of the tail, add one 12 months to the entire rely. It’s because the primary 12 months of a bearded dragon’s life just isn’t normally marked by progress bands.
Bearded dragons sometimes develop about 12-13 progress bands per 12 months. Nevertheless, this could range relying on components comparable to vitamin, temperature, and general well being. Subsequently, the age estimate obtained from progress band counting is an approximation and is probably not precise.
X-ray or Bone Density Scan
X-rays or bone density scans can be utilized to find out the age of a bearded dragon by inspecting the ossification of their bones. As dragons age, their bones turn into extra dense and the epiphyseal progress plates, or the areas the place the bones develop, begin to shut. By inspecting the X-rays, a veterinarian can estimate the age of a dragon based mostly on the extent of ossification and the closure of the expansion plates.
Elements that Have an effect on Bone Density
You will need to observe that the bone density of bearded dragons will be affected by numerous components, together with:
- Vitamin: A nutritious diet is crucial for correct bone improvement and density.
- Exercise degree: Dragons which might be lively and have entry to applicable basking areas are inclined to have stronger bones.
- Well being circumstances: Underlying well being points can have an effect on bone metabolism and density.
| Age Vary | X-ray Look |
|---|---|
| 0-6 months | Bones are skinny and translucent, with open epiphyseal progress plates. |
| 6-12 months | Bones seem denser, and the epiphyseal progress plates start to shut. |
| 12-18 months | Bones are absolutely ossified, and the epiphyseal progress plates are closed. |
| 18 months+ | Bones might present indicators of wear and tear and tear, comparable to small fractures or spurs. |
Checking for Tooth Improvement
Figuring out a bearded dragon’s age based mostly on tooth improvement requires inspecting its mouth. Child dragons initially have a small, pale pinkish bump on the roof of their mouths, often called an egg tooth. This tooth helps them escape of their eggs.
Round 2-3 weeks of age, the egg tooth begins to shed and is changed by the primary set of enamel, often called the first enamel. These enamel are small, sharp, and barely curved. The first enamel are regularly changed by everlasting enamel beginning round 6-8 weeks of age.
Everlasting enamel are bigger, flatter, and fewer sharp than major enamel. The event of everlasting enamel continues all through the dragon’s life, with the final everlasting enamel rising round 12-18 months of age.
The desk beneath summarizes the levels of tooth improvement in bearded dragons:
| Age | Enamel |
|---|---|
| Hatchling | Egg tooth |
| 2-3 weeks | Major enamel |
| 6-8 weeks | Everlasting enamel (starting) |
| 12-18 months | Everlasting enamel (full) |
It is necessary to notice that tooth improvement can range barely relying on the person dragon’s progress charge and environmental components.
Consulting a Veterinarian
Consulting a good and skilled veterinarian is probably the most exact and dependable methodology of figuring out your bearded dragon’s age. Veterinarians have specialised data and entry to instruments to precisely assess the dragon’s bodily attributes, comparable to joint flexibility, bone density, and tooth put on.
Listed below are some particular components {that a} veterinarian would possibly take into account when estimating a bearded dragon’s age:
| **Attribute** | **Age Vary** |
| Weight | < 50 grams: 0-3 months 50-200 grams: 3-6 months 200-400 grams: 6-12 months 400+ grams: 12+ months |
| Snout-vent size (SVL) | < 5 inches: 0-3 months 5-8 inches: 3-6 months 8-11 inches: 6-12 months 11+ inches: 12+ months |
| Femoral pore improvement | Current in males: 6-12 months |
| Toe size | Shorter toes: youthful dragons Longer toes: older dragons |
| Head measurement | Smaller head: youthful dragons Bigger head: older dragons |
| Enamel | Sharp, white enamel: youthful dragons Worn, yellowish enamel: older dragons |
| Joint flexibility | Extra versatile joints: youthful dragons Much less versatile joints: older dragons |
| Bone density | Much less dense bones: youthful dragons Extra dense bones: older dragons |
| Total well being and demeanor | Lively, alert, and responsive: youthful dragons Much less lively, extra sedentary, and probably exhibiting indicators of well being points: older dragons |
It is necessary to notice that these are basic pointers, and particular person bearded dragons might range in improvement. Consulting a veterinarian for an correct age evaluation is at all times beneficial.
How To Inform A Bearded Dragons Age
Bearded dragons are well-liked pets, and one of the crucial widespread questions folks have about them is the way to inform their age. There are just a few methods to do that, and probably the most correct methodology will range relying on the age of the dragon.
For younger bearded dragons, the easiest way to inform their age is by their measurement. Child bearded dragons are sometimes round 4-6 inches lengthy, and they’ll develop about 1 inch per thirty days till they attain maturity. By the point they’re 6 months outdated, they are going to be round 12 inches lengthy.
As soon as a bearded dragon reaches maturity, it will likely be harder to inform their age. Nevertheless, there are some things you’ll be able to search for. Grownup bearded dragons can have a full set of enamel, and their claws will probably be lengthy and sharp. They will even have a extra outlined beard, and their pores and skin will probably be much less wrinkled than once they had been youthful.
Individuals Additionally Ask
How are you going to inform the age of a bearded dragon by its tail?
You can not inform the age of a bearded dragon by its tail.
How are you going to inform the age of a bearded dragon by its measurement?
Child bearded dragons are sometimes round 4-6 inches lengthy, and they’ll develop about 1 inch per thirty days till they attain maturity. By the point they’re 6 months outdated, they are going to be round 12 inches lengthy.
How are you going to inform the age of a bearded dragon by its enamel?
Grownup bearded dragons can have a full set of enamel.
