Mating Season and Requirements
Mating Season
Bearded dragons typically breed during the spring months, from September to November in the Northern Hemisphere and from March to May in the Southern Hemisphere. This corresponds to the natural increase in daylight hours and warmer temperatures that trigger hormonal changes in the animals.
Requirements for Breeding
- Age: Both male and female bearded dragons should be at least 12 months old, with females being slightly older to allow for full physical maturity.
- Health: The animals must be healthy and free from any infections or parasites.
- Accommodation: A spacious enclosure with ample hiding places and basking areas is required. The enclosure should be at least 4 feet long x 2 feet wide x 2 feet high.
- Temperature: The enclosure should have a daytime temperature gradient of 75-85°F (24-29°C) and a nighttime temperature of 65-75°F (18-24°C).
- Light: Bearded dragons require 12-14 hours of daylight per day. Supplemental UV light is also necessary to prevent vitamin D deficiency.
- Diet: The animals should be fed a diet rich in live insects, greens, and vegetables.
- Compatible Pairing: The male and female should be introduced to each other gradually and closely monitored to ensure compatibility.
4. Care for Female Bearded Dragon During Pregnancy
- Laying Bin: Provide a suitable laying bin filled with moist sand or vermiculite where the female can deposit her eggs.
- Increased Calcium Intake: Ensure the female has access to a calcium supplement or high-calcium food sources to support egg production.
- Adequate Hydration: Offer fresh water at all times to prevent dehydration.
| Time | Weight |
|---|---|
| 3-4 weeks | 120-160 grams |
| 5-6 weeks | 180-200 grams |
| 7 weeks | 200+ grams |
Post-Hatchling Care
Once the beardies have hatched, they will need proper post-hatching care to ensure their survival and health. Follow these steps to provide the best environment for your baby beardies.
1. Setup a Hatchling Enclosure
Provide a dedicated enclosure with a temperature and humidity gradient similar to the original nesting site. Set the cool end at 75-80°F, the warm end at 85-90°F, and 40-50% humidity.
2. Provide Calcium and UVB
Dust insects with calcium powder daily and offer a cuttlebone for additional calcium. Ensure access to UVB lighting for proper bone development.
3. Offer Small Live Insects
Feed hatchlings tiny live insects such as crickets, dubia roaches, or mealworms dusted with calcium. Gradually increase prey size as they grow.
4. Hydration
Provide fresh water in a shallow dish or offer misting regularly to ensure hydration. Monitor their intake and adjust water availability accordingly.
5. Monitor Growth and Weight
Regularly weigh the hatchlings to track their growth. If they are not gaining weight adequately, adjust their diet or consult a veterinarian.
6. Socialization
Encourage interaction with the hatchlings through gentle handling. Socialization helps them become more comfortable with human interaction and reduces stress.
7. Advanced and Special Considerations
Multiple hatchlings in an enclosure may require increased space and resources. Avoid overcrowding and ensure adequate hiding places, substrate, and feeding stations. Monitor for any signs of illness or distress, and consult a qualified reptile veterinarian promptly if any abnormalities are observed. Additionally, consider sexing the hatchlings professionally to prevent unintentional breeding in the future.
| Age | Food | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Hatchling (0-2 months) | Small live insects | Daily |
| Juvenile (2-6 months) | Larger live insects, vegetables | Every other day |
| Adult (6+ months) | Variety of live insects, vegetables, fruits | 2-3 times per week |
Health Considerations
Before breeding bearded dragons, ensuring that both the male and female are healthy is crucial. This includes:
- Performing a pre-breeding physical examination by a qualified reptile veterinarian
- Testing for potential health issues or parasites
- Confirming that both individuals have reached sexual maturity
Veterinary Care
During and after breeding, veterinary care is essential. It includes:
Regular Veterinary Checkups
Regular checkups with a reptile veterinarian throughout the breeding process are crucial to monitor the health of both the male and female and ensure they are receiving proper care.
Monitoring Egg Development
After the female lays eggs, monitoring their development is essential. Veterinarians can perform ultrasound scans or X-rays to assess the viability and number of eggs.
Egg Incubation
If the eggs are viable, a veterinarian can provide guidance on proper egg incubation techniques, including temperature and humidity requirements.
Hatching Assistance
In some cases, veterinarians may need to assist with hatching by carefully removing the eggs from the incubator and facilitating the baby dragons’ emergence.
Post-Hatching Care
Once the baby dragons have hatched, veterinary care is essential to ensure their health and well-being. This includes regular checkups, parasite screening, and nutritional advice.
How to Breed a Bearded Dragon
Breeding bearded dragons can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following the steps below, you can increase your chances of success.
The first step is to find a healthy, sexually mature pair of bearded dragons. Males and females should be at least 1 year old. The female should be larger than the male. Once you have found a suitable pair, you need to introduce them to each other.
The introduction should be done in a neutral environment, such as a large enclosure. The dragons should be supervised at all times. If the dragons do not show any aggression towards each other, you can then move them to a breeding enclosure.
The breeding enclosure should be large enough to accommodate both dragons. It should also have a basking area, a hide box, and a water bowl. The temperature in the enclosure should be kept between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the dragons are in the breeding enclosure, you can begin the breeding process. The male will typically court the female by displaying his beard and bobbing his head. If the female is receptive, she will allow the male to mount her.
The breeding process can take several hours. Once the dragons have finished, the female will lay a clutch of eggs. The eggs should be incubated at a temperature of 85 degrees Fahrenheit for 60-70 days. Once the eggs hatch, the baby bearded dragons can be separated from their parents.
People Also Ask
What is the best age to breed bearded dragons?
Bearded dragons should be at least 1 year old before they are bred.
How many eggs do bearded dragons lay?
Bearded dragons typically lay a clutch of 10-20 eggs.
How long does it take for bearded dragon eggs to hatch?
Bearded dragon eggs typically hatch after 60-70 days of incubation.
