An important aspect of owning a bearded dragon is being aware of their growth rate and expected final size. Besides, we need to consider their enclosure and make arrangements ahead of time. Understanding the significance of their size on their care and your ownership, I decided to spend some time researching into this fascinating lizard. I will be sharing all that I managed to find regarding their growth here for you today.

So, when do bearded dragons stop growing? Bearded dragons typically grow to between 20-24″ in length, weighing between 350-550 grams at full adult size. Males are generally slightly larger than the females, with their final size reached between 11-15 months of age.

Bearded dragons truly make great pets; it comes as no surprise to learn that they are growing in popularity.

They’re typically very amusing to observe and relatively easy to maintain.

That being said, there are things you will need to do to meet their specific needs and ensure that they are able to thrive in your care.

Diet, temperature, humidity, and lighting are perhaps the main ones. Along with the enclosure that you decide to house them in.

Of course, the size of enclosure they will need depends a lot on how big they will grow. So, let us know explore the growth potential and final size of this exotic reptile.

This way, you’ll be able to set your expectations, plan ahead, and confirm that you will be able to provide just as they need.

Average Bearded Dragon Size

The average bearded dragon will typically reach between 20-24″ (51-60cm) in length, and weigh between 400-550 grams at full adult size.

They are considered a medium-sized reptile, but as you can see, they do not grow anywhere near to the size you may expect considering their names!

Nevertheless, they will be quite a bit bigger than your average gecko.

Males are generally larger than the females, although this is just an average. It has been known for females to be bigger.

One thing to consider is that the final size of your bearded dragon will be over double the size of the baby you are likely to take home.

For this reason, it’s crucial to plan ahead and ensure you have the appropriate living arrangements to properly accommodate them both during and after this transition.

When it comes to selecting your first tank, its actually an important decision for you both! Ensuring it is sufficiently large will help your beardie reach their optimal size and for you, it means you should not need to keep upgrading the tank.

As we will see in the next section, they reach their maximum size pretty fast.

Unfortunately, there is little you can to do completely offset and prevent the need to upgrade the tank altogether. You will need to purchase at least a second tank as they get larger.

We will know look at their typical growth rate patterns, and exactly why this is the recommended approach, below:

Bearded Dragon Growth Chart

Bearded dragons will experience much of their growth in the first 12 months of their life; you will notice drastic changes in terms of the length and weight throughout this time.

Below, you will at a typical growth rate – an average based on data collected from numerous owners.

Here is a bearded dragon average growth in the first year based on the data from growth charts of over 50 bearded dragons.

The measurements were taken from the tips of their noses to the tips of their tails.

Age (In Months)	Length (Inches)	Length (cm)	Weight (In Grams)
1	3-4″	7.5-10 cm	9g
2	5-9″	13-23 cm	19g
3	8-11″	20-28 cm	30g
4	9-12″	23-30 cm	41g
5	11-16″	28-41 cm	72g
6	12-18″	30-45 cm	108g
7	13-20″	33-55 cm	146g
8	14-21″	35-53 cm	188g
9	15-22″	38-55 cm	230g
10	16-23″	40-58 cm	288g
11	18-24″	45-60 cm	342g
12	20-24″	50-60 cm	478g

Note, the measurements are taken from the tail to the tips of the noses. They are also averages and your bearded dragon may differ somewhat.

Do Bearded Dragons Grow To The Size Of Their Tank?

Bearded dragons do not technically grow to the size of their tank, although being in a tank that is too small for them can hinder and stunt their growth and full size potential.

In other words, a bearded dragon would not continue to grow indefinitely if they were placed in a considerably large enclosure. They would simply reach a point where growth would stop.

So instead, they will naturally and instinctively reach a size that is right for their environment and that is comfortable for them.

This is precisely why getting the right size tank is so important for the different life stages of this lizard.

Besides as we saw above, they reach their maximum size pretty fast!

Unfortunately, there is little you can to do completely offset and prevent the need to upgrade the tank altogether.

You will need to purchase at least a second tank as they get larger, although most owners typically end up purchasing three for the different life stages: baby, juvenile and adult.

But you now may be wondering why you cannot just get an adult-size and large tank for your baby beardie to begin with?

Well; it doesn’t really work out for them.

Too large of a tank actually causes issues with feeding. They almost feel overwhelmed and cannot find and catch the live insects and other foods you will be looking to provide.

It means hand feeding, which is counter-intuitive and does not develop their native hunting skills, which they will need later in life.

So, here is a good rule of thumb for tank sizes across the different bearded dragon ages and sizes:

Baby (3-11″ in length) – 20/40 Gallons
Juvenile (12-20″ in length) – 40/75 Gallons
Adult (20″ + in length) – 75-125 Gallons.

It all really boils down to this.

Bearded dragons need to have a large enough tank to roam around in order to be healthy.

While it is true that bearded dragons are not exactly the most energetic creatures, especially as they age, this doesn’t mean they are not active at all.

The physical and psychological impact of these inadequate conditions can manifest themselves in several different ways. Besides it is inherently stressful to them.

For starters they may not feel the need to eat or they may not be able to move around enough to properly develop their muscles.

Both of which will give them a smaller appearance.

What Is a Healthy Weight for a Bearded Dragon? ChatGPT

A healthy weight for adult bearded dragons varies based on age and sex, but generally ranges from 300 to 600 grams. Regular weight monitoring, observing body condition, and veterinary consultations ensure optimal health and appropriate weight maintenance

Can You Stunt A Bearded Dragons Growth?

A bearded dragons growth can be stunted and this can occur due to inappropriate diet, insufficient enclosure size, or inadequate heating and lighting.

We will be taking a closer look at each of these factors in the following section.

However, even though depriving them of food and space can theoretically keep them smaller – you should not do it.

Stunting bearded dragons on purpose is considered animal cruelty because this smaller size is not a harmless effect.

In fact, they will likely develop several health problems. Besides, not meeting the needs of your beardie will result in systematic stress. The stunting of growth is just one example of this.

If potentially owning a two-foot lizard is not what you want or that you can accommodate, consider getting another pet.

There are plenty of lizards and other reptiles that will stay smaller or require a smaller tank. A gecko for instance.

It’s far more responsible and best for everyone involved to get a different pet than to mistreat this one.

Factors That Influence A Bearded Dragons Final Size

There are several factors that will influence a bearded dragons final size. Some are in your control, and others may manifest even if you do everything right and by the book.

Let us now consider each one:

Genetics

Genetics is one thing that is beyond any owners control.

Just like with humans, biological makeup can determine every last trait; from colors, personality, temperament and of course, size.

In fact, it is also very common to see vast differences even between relations and siblings!

If you have a beardie’s hereditary information available, or are in contact with the breeder, you might be able to compare your dragon to their previous generations.

Again, while there is no guarantee that they’ll be carbon copies of their parents or grandparents, it can give you some information on what to expect.

Perhaps you purchased a dragon in a long line of exceptionally big (or small) individuals.

Health

Even if you do everything in your power to care for your bearded dragon, sometimes and unfortunately it is just not enough.

A bearded dragon may struggle with health problems that arise from birth defects or pathogens that you have little to no control of.

If a bearded dragon is in poor health, they may experience stunted growth, as they are unable to put their energy into growing during critical periods.

If you have an exceptionally small or frail bearded dragon, it’s recommended that you take them to a vet to check them out.

Just be sure to call ahead, as not every vet is qualified to look at reptiles.

History

Also, be aware that a bearded dragons entire life history will have an impact their final measurements.

For example, a healthy adult bearded dragon may not have always been treated so well.

All living things have a history, and it’s pretty likely you haven’t owned your dragon from the moment they were hatched.

It can be difficult to track down how they were when they grew up and if they had any problems.

While you can contact a breeder about these inquiries – most pet stores receive their bearded dragons from suppliers and have no way to obtain this information about their pets.

It also may be something to keep in mind if you rescue a bearded dragon or buy one online.

Even if you take care of a bearded dragon with all of your might – you can’t change or erase the damage the past had on their maturation.

Nutrition

One of the most important aspects of bearded dragon care is to ensure that they get the right and adequate nutrition.