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Pogona Vitticeps (Bearded
Dragon) Caresheet
Acquiring
Housing Feeding
Heating Breeding
Pogona
vitticeps, and other Pogona species, or bearded dragons, are a fascinating reptile, which probably
explains their increasing popularity.
Although I don't have any
myself, I certainly would keep them if I had the
space. If you are considering getting yourself one or
more of these little creatures, I suggest you start with some research on
their requirements. Following are a few notes - more information can
easily be found on the net.
Acquiring
Your Bearded Dragon
Before
purchasing your dragon, have your environment set up; it will be far less
disruptive to the animal, than buying your cage at the same time as the
dragon.
It's
best to get your dragon from a reputable breeder or pet shop, if you don't
know anyone who breeds them. When you visit the
breeder or shop, take note of the cage condition, and the condition of the
reptiles in the area - this can tell you a lot about the
dealer. If the cages are dirty, with empty water bowls,
rotting food, then personally, I would not deal with that
business. There are many good breeders out
there. Ask around, perhaps on Australian Herps elist, which
can be found on Yahoo Groups.
When
you are selecting your bearded dragon, remember they are a very active
reptile, so don't choose the listless one in the corner, no matter how sorry
for it you feel. Select the bright, happy animal, with the
interested expression!
Adult
males have larger heads, and a larger beard, usually black.
Colours can vary.
Your
dragons may be a little nervous when you first take them home, but should
settle well after a few days. Give them peace and quiet
until they get used to their new environment. They'll need to find
where everything is, and where to go to hide, if they want to.
You
should be aware that adult bearded dragons can give a nasty bite.
If young children are to handle them, make sure it is under supervision.
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Housing
If
the species you have decided to keep occurs naturally in your area, then a
large concreted pit will be ideal for them. The walls should
be smooth and should extend at least 60 - 65 cm below ground level, as dragons
like to dig. The walls should be high enough that the dragons cannot
escape.
There
should be shaded and sunny areas in the enclosure, which should, ideally, get
at least 8 hours of sun each day. There needs to be an area
which stays dry, so the dragons can take shelter.
Water should be provided, and should be changed regularly.
Dragons also like occasional misting.
Dragons
can also be kept indoors, and a cage at least 100-110 cm long should be
provided, larger would be better, especially for adult dragons.
Adult bearded dragons may be up to 65 cm long.
Both
indoor and outdoor enclosures should have rocks and branches to enable the
dragon to climb and bask. A hiding place under a branch or
rock would be appreciated also.
Sand
is an ideal substrata for dragons. Put paper underneath if you
prefer. The sand should be several cm deep, as dragons enjoy
digging.
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Heating
Heating
should be provided for you dragon. If it is outside, a warm
cave or shelter will be sufficient. It can be heated with
heat pads, rocks or lamps. Dragons require heat to properly digest
their food.
Cages
inside should be kept at approximately 23-35C night time temperature, and the
daytime temperature should be approximately 32C.
UV light is required for dragons, ideally as a basking light.
Feeding
Dragons
are omnivores, and as such, will take a wide variety of
foods. Adults may be fed about once a week and younger
dragons two to three times a week. The size of the food should be
no larger than the space between the dragon's eye-sockets, as too large a
portion can cause impaction and may be fatal.
Bearded
dragons should have their food supplemented with calcium and vitamin D
powder. This can easily be added to minced meat or other such
food, or sprinkled on their meals.
Some
of the items dragons enjoy include : crickets, mealworms, grasshoppers,
worms, snails, pet mince, clover, lettuce (this is best chopped) bananas,
clover. Also try green beans, peas, carrots, corn and
broccoli. There are sure to be many other items they will eat that
I haven't mentioned.
Dragons
like to drink water which is running down their faces in preference to that in
a bowl, so you will need to mist them quite often. They also
like to run through shallow water. Approximately 2-3 cm deep
should be sufficient.
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Breeding
Bearded
dragons are egg layers, laying in the summer. Some may lay
in late spring. Approximately 6 to 20 eggs may be laid, perhaps
more. The hatching rate may be as high as 95
%. More than one clutch may be laid each year.
Hatchlings
are about 7 cm long, and are independent as soon as they are
hatched. They may be fed immediately. Make sure
the portions are very small. The hatchlings should be kept
separately to the adults, and like to have plenty of places to hide.
Feed
them as much as they will eat in 10 minutes, 2 - 3 times per week. Make
sure they have fresh water. Bearded dragons like to be
misted, as they often drink the water running into their faces in preference
to drinking from a bowl.
Have your found this information
useful?
If so, please let me know. You'll find my contact information
in the menu to your left.
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