When do bearded dragons reach full size?
Bearded dragons grow from 4 inches to 16–24 inches, with feeding and space needs changing significantly at 12 weeks and 6 months.
Young to Adult
From hatchling to juvenile, your bearded dragon will grow rapidly. At 12 weeks, they'll be about 4 inches long and require a 20-gallon enclosure. Their diet should consist of 70% insects and 30% vegetables, with frequent feedings of 3–4 times a day.
As they reach 6 months, they'll grow to about 8 inches and need a 40-gallon enclosure. Feeding frequency can be reduced to 2–3 times a day, and the diet can be adjusted to 50% insects and 50% vegetables.
During this stage, it's crucial to maintain a stable environment with a basking temperature of 95–105°F (35–41°C) and a UVB light for 10 hours a day.
- 12 weeks: 4 inches, 20-gallon enclosure, 70% insects, 30% vegetables, 3–4 feedings/day
- 6 months: 8 inches, 40-gallon enclosure, 50% insects, 50% vegetables, 2–3 feedings/day
- Maintain 95–105°F (35–41°C) basking temperature and 10-hour UVB light exposure
Adult to Senior
Adult bearded dragons, 16–24 inches, require a minimum 4×2×2 ft (120 gallons) enclosure. They should be fed once a day, with a diet of 60% insects and 40% vegetables.
Senior bearded dragons may slow down and require a slightly cooler environment, around 80–85°F (27–29°C). Their diet can be adjusted to 70% vegetables and 30% insects, and they may need less frequent feedings, every 2–3 days.
Handling should be limited to once a week to avoid stress.
- Adult: 16–24 inches, 120-gallon enclosure, 60% insects, 40% vegetables, 1 feeding/day
- Senior: 80–85°F (27–29°C), 70% vegetables, 30% insects, 2–3 feedings/every 2–3 days
- Reduce handling to once a week for seniors
Young Animal Setup Priorities
When setting up for a young bearded dragon, prioritize a warm, stable environment. Use a heat lamp to maintain a basking temperature of 95–105°F (35–41°C) and a UVB light for 10 hours a day.
Choose a substrate like reptile carpet or paper towels for easy cleaning. Provide a shallow water dish for drinking and a hiding spot to feel secure.
Ensure the enclosure has a temperature gradient, with a cooler end for resting.
- Maintain 95–105°F (35–41°C) basking temperature
- Use a UVB light for 10 hours a day
- Provide a reptile carpet or paper towels substrate
- Include a shallow water dish and a hiding spot
- Ensure a temperature gradient in the enclosure
Senior Comfort and Monitoring
As your bearded dragon ages, comfort and monitoring become key. Keep the environment stable with a cooler temperature of 80–85°F (27–29°C) and adjust the diet to accommodate their slower metabolism.
Monitor their weight and hydration levels regularly. A healthy senior bearded dragon should weigh between 200 and 400 grams.
Regularly check for signs of illness or stress, such as changes in appetite or behavior.
- Maintain 80–85°F (27–29°C) for seniors
- Adjust diet to 70% vegetables and 30% insects
- Monitor weight and hydration levels
- Check for signs of illness or stress
Keep reading about Bearded Dragon: Bearded Dragon care sheet
Related questions
How often should I feed my young bearded dragon?
Feed your young bearded dragon 3–4 times a day with 70% insects and 30% vegetables.
What size enclosure do adult bearded dragons need?
Adult bearded dragons require a minimum of a 4×2×2 ft (120 gallons) enclosure.
How often should I handle my senior bearded dragon?
Handle your senior bearded dragon once a week to avoid stress.
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.