How to Breed a Bearded Dragon

Bearded dragons are said to have one of the best dispositions of all the lizards. Therefore, they are known to make good reptile pets. Those who enjoy the company of a pet bearded dragon might be considering breeding them for fun or profit. If you'd like to breed bearded dragons, just follow these steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• One pair of adult bearded dragons (preferably at least 2 years old), male and female
• Cage, large enough to allow space for breeding activity
• Litter tray
• Sand and peat mixture
• Chicken egg incubator

Mating and Gestation

1. Place the adult bearded dragon couple into a large, enclosed space.

2. Begin keeping an eye on the female after mating occurs. Look for signs of a bulging abdomen. The typical gestation period is approximately four to six weeks.

3. Place the sand and peat mixture in the litter tray. This tray should be put in the dragons' cage a week or two prior to the end of the gestation period. You may cover the tray with a section of bark to allow for a darker, enclosed area.

4. Observe the female and wait for her to lay her clutch of eggs. There will be anywhere from 12-30 eggs in a clutch.

5. Remove the tray with the eggs from the enclosure and place in the incubator.

Incubation Period

6. Allow the eggs to remain in the incubator (at a temperature of approximately 84 degrees Fahrenheit) for 65-75 days.

7. Observe the eggs for signs of collapse, toward the end of the incubation period. Bearded dragon eggs begin to collapse about a day before the hatchlings begin to emerge.

8. Keep the baby dragons in the incubator for 24 hours after hatching to ensure the yolk sacs are absorbed.

9. Start the hatchlings on a diet of tiny crickets about three days after hatching.

Tips & Warnings

• Breeding bearded dragons before maturity can pose a health risk to the female. If her bones are not fully developed, she will not be able to lay her eggs easily. Eggs may be reabsorbed into the female's system or create blockages.

[jgsmom]

on 6/9/2008 Great article. I love my beardie!