The Bearded Dragon Manual: Expert Advice for Keeping and Caring For a Healthy Bearded Dragon

By Philippe De Vosjoil, Terri M Sommella, Robert Mailloux and 2 more

Reptiles are popular pets, and it can be argued that the bearded dragon is the best reptile to keep as a pet. This newly updated and expanded edition of the best-selling The Bearded Dragon Manual promises to excite new and seasoned herp enthusiasts with its in-depth discussion on all aspects of dragon keeping and its brilliant color photography. Written by a team of recognized herpetoculture authorities, veterinarians, and specialists, this volume offers comprehensive information that will be welcomed by newcomers and experienced bearded-dragon enthusiasts alike.

Inside The Bearded Dragon Manual:

History and characteristics of the different types of bearded dragons

How to select bearded dragons as pets or for breeding

Creating a comfortable habitat for your bearded dragon with proper heat and lighting

Understanding typical bearded-dragon behavior

Feeding your dragon a nutritionally sound diet throughout its life

Recognizing signs of disease and how to handle health issues

Informative health and feeding charts as well as helpful answers to dragon-keeping FAQs

Close to 100 color photographs, including a section dedicated to beautifully colored morphs

A special chapter on the care and breeding of frilled dragons

• Language: English
• Publisher: CompanionHouse Books
• Release date: Sep 27, 2016
• ISBN: 9781620082546

Book preview

The Bearded Dragon Manual 2nd Edition

CompanionHouse Books™ is an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishers International Ltd.

Project Team

Vice President–Content: Christopher Reggio

Editor: Amy Deputato

Copy Editor: Joann Woy

Design: Mary Ann Kahn

Copyright © 2017 by Fox Chapel Publishers International Ltd.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Fox Chapel Publishers, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: De Vosjoli, Philippe

Title: The bearded dragon manual : expert advice for keeping and caring for a healthy bearded dragon / Philippe de Vosjoli,

Terri M. Sommella, Robert Mailloux, Susan Donoghue, VMD, Roger Klingenberg, DVM, and Jerry Cole.

Description: Irvine, CA : Lumina Media, 2016. | Includes index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2016031986 | ISBN 9781620082539 (softcover)

Subjects: LCSH: Bearded dragons (Reptiles) as pets.

Classification: LCC SF459.L5 D42 2016 | DDC 639.3/955--dc23 LC record

available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016031986

eBook ISBN 978-1-62008-254-6

This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader’s discretion and are not to be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If you suspect a medical problem, consult your veterinarian.

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INTRODUCTION

Inland bearded dragons have been called the perfect reptile pets—for good reason. They are typically tame, easy to keep, and relatively hardy, and they come in an array of stunning colors. Bearded dragons are also amusing, intelligent, and endearing, so it is easy to understand why they are—and have been—one of the most popular reptile pets of all time. For people with fur allergies, a bearded dragon is often a wonderful alternative. They do, however, have certain requirements, as with any pet. And that is where this book comes in.

When I was asked to update The Bearded Dragon Manual, I was thrilled to be able to offer an additional perspective: that of an indoor breeder of exclusive high-color dragons. During my many years as a wildlife rehabilitator and working at the Baltimore Zoo (now the Maryland Zoo), I had the opportunity to learn behavioral-observation skills and large-collection management techniques. I am very grateful to longtime friend Dr. Thomas Ryan, DVM, and the other brilliant folks along the way who taught me to observe behaviors and then draw conclusions based on those observations.

It is my intent to add to the fine work of authors Phillippe de Vosjoli; Robert Mailloux; Susan Donoghue, VMD, DACVN; Roger Klingenberg, DVM; and Jerry Cole with easy-to-understand, practical information about general husbandry, updated views on topics such as feeder insects, tips and answers to common questions, and my personal observations from more than fifteen years as owner of Fire and Ice Dragons. In short, I hope to make the additional information on caring for bearded dragons easily accessible to the pet owner and new breeder. And you can also count on gorgeous photos of the newest color morphs.

Bearded dragons are attractive in appearance, moderately sized, naturally tame in demeanor, and very personable (by reptilian standards). Being ectotherms (cold-blooded), they have particular requirements that differ significantly from those of more traditional pets, such as dogs, cats, and birds. We warm-blooded humans don’t always have a natural propensity for understanding the care of reptiles, but compared to many other reptiles, bearded dragons are relatively hardy and easy to keep. Successfully keeping bearded dragons depends on developing basic knowledge of their needs and acquiring the supplies and technology to care for these beautiful lizards.

Much of this information in this version of the book has never before appeared in print. We hope that this information will improve your understanding of bearded dragons’ life stages and, in turn, help you ascertain the best way to provide for their health and well-being. It is obvious that, like humans, bearded dragons undergo periods of growth and changes in behavior, which may require the dedicated owner to adjust his or her methods of husbandry to meet the needs of each life stage.

Much work still needs to be done with these lizards in a wide range of areas, including nutrition, herpetological medicine, and genetics. There also remain critical obstacles that have yet to be overcome, such as identifying the factors that have prevented the long-term captive keeping and breeding of Lawson’s dragon and the Eastern bearded dragon. These challenges and promises of an ever-more-exciting future continue to drive us into the peculiar passion called herpetoculture! All in all, it is an exciting time to be involved in the evolution of herpetoculture, and we welcome you to the hobby.

—Terri M. Sommella

1: GENERAL INFORMATION

Bearded dragon is the common name applied to lizards of the genus Pogona in the family Agamidae, several of which display a beard-like extension of the throat, which turns black when threatened. The bearded dragon most readily available to pet owners is the inland bearded dragon (P. vitticeps). Because the inland bearded dragon is by far the most popular, the information presented in this book relates to that species unless indicated otherwise.

Two other types of bearded dragon are commercially bred in very small numbers: Lawson’s dragon (P. henrylawsoni) and the Eastern bearded dragon (P. barbata). Lawson’s dragon is a smaller and naturally tame species, but, unfortunately, it does not reproduce as easily as the inland bearded dragon and thus is not readily available. The large Eastern bearded dragon is rarely offered for sale because it also has proven difficult to breed consistently and presents certain problems in long-term husbandry that still need to be resolved. Hybrids between inland bearded dragons and Lawson’s dragons are occasionally offered for sale under the name Vittikin dragons.

Inland bearded dragons now come in a variety of morphs, including normal brown-and-tan dragons, although true normals are difficult to find. There are colors such as Citrus and Super Citrus, Fire Red, and Hypo Orange (Tangerine); pale hypomelanistic pastels (Hypo Pastels); and even white types, including Hypo Ice, Snow, and some Zero dragons. New patterns, such as the Dunner and exciting Purple Paradox, have emerged. Translucent dragons are on the scene; in our line, they have black eyes. Another interesting variety is the leatherback bearded dragon, which displays reduced tubercles on the skin, making it smoother to the touch. We can continue to expect to see new morphs in the future because breeders constantly strive to introduce variety into the hobby.

Prices for inland bearded dragons vary considerably, depending on the individual’s sex, color morph, genetics, health, age, and expected reproductive rate. You will have to evaluate which of the various kinds of bearded dragon is best suited for your purpose, whether you are looking for a pet, a living work of art, or a source of revenue from breeding. The next step is to find a high-quality source for your new bearded dragon. Bearded dragons are available through breeders’ websites, at pet shops, and at reptile shows.

Bearded dragons are easy for children to handle if done properly.

Is a Bearded Dragon the Right Pet for You?

As mentioned, many experts rank the bearded dragon as one of the very best reptile pets. These lizards are beautiful, active, entertaining, moderately sized, easy to handle, naturally tame (with few exceptions), and relatively easy to keep. Compared to smaller reptiles, they are robust and hardy. Compared to larger reptiles, they are relatively safe for children, although basic hygiene habits such as hand-washing must be practiced. The only potential downside that we’ve found is their enclosure requirements. As adults, these lizards require an enclosure of at least 48 inches long (longer if you have the space).

Because bearded dragons require substantial amounts of food, including live insects, they defecate frequently, so their enclosures and substrates have to be cleaned daily. Of course, there are ways to minimize the amount of time that cleanup takes. Using paper towels as a substrate makes cleanup fast and easy, but some owners may prefer the look of reptile carpet. Either way, we find that our customers spend about 10–15 minutes a day caring for their bearded dragons.

Although bearded dragons seem to present less risk of disease transmission than some other reptiles, you must practice simple hygiene if you are to share your home with a bearded dragon. Any reptile can carry the Salmonella bacterium, which can be shed in the feces and may pose a disease threat to humans, especially infants, toddlers, and those who are immune suppressed. You should never allow your bearded dragon on food-handling surfaces, such as kitchen counters and dining-room tables. You should wash your hands immediately after handling your bearded dragon. Wash your dragon’s food and water bowls separately from your household dishes. And, of course, keep your bearded dragon’s enclosure scrupulously clean. Sound judgment and common sense will keep your dragon a low-risk, valued member of the household.

An Eastern bearded dragon.

Natural Habitat

All bearded dragons originated in Australia. Although dragons currently found in the pet trade are many generations removed from their Australian roots, details about their habitat in the wild provide clues to proper husbandry in captivity.

Most bearded dragons live in relatively hot, arid regions of Australia, and thus require a warm, dry enclosure in captivity. However, water is mandatory and should be offered in shoulder-deep water bowls, through misting and/or soaking (depending on the age of the animal), and through fresh greens. A bearded dragon’s enclosure should offer temperature gradients, meaning that the dragon should be able to move from the hot basking side of the tank to the cool side to lower its internal temperature when necessary.

Wild bearded dragons in Australia enjoy climbing and basking on rock piles and on the rails and posts of fences. When designing a home for your juvenile dragon, include a long, low, smooth rock—natural or artificial. For an adult, a large, thick piece of driftwood will act as a climbing branch and be happily accepted. Provide a basking light so the dragon can heat up, which stimulates feeding.

A proper bearded dragon setup recreates certain aspects of its wild habitat.

Longevity

Although there are a few reports of pet inland bearded dragons exceeding ten years of age, most live between five and eight years if they are initially healthy and raised in good conditions. One of our customers called us to report that her dragon died at the age of twelve, so she obviously was an excellent caregiver. She acquired the supplies that we recommended, and she followed the care instructions that we gave her when she first purchased the dragon. She called us when she had questions rather than relying on the opinions of other pet owners.

It is easy to fall in love with bearded dragons, but loving a bearded dragon is not enough when it comes to giving your pet the care he needs and deserves. Being an excellent caregiver is what will give your dragon the potential to reach his maximum life expectancy. The fact that you purchased this book says that you are well on your way to understanding your bearded dragon’s needs and providing an environment that meets those needs.

Bearded dragons of all ages, from baby (shown) to adult, need an adequate supply of clean water to prevent dehydration.

Sexing

Accurately determining the sex of baby bearded dragons is difficult; at best, it is an educated guess. Adults, however, show secondary sexual characteristics that allow for relatively easy sexual identification.

When trying to sex juvenile bearded dragons, people often examine several factors. The first trait to look at is the tail taper. The tails of females taper more sharply from the base compared to those of males, which appear just slightly thicker. In our experience, this method is most successful when applied to the small percentage of individuals that show greater extremes of tail taper. The differences in tail taper often become more pronounced as bearded dragons grow older.

The femoral pores are examined next. Prominent femoral pores on a 6-inch juvenile would indicate a probable male. Femoral pores show as a running line of dots on the inner thighs of the dragons.

Head size is also possibly helpful in determining the sex of babies because males tend to have a wider skull base compared to females. This is not always true but, combined with the aforementioned methods, looking at the skull’s width can help you determine the probable sex of a baby bearded dragon.

Another technique has improved the accuracy of sexing small bearded dragons, but it must be performed with extreme care and is best done by an expert dragon handler. This method consists of holding a dragon facing out and lying flat on the palm of one hand while gently bending the dragon’s tail above the body plane with the other hand. We can’t emphasize enough that you must perform this task gently to avoid harming the dragon. Carefully bending the tail toward the ceiling, above the body plane, will cause the skin on the ventral side (underside) of the tail base to be stretched back, which will show the outlines of hemipenal bulges in males. These bulges run directly caudal (toward the tail) from the vent (cloacal opening). A defined, central post-anal groove—two vertical bulges with a channel running between—is a good indicator of a male,. In females, slight post-anal bulges may be visible, but they tend to run laterally from the vent, midline, like the arms of an inverted V. A probable female can appear flat right above the vent or can show one small bump. This method works best with experience and is usually complemented by other concurring observations, such as the male’s thicker tail and wider cloacal opening.

When sexing subadult and adult bearded dragons, you can apply the same method of raising the tail as described for sexing babies. As with babies, extreme gentleness is a must. Subadult and adult dragons can also be accurately sexed by pulling back the vent flap and exposing the cloacal opening. In males, the cloacal opening is significantly wider and larger than in females. Assessing the cloacal opening in babies is ineffective because males need to be older before the greater cloacal width becomes clearly noticeable.

In an adult male, you can evert one of the hemipenes by applying pressure with a thumb to one side of the tail base and rolling up toward the vent, which should cause a hemipenis to protrude. This process requires experience to perform properly and is sometimes applied to determine the sex of small bearded dragons, but it is not recommended because of the high risk of injury from crushing trauma if not performed with the proper level of experience and sensitivity. It is usually unnecessary to go to extremes to determine the sex of adults.

Many adults are also easy to sex from secondary sexual characteristics, including the aforementioned thicker tails/less tail taper and enlarged femoral pores in males. Also, adult males develop larger and broader heads as they mature. Males will also display, which