Dit deel is nog niet in het Nederlands beschikbaar; je ziet voorlopig de versie in het Engels.
In het kort
- Growth is very fast; juveniles eat more often and more animal-based food than adults.
- A basking spot, a warm–cool gradient and a UVB lamp are the foundation of the daily routine.
- Insects should be no larger than the space between the dragon's eyes.
- Offer fresh greens every day from a young age.
- Juveniles are usually housed separately; kept together they may injure each other.
The juvenile stage runs from hatching to about 7 months of age. Bearded dragons grow very quickly at this stage, multiplying in size in the first months and shedding often.
What is happening in this stage?
- Growth and shedding are very fast.
- Energy and hunting drive are high.
- Getting used to surroundings and handling begins.
What should you do differently?
- Heat and light: Set up the basking spot, warm–cool gradient and UVB lamp correctly, with heaters on a thermostat.
- Diet: Appropriately sized insects several times a day and fresh greens daily. Discuss gut-loading insects and dusting with supplements with a reptile-experienced veterinarian.
- Housing: Housing juveniles separately prevents tail and toe nipping.
- Handling: Short, calm and supported from below.
What should you monitor?
- Weight and length (regular weighing)
- Appetite and droppings
- Complete sheds (especially toes and tail tip)
- Basking and activity patterns
Expected behavior
Long periods on the basking spot, lunging at prey, communication gestures like head-bobbing and arm-waving, and puffing the beard when startled can all be seen at this stage.
Reminders
- First veterinary check-up (with a reptile-experienced vet)
- Replacing the UVB lamp at the interval the manufacturer recommends
- Regular weighing and measuring
Next stage
From about 7 months of age your bearded dragon enters the adolescent stage.
De leeftijdsgrenzen zijn bij benadering; verschillen binnen een soort (zoals grootte bij honden) kunnen de overgangen vervroegen of vertragen.
Deze inhoud is algemene informatie en vervangt geen onderzoek of diagnose door een dierenarts. Maak je je zorgen over de gezondheid van je dier, neem dan contact op met je dierenarts.