What changes in care for my bearded dragon as it ages?
From hatchling to senior, your bearded dragon's needs evolve. Learn the key adjustments for each life stage.
Hatchling to Juvenile
At birth, your bearded dragon is a tiny creature, growing to about 4 inches. Feed them daily with a mix of insects and a dusted calcium supplement. Provide a 20-gallon enclosure with a basking spot at 90–95°F (32–35°C) and a UVB light for 12 hours a day.
As they grow, increase the enclosure size to 4×2×2 ft and the basking temperature to 95–105°F (35–41°C). Continue with daily feedings and adjust the UVB light to 10.0 / desert strength.
Monitor their growth and adjust the feeding frequency to every other day as they approach adulthood.
- Feed hatchlings daily with insects and calcium.
- Use a 20-gallon enclosure for hatchlings.
- Maintain a basking temperature of 90–95°F (32–35°C).
- Gradually increase enclosure size to 4×2×2 ft.
- Adjust basking temperature to 95–105°F (35–41°C).
- Switch to every other day feedings as they grow.
Juvenile to Adult
Once your bearded dragon reaches 6–8 inches, they're considered juveniles. Increase the enclosure size to 4×2×2 ft and maintain the basking temperature at 95–105°F (35–41°C).
Feed them 2–3 times a week with a mix of insects, vegetables, and fruits. Provide a calcium and multivitamin supplement every other day.
Handle your bearded dragon once a week to keep them comfortable and socialized.
- Increase enclosure size to 4×2×2 ft for juveniles.
- Maintain a basking temperature of 95–105°F (35–41°C).
- Feed 2–3 times a week with insects, vegetables, and fruits.
- Provide calcium and multivitamin supplements every other day.
- Handle once a week for socialization.
Adult
Adult bearded dragons are 16–24 inches in length. Maintain the 4×2×2 ft enclosure and the 95–105°F (35–41°C) basking temperature. Feed them 2–3 times a week, offering a varied diet with insects, vegetables, and fruits.
Monitor their weight and adjust feeding frequency if needed. Provide a calcium supplement twice a week and a multivitamin once a week.
Keep the environment stable and handle them once a week to maintain their health and well-being.
- Maintain a 4×2×2 ft enclosure for adults.
- Keep basking temperature at 95–105°F (35–41°C).
- Feed 2–3 times a week with a varied diet.
- Provide calcium supplement twice a week.
- Offer multivitamin once a week.
Senior
Seniors may show signs of aging, such as slower movement and decreased appetite. Maintain the 4×2×2 ft enclosure and the 95–105°F (35–41°C) basking temperature.
Reduce feeding to 2–3 times a week and adjust the diet to softer foods like cooked vegetables and fruits. Provide a calcium supplement twice a week.
Monitor their health closely, looking for signs of illness or discomfort. Handle them less frequently to avoid stress.
- Maintain the 4×2×2 ft enclosure for seniors.
- Keep basking temperature at 95–105°F (35–41°C).
- Reduce feeding to 2–3 times a week.
- Adjust diet to softer foods like cooked vegetables and fruits.
- Provide calcium supplement twice a week.
Keep reading about Bearded Dragon: Bearded Dragon care sheet
Related questions
How often should I feed my bearded dragon?
Feed hatchlings daily, juveniles 2–3 times a week, and adults 2–3 times a week.
What temperature should the basking spot be for my bearded dragon?
The basking spot should be 95–105°F (35–41°C).
How often should I handle my bearded dragon?
Handle your bearded dragon once a week to maintain their health and well-being.
Not veterinary advice. This guide covers husbandry — housing, feeding, cleaning and handling. If your bearded dragon is injured, off food unusually long, or behaving abnormally, contact a veterinarian.