Bearded dragons are one of the most popular reptiles kept as pets, thanks to their gentle nature, unique appearance, and ease of care. They are native to the arid regions of Australia and are known for their distinctive, triangular heads, spiny bodies, and “bearded” throat pouches that can puff up when they feel threatened or excited. Bearded dragons can live up to 15 years or more and can grow up to 24 inches in length, making them a long-term commitment for pet owners.
One of the reasons people breed bearded dragons is to share their love of these creatures with others, as well as to produce offspring with desirable traits, such as vibrant colors or unique patterns. Breeders may also breed bearded dragons for sale to pet stores, reptile shows, or online marketplaces.
However, breeding bearded dragons is not a decision to be taken lightly. It requires a significant amount of time, effort, and resources to ensure the health and well-being of both the breeding pair and their offspring. In this guide, we will explore what you need to know before embarking on the journey of breeding bearded dragons.
Preparing to Breed Bearded Dragons
Before commencing the process of breeding, it is essential to check that both of the possible breeding dragons are in good health, have reached their reproductive age, and are of an adequate size. The following are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Age and size restrictions
If you want to breed a bearded dragon, you should wait until it is at least 18 months old and has grown to be at least 16 inches long before you attempt to do so. They can develop health problems and have offspring that are less robust if they are allowed to breed before they reach this age and size.
Health concerns
Before mating, it is important that both the male and female bearded dragons be in excellent physical condition. They should be free of any diseases, infections, or parasites that could be passed on to their children, and they should not be able to transmit those diseases on to their kids. It is recommended to have a checkup on the breeding pair performed by a veterinarian in order to guarantee that they are both in good overall condition.
The process of choosing a breeding couple
It is essential to find dragons who have personalities, sizes, and colors that are complementary to one another when selecting a breeding pair for your dragons. It is ideal for the male to be somewhat larger than the female, but not so much larger that it makes mating impossible. In addition to this, it is crucial to choose dragons that originate from healthy bloodlines and do not have any known genetic abnormalities.
Housing for breeding Bearded dragons
The breeding pair ought to be kept in a big cage that offers sufficient space for both of the dragons in the pair. To increase the likelihood of a successful mating between the two of them, it is critical to provide an atmosphere that is relaxed and untroubled. To create an environment that is physiologically similar to their natural one, the cage ought to have heating and lighting systems.
In addition, it is recommended to offer a separate breeding space within the enclosure, which should consist of a nesting box for the female to use when she is ready to lay her eggs. The nesting box needs to have a suitable substrate, like sand or vermiculite, placed inside of it before it can be used.
If you follow these instructions, you will be able to ensure that the breeding partner and their progeny continue to enjoy good health and happiness throughout the duration of the breeding process.
Preparing for Breeding
Before breeding bearded dragons, it’s important to ensure that both the male and female are healthy and mature enough for breeding. Here are some steps to follow when preparing for breeding:
Diet and Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for the health and fertility of bearded dragons. Both males and females should be fed a balanced diet of vegetables, fruits, and insects. Calcium supplements and vitamin D3 supplements should be added to their diet to prevent metabolic bone disease.
Environment
Create a breeding environment that is comfortable for both the male and female bearded dragons. The temperature should be between 80-85°F during the day and drop to 70-75°F at night. Provide hiding places, climbing structures, and basking areas to create a natural and comfortable environment.
Selecting Breeding Pairs
Selecting the right breeding pairs is essential for successful breeding. Here are some things to consider when selecting breeding pairs:
Bloodline
Bearded dragons should not be bred within the same family or bloodline to prevent inbreeding. This can lead to genetic abnormalities and health problems in the offspring.
Temperament
Choose breeding pairs with a friendly and calm temperament to ensure that the offspring will inherit these traits.
Physical Characteristics
Select breeding pairs that have desirable physical characteristics, such as bright coloration and well-defined patterns.
Mating and Egg Laying
Once you have selected the breeding pairs, it’s time for the mating process. Here’s what you need to know:
Introduction
Introduce the male and female bearded dragons in a neutral environment, such as a separate breeding enclosure. Monitor their behavior to ensure that they are comfortable with each other.
Mating
The male bearded dragon will usually initiate mating by bobbing his head and circling the female. He may also gently bite the back of her neck to hold her in place. The actual mating process may take a few minutes or several hours, and may involve multiple mating sessions over several days.
Egg Laying
Female bearded dragons will usually lay eggs within four to six weeks after mating. Provide a nesting box filled with moist soil or sand for the female to lay her eggs. Make sure the nesting box is at the correct temperature and humidity to encourage egg laying.
Incubating Eggs
Once the female has laid her eggs, it’s time to incubate them. Here are the steps to follow:
Collecting Eggs
Carefully remove the eggs from the nesting box and place them in an incubation container. Make sure the eggs are not rotated or turned during the incubation process, as this can harm the developing embryos.
Incubation Container
The incubation container should be filled with a suitable incubation medium, such as vermiculite or perlite. The medium should be moist but not wet, with a ratio of one part water to one part medium. Make sure the container is well-ventilated and has a lid to maintain humidity.
Incubation Temperature
The incubation temperature should be between 80-85°F, which is the same as the temperature in the breeding enclosure. Use a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust it as needed.
Incubation Time
The incubation time for bearded dragon eggs is around 60-80 days, depending on the temperature and humidity. Monitor the eggs closely and check for signs of hatching, such as movement or cracking of the eggshell.
Caring for Hatchlings
Once the bearded dragon eggs have hatched, it’s important to provide proper care for the hatchlings. Here are some tips for caring for hatchlings:
Housing
Hatchlings should be housed separately in a small enclosure that provides a warm, comfortable environment. Use a heat lamp or heat pad to maintain a temperature of around 80-85°F. Provide hiding places, climbing structures, and a basking area to create a natural and comfortable environment.
Feeding
Hatchlings should be fed small insects, such as crickets or mealworms, several times a day. Dust the insects with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure proper nutrition. Gradually introduce vegetables and fruits into their diet as they grow.
Hydration
Provide fresh, clean water in a shallow dish for the hatchlings to drink. You can also mist their enclosure with water to provide humidity and help them stay hydrated.
Health Check
Monitor the hatchlings closely for signs of illness or disease, such as lethargy or lack of appetite. Take them to a veterinarian for a check-up to ensure they are healthy and free from parasites.
Conclusion
Breeding bearded dragons can be a fun and rewarding experience for reptile enthusiasts, but it’s important to understand the responsibilities that come with it. Proper preparation, selection of breeding pairs, and care for hatchlings are essential for successful breeding. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can successfully breed and care for bearded dragons.
