2 of 6

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

will typically lay around 20 eggs at a time but can lay as many 50! They will nest in a hole dug by the female, preferably in damp sand. If the eggs are a yellow colour the chances are that they have not been fertilized, a common occurrence with a first clutch laid. Healthy fertilized eggs will be an oval shape and white. Any eggs that are infertile or dead will take a week to collapse on themselves.

The eggs should be removed from the tank and placed in an incubator maintained at a regular temperature of around 27 degrees Celsius. Temperatures that are too high or too low will kill the eggs. They will take around 60 days to hatch, an event that can take up to 24 hours to complete.

HATCHLINGS

The new baby dragons measure at about 4 inches and should not be sold until they are at least 6 weeks of age. Move them into a tank, separate from the parent dragons or any older dragons you may have, as they can become cannibalistic and eat the smaller hatchlings.

It is important to provide baby dragons with a calcium supplement to guarantee that they are getting all the nutrients they require for a good start in life. This can be given in the form of a powder dusted over pinhead crickets and chopped green vegetables.

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH BREEDING

Inbreeding is used regularly to ensure that the highly sought after colours are available. However, this does come with problems such as an increased risk of cancer, weakened genes meaning that there is less chance of successful breeding in the future, shortened lifespan and neurological problems.

Other issues that can be seen within breeding females include a disease called egg-binding, which is a form of dystocia (problematic child labour). This means that the egg is unable to be passed and cause infection and possibly lead to infertility. If not treated the female has a high chance of dying of toxic shock.

Learn more about this author, Charlotte Howard.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Bearded dragon: Breeding and egg care?
We want to hear your view. Write now!