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is a small black circular shape inside the egg at its base (the larger end of the egg), visible when candled.

At 5 weeks, things start getting really exciting! The baby dragons become visible within the eggs when candled, and can even be seen moving.

Then at 7-8 weeks, they hatch.

I have to say, it was one of the most awesome things I have ever seen.

Mine began hatching on their 48th day of development. It took 3 days for all 6 eggs to hatch, the first one beginning on the 48th day and finishing 12 hours later, the second only taking about 10 hours, the 3rd began on the second day and took about 8 hours, the 4th about 11 hours, the 5th and 6th on the second day - late afternoon - and took about 12 hours. I did not assist the dragons in exiting the eggs, but I have heard that if the hatching process takes longer than 12 hours, you can consider interfering, but I advise against this as so much can potentially go wrong. My opinion: let it happen naturally.

I moved all of them into an aquarium with covered sides and back, a very shallow water bowl, and half an egg carton. I had a 50W basking spot lamp attached for heating, and a standard UV globe manufactured for reptiles.

I used AstroTurf as a substrate, and would advise against using sands for hatchlings, as the risk of impactions is too high. Keep their moisture levels high, feed very regularly (nothing larger than the space between their eyes), supplement with calcium and vitamins 2-3 times a week and keep a close eye on them. Only 10% of hatchlings survive in the wild, so ensure that all are eating and drinking, and keep the enclosure clean.

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