Bearded agama: maintenance, care, disease, reproduction

Keeping bearded dragons is a simple task, according to experts. Despite all its exoticism, caring for this pet will not bring great difficulties. Nevertheless, of course, some nuances need to be known.

The content of bearded agamas: what should a terrarium look like

For start by understanding how furnish a home for such a pet:

• For so that the content bearded dragons was the most comfortable pets, it is recommended to buy a terrarium at least 50 cm deep and high, and in width – 180-200 cm. It is generally believed that that the wider the dwelling for these lizards – all the better. During the day they are quite active. so they will happily run around large area. Given the activity pets, should be provided and lid to prevent escaping lizards out, and durable glass. Lid, By the way, it should not be continuous, but slatted to allow air to enter the terrarium remained unproblematic. Extremely it is desirable that the terrarium provide side entrance, because, most likely, a hand, which will descend from above, the lizard will perceive it as a threat.
• Lighting must be very good, as agamas – Deserts. Their usual light day is from 12 to 14 hours. That’s why especially economical hosts prefer set up a terrarium in the sun side of housing. But on cloudy days or winter time, of course, without additional light sources not enough. Experts recommend connect ultraviolet lamps, labeled UVB 7-8% – they and quality light will provide, and help pets get vitamin D in sufficient quantity. And without it vitamin absorption of calcium will be given more difficult! Install this lamp follows inside the terrarium, retreating about 25-30 cm from the bottom, or even 45 see Otherwise, the pet may get burned.
• Very important to maintain correct temperature setting that helps digest food properly. Specialists claim that during the day in the shade zone temperature must be set to between 25 and 30 degrees, and solar – from 38 to 50 degrees. At night it is recommended to lower the indicators up to 22 degrees.
• That regarding the level of humidity, then the optimal 40% is considered an indicator. If he will less, the pet will overheat. Not out of place will also spray once a day terrarium with water from a spray bottle. However, to arrange excessively wet the atmosphere is also not worth it – not worth it forget that this is unusual for agamas in wild nature.
• That As for the decor, it is also important. Some owners believe that lizards are used to living in deserts, they need next to nothing plan. But such a perception is erroneous. Agamas love to hide from time to time, to feel safe and comfort. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase special “shelters” in the form of rocks, snag. The main thing is that they do not have sharp corners. You can even put natural twigs, pre stripped of bark. Pebbles are the best choose smooth and dark.
• Ground highly desirable, as agamas adore dig into it. But young individuals are better not to buy it, as they will surely try it eat. А here you can buy adult lizards, e.g. special desert sand or a small pebble. The main thing is so that the soil is environmentally friendly. That is, millet to collect sand from the nearest yard is not worth it. pour soil needs a layer of at least centimeters at 10 so that the agama can properly dig it.

What you need to know about feeding bearded dragons

А now let’s talk about how to feed these pets:

• Bearded dragons are omnivores. That is, they consume plant and animal food. The percentage of one or another component in the diet should depend on the age of the pet. So, young individuals grow rapidly. Therefore, they need more protein. Therefore, about 80% of the menu of young agamas should be occupied by insects and small animals, and only 20% should be allocated to plant foods. In adults, everything is exactly the opposite: 80% – plant food and 20% – protein. Some owners do not take this moment into account, and feed both young lizards and adults in the same way. And this can negatively affect their health.
• Let’s talk in more detail about the composition of the diet. So, the ideal plant foods are, for example, leafy vegetables like lettuce, spinach, Chinese cabbage. Vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, eggplant, zucchini are also suitable. From fruits, you can choose apples, previously pitted, bananas. A little grapes wouldn’t hurt either. It is also worth including in the diet such green foods as dandelions, sprouted oats, clover, wheat leaves. Sour foods like tomatoes or citrus should not be given. All components are served raw and cut into small pieces so that the pet does not choke.
• Animal food is earthworms, crickets. The larvae of zofobuses, martyrs will also come in handy. Even cockroaches will come in handy, but not those that live in houses. It is highly advisable to purchase insects in special stores, as those found in nature can be contagious. Worms should be served in containers with high edges so that they do not get out. And it is better to plant cockroaches and crickets in a separate place. You can also gently feed insects with tweezers.
• Feeding is also important. It can be special mineral supplements, vitamins, feeding for reptiles. All this is easily sold in veterinary stores. You can also crush eggshells and sprinkle them on regular food.
• And how often to feed the agamas? The young should be fed three times a day. Juvenile refers to individuals under 5 months of age. Older lizards can walk once a day.
• As for water, you can put a container with it in the terrarium. However, not all dragons drink water this way. Some owners simply spray their pets with a spray bottle, and they then lick off the droplets.

Hygiene of the bearded agama: let’s talk about the nuances

That can you say about the hygiene of the agama?

• This a pet, when actively growing, worries molt. Adult individuals, by the way, do not face her. Help a pet possible, periodically spraying it from spray gun to the skin softened. You can also swim in for 15-30 minutes the lizard in warm water. You can also moisturize the skin with special products from pet stores, which It will also help you take care of your skin. А here to peel off the skin in any case you can’t – you can add wounds to your pet, which will then become infected..
• That for bathing during the normal period, then he is not needed – accustomed to living in deserts agamas do not resort to this. Except that, if it is very hot and the pet is sick, it can be redeemed. This must be done in container in which the lizard is immersed so that the head is above the water.
• That when it comes to cleaning the terrarium, then carry out it is, of course, necessary. Moreover, the general washing the terrarium itself and equipment, cleaning the soil Periodically soil needs to be completely changed. Such general cleaning recommended arrange once a month. But faeces and leftover food, of course, need to be removed much more often – namely, as they arrive.

About breeding bearded dragons

That need to know about the reproduction of these lizards?

• Cook pets should be starting closer to that when they are 2 years old. Some believe that lizards reach puberty already by the year, and partially This is true. In theory, they really can give offspring, but still too weak for that. But as soon as the pet 2 years old, have to wait spring – then the season begins for the agamas breeding. therefore it is recommended to prepare from the winter, adding to food supplements containing vitamin E.
• Males and females should be kept separately, planting when the male’s throat turns red – this will mean that he is ready for reproduction. When the female is ready, she begins to show interest in the groom. If it does not show, the groom is better temporarily deposit.
• If but both are ready, they will do everything themselves. The owner remains after 5 minutes to deposit pets and all. Usually, mating they last so long.
• Next everything is done by the lizard itself. Agama pulls out a mink about 40 cm, where 45-65 days after contact with the male will lay eggs. The only the care of the owner in this regard is to ensure sufficient level of sand in the terrarium.
• Incubation will last from 50 to 90 days. To the owner care must be taken to ensure that the temperature terrarium in this period was within 27-30 degrees during the day and 24-26 – at night.

How to tame a bearded agamu at home: useful tips

Comfortable content is impossible without normal taming a pet, and that’s what it takes know about this:

• Agamas are incredibly friendly and sociable, but this does not mean at all that they will show these qualities immediately after they appear in the house. After settling in the terrarium, you should wait at least 3-5 days. And only when the pet adapts, you can try to pick it up.
• It is recommended to take a reptile in your arms in silence. If at this moment there is some noise around, the pet may well be frightened, and probably will not want to contact even in the future. But you need to take a reptile in your arms from time to time – for example, to examine it or tidy up the terrarium. Sharp movements, pulling the reptile by the tail are also prohibited.
• When a person holds an agama, he must carefully hold it. You need to keep the tail, and paws, and the body itself. Only in this case, the pet will be comfortable, and he will happily continue communication.
• Darkening of the skin is not always a disease. If the pet has darkened, most likely he is afraid. And if he is afraid, then he will begin to show aggression. In this case, you need to calm the pet, if it is tamed, stroke it. And if not accustomed, then it is better to wait a while, stepping aside.
• Agamas hiding in the shelter should not be disturbed. When they run into the shelter, it is necessary to give them the opportunity to be alone with themselves, to calm down.
• Even if the lizard is tamed, you can not let it go for a walk without supervision. In the kitchen, for example, she can eat something bad. And in other rooms, run into a place that is hard to reach for a person, chew something harmful, chat with another unfriendly pet. In a word, you should always let the agama go for a walk under the supervision of one of the people.

Diseases of bearded dragons: what should know

Required you should also learn about what can get sick pet:

• Tissue necrosis – it occurs in young lizards due to the fact that a person organizes the wrong diet for them. We just wrote earlier that the incorrect distribution of dietary components depending on age can lead to problems. Also, necrosis is likely in case of infection, low immunity. It is best to visit a hypertologist – a specialist who treats reptiles.
• Stomatitis – appears if the lizard damages the oral cavity or experiences a lack of vitamins A, C. Stomatitis can be cured by introducing the missing vitamins and a 1% Dioxidin solution. Polysporin ointment is also useful.
• The lack of calcium becomes noticeable when the agama has a wobbly gait. Her paws are visibly swollen, as is her throat. She becomes lethargic, almost does not want to eat. It is recommended in this case to give her vitamins A, B3, D.
• Pneumonia – manifests itself in the form of a runny nose, heavy breathing. By the way, agamas encounter her not so rarely. These pets live in hot regions, they do not tolerate cold, drafts very well. It is recommended that in case of pneumonia, it is recommended to administer antibacterial drugs to patients within 7-15 days.
• Cloacitis is problems with bowel movements. Purulent discharge may also appear. To treat this disease, experts recommend introducing Tetravil through a catheter.

Reptile – it has long been the same home animal, like a cat, a dog. Of course, lizards are still considered exotic pets, but their presence at home is no longer enough who is surprised. And if you create for this pet suitable conditions, he will live a great life, which will be no worse than life in the wild.