Growth Rate Question

[BeardieSUSU]

I'll keep this pretty short: what factors affect a beardie's growth rate? My 10 week old isn't quite growing how I expected. He eats a healthy diet consisting of how many phoenix worms he can eat a few times a day, squash and kale/collard greens (more collard greens than kale), and I'll occasionally throw in a ton of crickets. He lives in a 55 gallon tank so space isn't an issue.

He does consistently grow, although slowly, so illness isn't a issue (plus he's super active). He's around 8 inches I'd say, and he looks smaller than some of the pictures I've seen on this site. He was the last of his siblings to shed, so maybe he just doesn't grow as fast? Will this affect how big he could get or is that already genetically determined?

 

[CooperDragon]

Genetics and environment determine growth rate. They grow at different rates so I wouldn't worry if he's active and has a good appetite. If he's getting proper food and has proper lighting and room to explore and exercise then he should be in good shape.

 

[BeardieSUSU]

Thank you! That's reassuring to hear. One last thing, what exactly factors into environment? Just his tank size? For example he likes to play on one of those jungle gym log structures but it might get to small for him soon. Will that stunt his growth because he prefers it? Or does it not really matter?

 

[CooperDragon]

Tank size is part of it. He needs enough room to move around and be able to self regulate temperature and UV exposure. For climbs and hides, you'll just want to expand them as he grows. Environment also includes temperatures and lighting quality.