Preparing for Mating
Age and Size
Bearded dragons typically reach sexual maturity at around 12 to 18 months of age. Females should be at least 18 inches in length before breeding, while males should be at least 16 inches. Breeding younger animals can lead to health complications, including retained eggs and reproductive problems.
Health and Diet
Both the male and female bearded dragon should be in good health prior to breeding. They should not be overweight or underweight, and their diet should be balanced and nutrient-rich. A healthy diet for bearded dragons includes live insects, leafy greens, and fruits.
Substrate
The enclosure should have a suitable substrate for egg-laying. A mix of sand and topsoil or a commercial egg-laying substrate is recommended. The substrate should be at least 6 inches deep to allow the female to dig a nest and lay her eggs securely.
Lighting
Bearded dragons require specific lighting conditions for breeding. They need 12-14 hours of sunlight or UVB lighting each day. The light should be positioned so that the dragons can bask and receive the necessary UVB rays.
Temperature
The temperature in the enclosure should be between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit at night. A basking area with a temperature gradient of up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit is also essential for egg production.
Choosing a Nest Site
Before mating, the female bearded dragon will begin to search for a suitable nest site. She will prefer a location that is warm, humid, and protected from predators. Some common nest sites include:
- Underneath logs or rocks
- In burrows
- In loose soil
- In compost piles
- In potted plants
The female will typically dig a small hole in the ground, which she will use to lay her eggs. She will then cover the eggs with soil or other debris to protect them from the elements.
Factors Affecting Nest Site Selection
Several factors can influence the female bearded dragon’s choice of nest site, including:
| Factor | Influence on Nest Site Selection |
|---|---|
| Temperature | The female will prefer a nest site that is warm enough to incubate her eggs. |
| Humidity | The female will prefer a nest site that is humid enough to prevent the eggs from drying out. |
| Protection from predators | The female will prefer a nest site that is protected from predators, such as a burrow or under a rock. |
| Proximity to food and water | The female will prefer a nest site that is close to food and water sources. |
| Soil type | The female will prefer a nest site with soil that is loose enough to dig a hole but compact enough to protect the eggs. |
By considering these factors, the female bearded dragon can increase the chances of her eggs surviving and hatching successfully.
Laying and Burying Eggs
Bearded dragons typically lay their eggs in a burrow that they dig in the ground. The burrow is usually about 6 to 12 inches deep and is lined with moist sand or soil. The female bearded dragon will lay her eggs in the burrow and then cover them with sand or soil. She will then guard the eggs until they hatch.
Bearded dragon eggs usually hatch between 40 and 60 days after they are laid. The hatchlings are about 2 inches long and are able to fend for themselves immediately. They will typically stay with their mother for a few weeks until they are strong enough to survive on their own.
Egg-laying Behavior
Egg-laying behavior in bearded dragons is triggered by several factors, including:
- Appropriate temperature and photoperiod
- Presence of a suitable nesting site
- Hormonal changes triggered by mating
When a female bearded dragon is ready to lay eggs, she will typically dig a burrow in the ground using her hind legs. The burrow is usually 6-12 inches deep and is lined with moist sand or soil. The female will lay her eggs in the burrow and then cover them with sand or soil. She will then guard the eggs until they hatch.
Egg Incubation
Bearded dragon eggs typically incubate for 40-60 days, depending on the temperature. The eggs should be kept at a temperature of 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit (29-32 degrees Celsius). The eggs should be kept moist, but not wet. The eggs should be checked regularly for signs of moisture loss or damage.
Hatching
When the eggs hatch, the hatchlings will typically emerge from the burrow. The hatchlings are about 2 inches long and are able to fend for themselves immediately. They will typically stay with their mother for a few weeks until they are strong enough to survive on their own.
Incubation and Hatching
Once the eggs are laid, the female bearded dragon will bury them in a warm, moist location. The incubation period typically lasts between 45 and 75 days, depending on the temperature. If the eggs are too cold, the embryos will develop slowly or not at all. If the eggs are too warm, the embryos may develop too quickly and hatch prematurely.
The ideal incubation temperature for bearded dragon eggs is between 85 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit (29 to 32 degrees Celsius). The eggs should also be kept in a humid environment, with a relative humidity of around 60%.
8. Factors Affecting Incubation and Hatching
Several factors can affect the incubation and hatching of bearded dragon eggs:
- Temperature: The temperature of the incubation environment is the most critical factor affecting the development of the embryos. Too low or high temperatures can lead to developmental problems or even death.
- Humidity: The humidity of the incubation environment is also important. Too low humidity can cause the eggs to dry out, while excessively humid conditions can promote the growth of mold and bacteria.
- Egg size: The size of the eggs affects the incubation period. Larger eggs tend to take longer to incubate than smaller eggs.
- Genetics: The genetics of the parents can also affect the incubation period. Some bearded dragons have a longer incubation period than others.
- Gestational age: The gestational age of the eggs also affects the incubation period. Eggs that are laid prematurely may not hatch, or they may hatch with health problems.
- Egg handling: The eggs should be handled carefully during incubation. Rough handling can damage the eggs or the embryos.
- Egg storage: The eggs should be stored in a cool, dark place until they are ready to be incubated.
- Substrate: The substrate in which the eggs are incubated can also affect their development. A moist and loose substrate is ideal.
By following these guidelines, you can increase the chances of your bearded dragon eggs hatching successfully.
Post-Hatch Care
Once your bearded dragon eggs have hatched, there are several important steps to take to ensure the health and well-being of the hatchlings.
9. Nutrition and Hydration
Hatchling bearded dragons require a diet rich in protein and calcium. Offer a variety of live prey, such as crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. You can also provide them with leafy greens, such as dandelion greens and collard greens. Dust all live prey with a calcium supplement before feeding it to your hatchling.
Hatchlings also need access to fresh water at all times. Provide a shallow water dish that is large enough for them to fit their entire body in. Change the water daily.
| Food Item | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Live prey (crickets, mealworms, dubia roaches) | 2-3 times per day |
| Leafy greens (dandelion greens, collard greens) | Daily |
| Calcium supplement | Dust live prey before feeding |
