|
The Care of: Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) Hatchling size: 3 1/2-4 1/2 inches Adult Size: 15-24 inches, males have a much broader head and develop a black beard. The beard is very prominent when displayed. Females engage in stereotyped arm waving. Care of Hatchlings: Young hatchlings can be housed in a 10 gallon aquarium, with a 40-60 watt lamp at one end positioned above a basking rock. Branches and a shelter should be provided so the hatchling will have an opportunity to thermo-regulate. The substrate can be washed sand, newspaper, etc., ... The hatchlings should be fed small crickets, mealworms, wax-worms and other insects every day if optimal growth is desired. A calcium supplement containing vitamin D3 should be lightly sprinkled on food items every other day or so to promote proper bone growth. If the lips start to separate, or the hind legs go into a spasm, or are held out stiffly, you need to supply more calcium and vitamin D3. A full-spectrum, ultraviolet emitting fluorescent lamp is also helpful if suspended within 12 inches of the lizards. Caution should be exercised when using a multi-vitamin supplement. Bearded Dragons are very susceptible to vitamin A toxicity. This is characterized by swelling of the throat, bloating, and lethargy. Thin leaves of lettuce and greens should also be fed. A shallow water pan should be placed in the cage where the lizards will run through it. They should be sprayed with water every day, both the cage and on their heads to induce a drinking response. The hatchlings require a dry cage, but need to drink a lot of water. Some learn to drink from their water dish, but if they get thin or dehydrated, it will be necessary to adjust their conditions by getting them to ingest more water via increased spraying, providing fresh moist vegetables, or warming or cooling their cage. Healthy Bearded Dragons of all ages have well filled out bellies. Care of juveniles: As the hatchlings grow, the larger ones should be moved to a different cage or they will dominate and stress-out their smaller siblings. As their size increases, they can take larger food items and more vegetable matter in their diet. Greens are good for them, as are Chinese cabbages, and a standard, cooked, chopped vegetable mix of green beans, carrots, peas, and broccoli. Under optimal conditions, Bearded Dragons grow fast, and can reach adult size in 12 months. Social interactions: As the dragons grow, they will establish a hierarchy. Aggressive and appeasement displays are part of their normal social interaction. Be alert for individuals that become intimidated, and do not feed or bask as often as the others. Re-arrange the cage furnishings, or move intimidated animals to a different cage to permit them access to water, food, and basking sites. This information sheet has been written and provided as a courtesy by Silver City Serpentarium, Inc. 6/15/93.
Silver City Serpentarium, Inc. Postal Office Box 313 Myakka City, Florida 34251-0313 U.S.A. |