Question about age vs. size

[DeadLegs]

I've got what I've been told is a Citrus Tiger beardie who is now going on I believe 2 years old. He is approximately 16" long and I "clocked" him at about 181g just a few minutes ago...after a massive poo, LOL.

Question is: Should he be bigger for his age??

I've got him in a 70gal tank with repticarpet, a massive water bowl that he LOVES playing in, his ambient temp on the hot side is constantly mid to high 90's while basking is roughly 100-102. he eats like a flippin beast. He has a pissy attitude when I'm picking him up out of his enclosure however once he's out he's fine unless I sneak up on him.

I can't really pin point what it may be that isn't right. I know that for quite a time I did NOT have his temps high enough, but then I did research and found what everything should be and I've made all the necessary strides to get it as right as possible. He's been shedding more frequently as of late but seems to not gain much weight and definitely hasn't gotten bigger/longer in some time.

Anybody have a clue?

PS: sorry this got so long and thanks if you read this far, haha!

[ls1goat04]

he should be full grown at 2 years, and from what ive read 181g is on the small side. my lil guy was 4 grams the second week of march and is at 52g right now. so im guessing hes 3 months or so old. what are you feeding him? greens as well as a source of protein? how long have you had him? either he wasnt fed enough when he was younger or he is not 2 years old IMHO

[BPelizabeth]

I have read that allot of ppl do not feed their baby beardies enough the first year. That could be his problem....that he was underfed to begin with. I would feed him his greens everyday....even if he doesn't eat them...offer them. Cut them up in bite size pieces and sprinkle calcium on it. Then for now till his weight gets a little more offer him protien a couple times a day. Typically when they are adults...it shoud be 80% greens and 20% protien. At least that is what I have read....but if he is a little skinny....it can't hurt to offer more.

[gp_dragsandballs]

Adult dragons get anywhere from 16 to 24 inches nose to tail and get to adult size around a year and a half. After that they just get fatter.

[DeadLegs]

Adult dragons get anywhere from 16 to 24 inches nose to tail and get to adult size around a year and a half. After that they just get fatter.

So in essence you're saying that I shouldn't be worried about his length, am I right? Either way from what I've read from other people posting about their dragons as far as size, I do know he is way under weight. He eats meal worms and crickets like they're going out of style. but, ever since he was just a little thing, he has ALWAYS refused to eat greens or veggies.

I've thought of getting him one of those vibrating food dishes for his greens, do you know if those do any good?

[gp_dragsandballs]

For his length, I wouldn't say hes way under weight. He will start bulking up as he ages. My male is 17" and 250 grams and hes just been getting fatter.

I wouldnt suggest the vibrating dish. Just feed greens in the morning before any feeders. At his age he should be eating alot of greens compared to feeders. Try hand feeding, putting worms mixed in the bowl of greens, or don't feed him for 2 days then offer him greens. What kind of greens are you feeding?

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

My little guy is picky about his greens. I discovered he absolutely loves dandylion greens. They can have the leaves and the flower. If you have dandylions growing in your yard thats a free source of greens and they seem to prefer them to other greens. Just be sure to rinse them off well and tear them up in pieces small enough to fit in his mouth.

[Action Reptiles]

I have a couple questions for you, Have you had him since he was a baby or did you get him from somebody else. Was he from a pet store? Have you had a vet check up including fecal sample for parasites? I only ask b/c 2 yrs old and only 181g is under weight. I would think at 2 yrs old he would be over 16 inches and 250g. I am going by personal experience as I have been breeding dragons for a while and have never had a dragon that size at a years time never mind 2yr. This past year I had one hatchling that refused to eat crickets and was a very slow starter, with some work she is eating fine now, at 10 months old she is over 200g and 14in with a significant tail nip. IT could be a dwarf but Im leaning towards possible parasites, as you stated "he eats like a beast but doesn't put on weight". Also does he have correct lighting(UVB/UVA)? I don't mean to panic you just throwing out some ideas. If you can post some pics of him and his enclosure and how he is being kept(i.e. temps/lights/substrate ect..). He doesn't sound extremly under weight but without seeing him it is hard to say.