Bearded Dragon

Bearded Dragon, scientific name: Pogonavitticeps (Ahl,1927), is a species of lizard in the Agamidae family. Also known as the Central Bearded Dragon, it is a diurnal species of agamid. It is mainly distributed in the eastern half of Australia and has a total length of about 45 cm, with a maximum length of about 55 cm. It has a robust body. The spiny scales on the sides of the body grow in different directions. It is a semi-arboreal species. It impresses its opponents by inflating its throat and beard. Its diet consists mainly of insects and plants. The back and neck of the Bearded Dragon are covered with spiny scales. When threatened, this lizard opens its mouth and puffs up its prickly throat to display its aggression, which is how it got its Chinese name "Zōngshīxī".

The bearded dragon is a species of lizard that lives in the deserts of Australia. In typical cases, their gender is determined by the sex chromosomes they inherit, but scientists have found that high temperatures can inhibit the action of the male sex chromosome, causing male embryos to develop into females. Alexander Quinn, a researcher at the Australian National University in Canberra, said that these gender-changing lizards look like females and have female organs, but genetically they are still males.

Not recommended for keeping

One, Parasites

Parasites are a major category and can be found both internally and externally. It is necessary to prevent and treat them in a timely manner, preferably by prevention.

Externally: If a lizard has external parasites, it is usually manifested as black or red elevations and spots on the body surface. Once discovered, it needs to be removed immediately and the tank should be disinfected.

Internally: It requires special tools for inspection, timely vaccination, and internal deworming.

Two, Sneezing

There are many reasons for sneezing, for example, in humans, sneezing is not necessarily a sign of illness, but it may also be due to irritation. However, lizards do not rely on their noses for breathing. They use it mainly to excrete excess salts from the body. Therefore, it is generally normal for lizards to sneeze occasionally. However, if a lizard sneezes continuously, it needs to be paid attention to as it may indicate respiratory infections. This disease needs to be treated as soon as possible.

To prevent it, regular cleaning of the cage and maintaining good ventilation are necessary. Provide a clean and warm environment for the lizard.

Three, Tail Loss

Tail loss is common in lizards. In order to escape from predators, lizards will break off their tails. If you are keeping a lizard and it loses its tail, you need to pay attention to the hygiene of the lizard's cage to avoid infection. The tail will regenerate on its own, so you don't need to worry about it.

Four, Constipation

The main cause of constipation is the need for a balanced diet structure and improved digestibility of food. If constipation occurs, you can soak the lizard in warm water, and after a while, it will defecate. If it still doesn't, you can stimulate defecation through massage.

Five, Metabolic Bone Disease

This disease is mainly caused by calcium deficiency, which makes the lizard's bones weak and prone to fractures. Prevention and treatment of this disease involve calcium supplementation.

From birth to 6 inches in size (about 15 cm): 20-30 gallons (0.09 m³-0.14 m³)

6 inches to adult: 60 gallons (0.27 m³)

Adults or mixed species can be kept in larger enclosures

Using an appropriately sized enclosure is very important for bearded dragons. If the enclosure is too small, it may cause the bearded dragon to overheat and even die.

Use a daytime heat lamp, a nighttime heat lamp, or ceramic heating. Personal preference is ceramic lamps. UVB lamp: 10.0. Temperature controller.

Water dish. Add as needed.

Hideout. (Not necessary)

Substrate (reptile-specific sand, corn cob). To prevent accidental ingestion, newspaper is the best option for small sand. If conditions permit, A4 paper or newspaper is the best choice.

It is best to have one lizard per enclosure. Bearded dragons engage in dominance behavior, and it is possible that one lizard from the same clutch may be 35 cm in size while the other is only 20 cm. Similarly sized female bearded dragons from the same clutch can be housed together, as is done in overseas breeding farms.