10 inch (25cm) - how old?

[finnie]

Hi everyone. I've been so amazed at all your advice and knowledge here - I've learned so much in just a couple weeks. We got a dragon off kijiji about 3 weeks ago now. The ad said he was 4 mths at that time, and it was a bit of a hectic sell, as they were moving within minutes of us taking him - so I didn't get to ask many questions about him. He's just had a nice shed, and we see he's grown. Kracken is from nose to tip of tail about 25 cm, or 10 inches today. Does that sound about right for a 5 month old? I've been changing his viv around as I can afford it, and the next on the list is the uv lighting. The prev. owner said that all lights were "good, and ya don't have to change a thing" -- but well... I still wonder how old the uv light really is. Thanks for any info/advise you can give.

 

[Jamiedog]

Measured mine yesterday, and she's approaching 10 inches at just over 3 months. But I think the speed of growth can vary drastically from dragon to dragon (particularly dependent on care - if care has been poor, they may basically stop growing altogether).

 

[Lisafosc]

Who knows am afraid! I have two dragons, both the same age, both males, in the same set ups, cared for in the same way. they started off the same length but Theo quickly over took Draco and is now almost double his size. This is despite Theo having a sickness period and being off his food at one point for approx a month!

 

[fluffyslipper]

my beardies r 14 inches from head to tip of tail and they are 8 months old

 

[finnie]

Oh wow... I'm thinking my beardie is pretty healthy then, and growing well. Maybe my uv lighting is okay after all. I'd heard that they maybe don't grow as well if the lighting isn't great.
Thanks so much for your info/measurements - very helpful.

 

[lauraj1055]

I'd still get a new UVB light if you don't know how old that one is... then at least you know for sure you are safe!

 

[FBradshaw]

Many things effect the growth rate of bearded dragons just like with people. Genetics, feeding, and health all play important roles but no 2 dragons are the same. I have a 5 month old that is 17" and his brother that is 1 month 10 days younger only about 10", both have the same parents just from a different clutch and are fed exactly the same with almost identical setups.

 

[catUK]

I agree with what people have said that all beardies differ in size. At 4-5 months old my beardie was 10 inch so it could may well be right the age of your beardie

 

[amyb]

both of my babies were approximately 3 months old when they were 10".. but just like everyone else says, it ALL depends on genetics, health, etc.. no two beardies are alike!

also, we have a growth chart under the blog A3LeggedDragon. I always have fun comparing others growth charts to mine!! :study:

 

[finnie]

Thanks all, I appreciate your info. And yes, I will get the new uv light... just cuz I'm not sure how old the original is. Thanks.