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What Is a Bearded Dragon's Life Cycle?

A.M. Boyle
A.M. Boyle

There are generally six stages in a bearded dragon’s life cycle. The first stage is the prehatchling, or egg, stage, which is then followed by the hatchling stage. Next, the bearded dragon enters the subadult stage, which is followed by the sexual maturity stage. The fifth stage of a bearded dragon's life cycle is adulthood, where it reaches full maturity. It then proceeds to the sixth and final stage, sometimes known as end stage.

Female bearded dragons generally lay eggs in batches of about 20 at a time. The egg, or prehatchling stage, is the first stage in a bearded dragon’s life cycle. Bearded dragon eggs will usually hatch after about 55 to 75 days, thus ending the first stage.

Bearded dragon hatchlings eat many crickets a day.
Bearded dragon hatchlings eat many crickets a day.

Once the egg is hatched, the bearded dragon enters the second stage of the life cycle, known as the hatchling stage. When they are first born, hatchings range in size from about 2 to 4 inches (about 5 to 10 cm). Hatchlings grow rapidly and generally have ravenous appetites, consuming anywhere from 20 to 60 crickets a day, along with fresh greens and vegetables. This stage typically lasts about three to four months, and when the dragon grows to about 8 inches (approximately 20 cm) in length, it advances to the next stage of its life cycle.

The fifth stage of a bearded dragon's life is maturity.
The fifth stage of a bearded dragon's life is maturity.

The third stage of bearded dragon’s life cycle is known as the subadult stage. During this stage, the bearded dragon normally still has a hearty appetite and continues to grow at a quick rate. Adult behaviors start to become more prominent. For instance, males will start to demonstrate either dominant traits, such as head bobbing or beard puffing, or more subservient traits, such as “waving,” where the dragon will lift a front foot and wave it in circles at a challenging male.

Bearded dragons tend to live up to about 12 years.
Bearded dragons tend to live up to about 12 years.

When the bearded dragon reaches about 12 inches (about 30 cm) in length, it is considered to have entered the fourth stage of sexual maturity. During this stage, which normally occurs at about three years old, the bearded dragon is a young adult capable of breeding. Many dragons at this stage begin to demonstrate mating behaviors. Also, a female dragon at this stage is considered mature enough to safely carry eggs, something that should not be attempted prior to this stage of the life cycle. The bearded dragon’s appetite will also level out, and it will probably not be so ravenous.

Following the young adult stage, the bearded dragon enters the fifth stage of adulthood. Typically, during this stage of the bearded dragon’s life cycle, it has reached its full size. A bearded dragon normally grows to between 18 and 20 inches (about 45 to 51 cm) in length. At this stage, breeding slows, and appetite diminishes. Shedding, which typically occurs during growth spurts, also becomes much less frequent. This stage normally lasts about four to seven years.

The sixth and final stage of a bearded dragon’s life cycle is known as the end stage, or old age. There is no growth during this stage and little, if any, breeding. The bearded dragon’s appetite decreases dramatically. Some people notice that their dragons also become lethargic and disinterested in the environment. This is a normal, natural stage of the dragon’s life as the dragon’s body is in the process of shutting down. Most bearded dragons will live for about 10 to 12 years, although some may live for longer or shorter periods depending upon environment and constitution.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the stages of a bearded dragon's life cycle?

A bearded dragon's life cycle consists of three main stages: the egg stage, where development occurs inside the egg for 50-75 days; the juvenile stage, where rapid growth is observed for about 18 months; and the adult stage, which they reach at around 18 months of age and can live up to 10-15 years in captivity with proper care.

How long does it take for a bearded dragon to reach maturity?

Bearded dragons typically reach sexual maturity between 8 to 18 months of age. However, they continue to grow until they are about 18 months old, at which point they are considered fully mature adults. Their growth rate and time to maturity can be influenced by factors such as diet, environment, and overall health.

What is the average lifespan of a bearded dragon in captivity?

The average lifespan of a bearded dragon in captivity, with proper care, is between 10 to 15 years. Some individuals may live longer, with cases of bearded dragons reaching up to 20 years, although this is less common. Their longevity is greatly affected by their diet, habitat conditions, and veterinary care.

How often do bearded dragons lay eggs, and how many can they lay?

Female bearded dragons can lay multiple clutches of eggs per breeding season, which typically occurs once a year. Each clutch can contain between 15 to 25 eggs, although some may lay more or fewer. The number of clutches and eggs can vary based on the health and age of the female.

At what age do bearded dragons start showing signs of aging?

Bearded dragons typically start showing signs of aging around 5 to 8 years old. Signs of aging can include a decrease in activity levels, changes in appetite, graying of their skin, and possibly more frequent health issues. Regular veterinary check-ups can help manage age-related conditions and maintain their quality of life.

Can you determine the age of a bearded dragon by its size or other physical characteristics?

While size can be an indicator of age, especially in juveniles, it is not a reliable method for determining the exact age of a bearded dragon due to variations in growth rates and genetics. Other physical characteristics, such as the development of femoral pores and the presence of breeding colors, can help estimate maturity but not precise age.

Discussion Comments

Markerrag

10 to 12 years, huh? How many bearded dragons actually make it that long? More than a few people get one because they "look cool" and then neglect the heck out of them. That is a pity.

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    • Bearded dragon hatchlings eat many crickets a day.
      By: viter
      Bearded dragon hatchlings eat many crickets a day.
    • The fifth stage of a bearded dragon's life is maturity.
      By: JcJg Photography
      The fifth stage of a bearded dragon's life is maturity.
    • Bearded dragons tend to live up to about 12 years.
      Bearded dragons tend to live up to about 12 years.