Between about 4 and 12 months, a bearded dragon is a juvenile — a rapidly growing teenager with a big appetite. This is when you’ll see the most growth, and it’s also when you should start planning their adult enclosure.
This guide covers juvenile bearded dragon care (4–12 months).
Juvenile Quick Facts
| Item | Guidance |
|---|---|
| Age | 4–12 months |
| Enclosure | 40–75 gallons (upgrade to 4x2x2 ft by adulthood) |
| Basking temp | 100–105°F |
| Diet | 60–70% insects, 30–40% greens |
| Feeding | Insects 1–2x daily |
Enclosure
- Juveniles do well in a 40–75 gallon enclosure.
- Plan ahead: they’ll reach adult size around 12–18 months, when they’ll need a 4x2x2 ft enclosure. Buying the adult size now saves money and re-setup stress.
- Use safe substrate — tile, paper towels, or reptile carpet (avoid loose sand).
Lighting & Temperature
- Basking: 100–105°F (a touch cooler than babies).
- Cool side: 75–85°F.
- UVB: keep a strong T5 10.0 tube — growing bones need it.
Feeding a Juvenile
- Frequency: insects 1–2 times per day.
- Ratio: still mostly insects (60–70%), but offer more greens than a baby.
- Insects: dubia roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae, and the occasional hornworm. Mealworms/superworms should stay occasional treats.
- Supplements: calcium at most feedings, multivitamin 1–2x per week.
Growth & Sexing
- Juveniles grow fast — expect frequent shedding.
- Around 6+ months, you can usually start to tell male from female (see our sexing guide).
Watch For
- Rapid growth means high calcium demand — don’t skip UVB or supplements.
- Signs of MBD (twitching, soft jaw) are a red flag — fix UVB and calcium and see a vet.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general education and does not replace professional veterinary advice.