Caring for Bearded Dragons

General Information The Bearded dragon is a native of Australia. Evidence suggests that it has surpassed the iguana as the preferred reptile in the United States.

There are 8 sub-species of bearded dragons:
1. P.barbata - Eastern Bearded Dragon
2. P.Vitticeps - Inland Bearded Dragon
3. P.minor minor - Dwarf Bearded
4. P.minor mitchelli - North West Bearded
5. P.minor minima - Western Bearded
6. P.nullabor - Nullabor Bearded
7. P.microlepidota - Kimberley Bearded
8. P.hennylawsoni - Lawson's Dragon

The Bearded Dragon is a relatively large lizard with a triangular head. Its mouth is usually bright yellow. It has large spinous scales on either side of the tail base and on its flanks. The gular pouch on the neck is expandable, giving rise to the dragons appearance and thus its name.

Sexing Bearded Dragons:

___________________Male_____________Female_____

<br />Cloacal Opening Wide Narrow<br /><br />Tail Base Wide Narrow<br /><br />Pre-anal Pores Large Small<br /><br />Head Wide Narrow<br /><br />Hemipenes Everted Absent<br /><br />Beard Large, black Smaller<br /><br />Behavior Aggressive <br />

Behavior - There are 73 behavioral pattern observed. These include social, thermoregulatory, and general behaviors. The males are territorial with hierachy determined by body size. Males also tend to arm waving as an aggressive gesture. They stake out large territories and within this territorries are the smaller stakes for females and juveniles.
Their preferred body temperature is 35 degrees celsius. To achieve this they absorbed heat from their surface environment. If the temperature goes down they seek shelter under a rock, burrow, hollow log. The apetite is reduced to no existent during these cold spells.

Breeding - They achieve sexual maturity between 6-16 months of age or about 12" long. Egg laying occurs 2-3 weeks after mating (14-36 eggs). Incubation is 50-75 days long at 29 degrees celsius.

Husbandry
Enclosures
1. Well-drained location
2. Floor area of 8 feet for 3 adults plus 4 feet for each additional dragon.
3. Walls should be of solid material and buried underground to prevent burrowing escapes.
4. Wire mesh roof to protect from other animals.
5. Shallow water bowls that allows escape.
6. Shade and shelter should be incorporated.
7. An area to brumate during winter should be provided.
8. Non toxic plants only. A branch should be provided for climbing. Substrates should easily be cleaned(sand,rock,...)

Lighting - Ultraviolet light is necessary. Whenever possible this should be provided by natural sunlight. Full spectrum lights should be placed no more the 12" above the lizards giving 12-14 hours during summer and 10-12 during winter. A basking light(during the day)should be provided at the end of the enclosure providing a temperature gradient between 29-40 degrees celsius.

Humidity - High humidity is detrimental to the health of the dragon (30-45% should be maximum.)

Ventilation - Essential but not at the expense of temperature control.

Diet - Primarily insectivores. As they grow older it undergoes change with the addition of leaves, berries, fruits, making them more herbivores.

Feeding - Insect for juveniles 2-3 times daily. As they grow older they should be offered dark green leafy vegetables every 2 days. Fireflies & monarchs are toxic to dragons.

Common Problems

Parasites - Pinworms, coccidia, protozoans(giardia). Treatment with sulfa drugs, Oxfendazole & metronidazole, have been successful.

Metabolic Bone Disease - Common in juveniles. Treatment involves supplements and UV light preferably sunlight. Response to treatment is variable.

Respiratory Infections - Prone to infections when housed in a damped, cool conditions. Treatment with antibiotics and husbandry changes is required