When my bearded dragon hit the 8-month mark, I was amazed at how fast he had grown! Did you know that most beardies are 75% their adult size at this age? This is both thrilling and nerve-wracking to new owners.
At 8 months, your bearded dragon hits a sweet spot between baby and adult. They’re around 75% of their adult size, meaning they’re getting that chunky, mature look while still having some growing left.
This guide will cover all the information you need about 8-month-old bearded Dragons. We’ll also touch on similar stages such as 6-month, 9-month, and 10-month bearded Dragons so you can compare your pet to others.
8 Month Old Bearded Dragon Size & Growth
I still remember measuring my bearded dragon at 8 months and thinking, “No way, he’s almost the size of a small cat already.” Most bearded dragons measure 14–20 inches long and weigh 250–400 grams at this age. Mine landed closer to 360g, which freaked me out because I thought he was overweight. It turns out he was perfectly healthy, just a big eater.
The difference between a 6-month-old and an 8-month-old dragon is huge. At 6 months, they’re still slim and awkward-looking, usually 12–16 inches long. By 8 months, they’ve bulked up and look more “solid.” Once they hit 10 months, growth slows down. You’ll maybe see another inch or two added and some weight, but the crazy baby growth spurt is over.
What to expect in the next few months: growth will be steady but slower. They’ll look more adult-like, and their appetite will start balancing out, too.
Growth Rate Changes
Here’s something many new owners don’t expect: growth dramatically slows after 8 months. While baby beardies can grow 2 inches per month, 8-month-old dragons typically add 1-1.5 inches monthly.
Red flags to watch for:
- No growth for 2+ months
- Visible hip bones or sunken fat pads behind the eyes
- Bulging belly rolls when sitting
Pro tip: Weigh your dragon monthly on a kitchen scale. Consistent weight gain (even if slow) is more important than rapid size increases.
8-Month-Old Bearded Dragon Diet
Feeding at this stage is much different than the “all-you-can-eat” buffet of the baby months. When mine was 3 months old, I swear he could inhale 50 crickets in one sitting! At 8 months, the insect-to-veggie ratio changes—you’re aiming for about 60% insects and 40% greens, slowly transitioning toward more veggies as they get closer to adulthood.
Best feeder insects:
- Dubia roaches (nutrient-dense, easy to gut-load)
- Black soldier fly larvae (excellent calcium source)
- Crickets (affordable staple option)
- Silkworms and hornworms (nutritious treats)
Avoid these insects:
- Mealworms (hard shells can cause impaction)
- Waxworms (too high in fat for regular feeding)
Safe vegetables and greens:
My beardie’s favorites are collard greens, mustard greens, and butternut squash. He absolutely ignores kale, which cracks me up because so many
guides say beardies love it. Lesson learned: every dragon has their own food quirks.
Supplements:
I dust insects with calcium powder 5x a week and multivitamins 2x a week. Missing supplements for too long can cause metabolic bone disease, which is heartbreaking and avoidable.
Feeding frequency:
Daily routine:
- Morning: Fresh salad (always available)
- Afternoon: 10-15 appropriately-sized insects
- Supplements: Calcium powder 5x/week, multivitamins 2x/week
Research shows that juvenile bearded dragons need higher calcium intake than adults due to rapid bone development. Missing supplements can lead to metabolic bone disease, which causes permanent skeletal deformities.
For more detailed guidance on keeping your dragon healthy and happy, check out our comprehensive guide on making a bearded dragon happy.
Behavior Changes Around 8 Months
This stage is where personality really kicks in. Once calm and clingy at 5 months, my beardie suddenly started giving me the stink-eye at 8 months if I handled him too much. He’d puff up, head-bob, and sometimes even beard-flare. At first, I panicked, thinking he hated me. But it’s actually normal territorial behavior as they mature.
Handling tolerance: I learned to keep sessions shorter, around 10–15 minutes, and let him come to me rather than forcing it. If your dragon wiggles, whips their tail, or puffs up, they say, “Back off for now.”
Signs of stress vs. regular activity:
- Normal: basking, occasional glass surfing, digging
- Stress: dark stress marks on the belly, refusing food, hiding all day
Comparing age stages:
- At 6 months, he was clingy and playful.
- At 8 months, he got moody—more independent.
- Things balanced out again at 9–10 months, and he became calmer.
Expert insight: Dr. Stephen Divers, a renowned reptile veterinarian, notes that behavioral changes around 8 months are similar to adolescence in mammals – they’re figuring out their place in the world.
For comprehensive care information for dragons of all ages, visit our detailed bearded dragon care.
Habitat & Tank Setup for an 8-Month-Old Bearded Dragon
If I could return, I would have skipped the small starter tanks. By 8 months, your beardie needs a minimum 40-gallon tank, but I recommend 75 gallons if you can. Mine outgrew his 40g so fast I felt guilty watching him bump around.
Lighting & heat:
UVB is non-negotiable! Use a T5 HO UVB tube covering 60-80% tank length. Place it 9-12 inches from the basking spot with mesh, or 14-17 inches without mesh.
UVB specifications for 8-month dragons:
- Zoo Med T5 HO ReptiSun 10.0
- Arcadia T5 HO Desert 12%
- 12-14 hours daily photoperiod
Research confirms that inadequate UVB is the leading cause of metabolic bone disease in captive bearded dragons. This condition is largely preventable with proper lighting.
For specific temperature guidance, including whether 100 degrees is appropriate for your dragon, please read our article: Is 100 degrees too hot for a bearded dragon?
Substrate:
I made the mistake of trying sand early on, and it was a nightmare (messy and risky for impaction). Now I swear by reptile carpet or tile. Easy to clean, safe, and keeps things simple.
Enrichment:
By 8 months, my dragon loved climbing. Adding branches, hammocks, and multiple hides gave him more ways to explore. Watching him bask on a hammock like a little king still cracks me up.
Health Considerations at 8 Months
At this age, most beardies are hardy, but a few health issues pop up if care isn’t proper.
- Metabolic bone disease (MBD): caused by a lack of UVB or calcium. Early signs are shaky legs and a rubbery jaw.
- Parasites: sudden weight loss despite eating. I had to deal with this once—vet prescribed meds, and it cleared up.
- Dehydration: wrinkly skin, sunken eyes. I started misting the greens and offering water by dropper once a week.
Growth slowdowns:
It’s normal for growth to slow after 8 months, but if your dragon stops gaining entirely, check husbandry.
Shedding:
By now, shedding happens less often. Instead of whole-body sheds like babies, they’ll shed in patches (tail, legs, head). Don’t peel it off—let it come naturally.
Vet check-ups:
I try to get a wellness check once a year, but if you see lethargy, appetite loss, or a persistent black beard, get to an exotic vet ASAP (PetMD).
Comparing 6, 8, 9, and 10 Month Old Bearded Dragons
I kept a little growth chart of my beardie; it was one of the most helpful tools. Here’s what I noticed:
Age Length Weight Diet Ratio Key Changes
6 months 12-16″ 180-250g 70% insects High energy, frequent feeding
8 months 14-20″ 250-400g 60% insects Territorial behavior emerges
9 months 16-22″ 280-360g 50% insects Calmer personality
10 months 16-24″ 350-450g 40% insects Nearly adult proportions
Energy levels:
At 6 months, he zoomed around like a maniac. At 8 months, he mellowed but still glass-surfed when hungry. By 10 months, he was calmer and basked more than he ran around.
Water and Hydration Needs
Many 8-month-old bearded dragons don’t drink from water bowls consistently. Here’s how to keep them hydrated:
Daily methods:
- Mist vegetables before serving
- Offer water via dropper 2-3 times weekly
- Warm baths 2-3 times per week (10-15 minutes)
- Monitor for dehydration signs (wrinkled skin, sunken eyes)
Water quality matters: Tap water is generally safe, but some dragons prefer filtered water. For detailed information about water safety, check our guide: Can Bearded Dragons Drink Tap Water.
Conclusion
The 8-month-old Bearded Dragon is in one of the best stages. You can expect them to be big and have personalities while still young. How to get the best results? Maintaining a healthy diet and paying attention to any subtle changes you may notice in your weight, appetite, and behaviour is essential.
It’s a fun time if your dragon is at this level. Share your beardie’s size, growth, or funny stories in the comments. I’d love to compare notes with other dragon parents!