The bearded dragon inflates greatly when it takes in air. Agama

The bearded dragon is the most popular species of lizard that exotic lovers keep in their home terrariums. The animals got their name due to the presence of special spiny scales on the crown of the head, throat pouch and around the ears, creating a semblance of a stiff beard. In female agamas, this part of the body is painted a pale orange color; males have a darker “beard” color.

Adult lizards reach a length of 60 cm, their skin color varies from light sand, beige to dark gray and brown. The lifespan of an exotic reptile is on average 8 years.

Habitat

The bearded dragon is a heat-loving creature that naturally lives in dry forests and semi-deserts in the central part of Australia, in areas without access to sea ​​coast. The animal leads a mainly terrestrial lifestyle, but can move through trees and bushes. During the hot period of the day, the agama hides in shady areas of stones, snags, dense vegetation or earthen burrows, strictly adhering to previously designated territories.

Fans of exotic animals keep bearded dragons as pets, choosing for this purpose spacious horizontal terrariums, 80 x 40 cm in size, about 40 cm in height. The temperature in the terrarium for a comfortable stay for a heat-loving lizard should be at least 26 ° C during the day and 20 ° C at night. It is advisable to install a piece of driftwood, a stone embankment or a shelf under the heating source so that the agamas can periodically warm up the body, choosing the optimal temperature for themselves.

The terrarium must contain several shelters of any shape: shelves, houses, slides. The bottom of the container is covered with soil consisting of coarse sand or gravel. There is a drinking bowl and feeder in the corner. For supporting optimal level humidity, the terrarium is sprayed with warm water a couple of times a day. The glass walls of the bearded dragon's home are decorated with a variety of materials that imitate rocks. This kind of props reminds natural environment habitat of lizards and is necessary for them. Adult animals can be kept in small groups of 2 - 3 individuals, of which 1 male and 1 - 2 females.

Feeding

In nature, bearded dragons feed on leaves, fruits, succulent shoots and flowers of plants. Lizards obtain animal protein by including small animals and bird eggs in their diet. When keeping bearded dragons at home in a terrarium, they are fed crickets, mealworms, cockroaches, snails, and songbird eggs. Animal feed should make up about 80% of the total diet. Plant food for agamas includes vegetables, fruits, salad, dandelion leaves and berries. Feeders are replenished every 2 days, maintaining a balance of plant and animal proteins. The liquid in the drinking bowls is changed regularly, periodically adding mineral water.

Reproduction in a terrarium

Bearded dragons are an oviparous lizard species that reach sexual maturity at 2 years of age. When ready to mate, males demonstrate their bright colors by rising on their front legs and nodding their heads. Females consent to mating with intricate movements of their heads and wagging of their tails. Having received certain signs from the female, the male pursues her, and having overtaken her, grabs her neck with his teeth and holds her for fertilization.

1.5 - 2 months after mating games, females lay eggs, burying them to a depth of 40 cm. To do this, they are first placed in a separate terrarium or box with a sufficient amount of sand. The clutch is usually from 9 to 20 eggs, which are placed in an incubator with a temperature of 28 - 29 ° C for 2 months. The hatched babies begin to feed on their own after assimilation of the yolk reserve. During the season, the female lays eggs 2 times, the number of offspring in each clutch is approximately the same. Young animals are given more protein food than adults for good growth and development.

The bearded dragon or bearded lizard (Pogona vitticeps) is native to Australia and is now quite accessible as it is bred in captivity without problems. It is well suited for both beginners and experienced reptile lovers. Due to its flexibility and small size (40-50 cm), ease of maintenance, it has become very popular in last years. In this article you will learn how to care for, maintain and feed your bearded dragon.

Bearded dragon lizards live in Australia, there are several subspecies, but the most popular is Pogona vitticeps. Habitat in arid places, terrestrial and semi-dwelling wood image life and are active during the daytime.

It's pretty large lizards, and adults can reach a size of 45-60 cm in length and weigh 300 grams or more. The bearded dragon lives for about 10 years, although there is evidence of lizards living twice as long.

They have triangular heads and flat bodies, and they got their name from a special neck pouch located under the lower jaw, which they inflate during danger or mating games. It is dark in color, and the sharp increase in size scares away predators.

The usual coloring is gray or brown, but there are also many different variations that can be red, orange or white.

Common bearded dragon morphs:

• Sunburst
• German Giant "German Giant"
• Salmon
• Sandfire
• Blood Red
• Leucistic
• LeatherBack
• Silkback "Silk morph"
• "Dunner" Dragons
• Translucent Morphs
• Japanese Silverback Dragons

And by color:

• White Morphs - white morph
• Yellow Morphs - yellow morph
• Orange Morphs - orange morph
• Tiger Pattern Morphs - with a tiger pattern
• Black Morphs - black morph
• Red Morphs - red morph

Choosing an agama

Before you buy an agama, make sure that the animal is healthy, because it is not cheap. Fortunately, there are several signs by which you can understand that she is not sick.

Examine your dragon carefully, looking for any scars or signs of injury, even if they have already recovered. This may cause problems in the future, and if you have a choice, then take an animal without scars. Also inspect for fresh damage, wounds, or ulcers.

Check the integrity of body parts

Many lizards quickly regenerate lost body parts, but bearded dragons do not have this ability. If her tail or paw is torn off, then she will remain that way forever (no matter what the sellers tell you). However, if she is missing a finger or the tip of her tail, then this is a common occurrence and can be considered normal.

There should be no foam or liquid around the mouth, the presence of which may be an indicator of disease. The eyes should be clear, the nostrils clean.

Alertness

Healthy agamas are always on the alert, because in nature they catch fast insects, and without attention they would die of hunger. An active and fast bearded dragon is the first sign of a healthy animal. True, they can be lethargic and lethargic, even when completely healthy, since they are not active 24 hours a day. Observe the selected lizard for a while. How she behaves, how she eats, how she moves.

Australian dragons are desert reptiles and they live in a dry, hot climate, so in order for them to be healthy, you need to recreate it. In this part you will learn how to make a terrarium with bearded dragon was not only a decoration, but also an ideal home for her.

Terrarium size

Young agamas can be kept in a terrarium of at least 100 liters and long enough. However, they grow quickly and will require more volume within a few months. Adult dragons should be kept in a volume of at least 200 liters, and if the terrarium for a bearded dragon is even larger, it will only be better.

It is better to cover the terrarium with a lattice, since glass, plastic or wood will not allow air to circulate normally and moisture will accumulate in the terrarium. The gratings will allow you to light and heat the terrarium without problems, and they also do not retain moisture.

Lighting

The light falling into the terrarium from the window is completely insufficient for her, even if it is under direct rays. To keep the lizard healthy, it is necessary to illuminate the terrarium with special ultraviolet lamps (UVB 7-8%) for at least 12 hours.

Since agamas live in the desert, they need the sun or its substitute for care and health. It is under ultraviolet rays they can synthesize vitamin D3, which is necessary for normal calcium absorption. This means that you must recreate the spectral spectrum of sunlight.

Fortunately, this is now quite easy to do; any pet store will offer you a variety of lamps for reptiles. It is better to mount the lamps inside the terrarium so that the loss of rays is minimal.

Heating the terrarium

Again, bearded dragons come from the desert, which means they need heat. The temperature in the terrarium should be no lower than 30 C and no higher than 40 C. Do not use stones with a heating element inside for this, as they can cause burns. The easiest way is to use regular incandescent lamps, but better are special lamps for heating a terrarium, which are again sold in pet stores.

If you have a fairly spacious terrarium, then we can create a cool and hot zone. A lamp will be located in the heating zone and the agama will warm up in it, and cool down in the cool zone as needed. The temperature and humidity inside must be checked constantly so that they do not exceed the norm.

A thermometer and a hygrometer are quite cheap and it is better to put two thermometers (in the cool and hot zones) and one hygrometer. Combination thermometers and hygrometers for reptiles, collected in one device, are now popular.

Water

In order for agamas to drink, you can use a spray bottle. Just spray the walls of the terrarium, and they will already lick the drops from them and from the decor. But don’t overdo it, it shouldn’t be too humid inside, after all, they live in dry deserts.

You can also put water in drinking bowls, most often they are styled like stones, but make sure that the water in them is clean. Humidity is important for molting, since low molting is much more difficult. Sometimes you can practice bathing by lowering your agama into a container of warm water.

Priming

For young agamas, it is best to use plain paper, napkins, toilet paper or special mats (substrates) for reptiles. They are very accessible, cheap, and safe for reptiles.

If you choose a substrate, the one that looks best is one that resembles grass. Do not use sand, gravel, or sawdust for juveniles and juveniles! They are very clumsy eaters, very curious and can swallow such soil. And this is already a health risk; sand and other small mixtures clog their intestines, which can lead to death.

Shelters

Your bearded dragon needs a place to hide. There she could feel safe and rest in the shade. You can buy special shelters at the pet store that resemble natural stones, or you can make your own.

The main thing is that it is spacious enough and you can turn around in it. Some owners become concerned if their dragon hides for too long and remove the hiding place during the day. However, it is better to leave it alone and not touch the shelter; the lizard itself will figure out when to hide and when to be active.

Decor

Agamas love to climb somewhere and bask in the sun, so it is better to add things to the terrarium that even the heaviest and largest agama can climb on.

It can be:

Branches and driftwood
Agamas are excellent climbers, so a good branch or two will not only greatly enhance the appearance of the terrarium, but will also make her feel comfortable. Choosing them is not difficult, the main thing is that there is no bark on it (pieces of which agamas can swallow) and no insects. By the way, an old aquarist trick - soaking - will help get rid of the bark. Immerse the driftwood in water and part of the bark will peel off on its own.

Islets

Platforms that are placed under heating lamps. These can be either artificial things or large stones. The latter is best, for example dark rocks, they absorb heat and allow you to warm up more evenly.

Feeding and diet of bearded dragons

Feeding the right food will increase the agama's lifespan, enhance coloration, and activity. Here you will learn what and how to give agamas so that the diet is optimal and the nutrition is complete.

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plant matter and insects. What to feed depends on the size and age of the agama. Young lizards are fed 80% insects and 20% plant foods, but the opposite is true for mature lizards.

When you feed your dragon, make sure the food is no more than the distance between its eyes. This is especially true for pieces of vegetables, since if they are larger, there is a chance that the agama will choke. Before feeding, simply cut the vegetables into small pieces.

Young dragons grow very quickly and because of this they need food that is more nutritious than fruits and vegetables. Owners complain that it is quite difficult to get them to eat plant foods, so just leave them in the terrarium during the day.

Young dragons need to be fed crickets three times a day, enough to eat within 10-15 minutes. After this time, the excess ones need to be removed.

But adult agamas need much less protein food. It’s much less interesting to watch them eat vegetables, but it’s also cheaper!

By the way, if you give too much, they will not refuse, but they will become fat and lethargic, so maintain moderation. The basis of feeding is vegetables, but insects can be given once a day. The principle of feeding crickets is the same as for young lizards.

Insects

• crickets
• cockroaches (not domestic)
• mealworms
• Zofobas
• earthworms
• crawls out

Vegetables and fruits

Watching an agama eat vegetables is a rather boring experience compared to insects. However, plant foods are the basis of feeding adult bearded dragons. Vegetables and fruits contain essential minerals and vitamins.

• Cabbage
• Dandelions
• Carrot tops
• Parsley
• hibiscus
• Alfalfa
• Apples
• Strawberry

Conclusion

If you have read this article, then you know the basics of keeping and caring for a bearded dragon. However, it is better to use several sources before approaching anyone. This article is imperfect and will be improved as agama lovers make comments.

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bearded dragon- (lat. Pogona vitticeps, eng. Bearded Dragon) - a lizard of the agamidae family that lives in arid deserts and semi-deserts, dry forests and rocky terrain in the states of Queensland, New South Wales, in the north-west of Victoria, in the east of the state of South Wales Australia and the southeast of the Northern Territory.

The bearded dragon got its name because of the characteristic neck pouch, which, in moments of danger or mating, swells up, acquiring a dark color dominated by yellowish, gray or brown colors. The color is dominated by yellowish, gray or brown tones. Color may vary depending on the temperature and condition of the animal. In adults, the pattern is practically absent; in young people, spots and stripes on the back and sides form regular geometric patterns.

The bearded dragon leads a terrestrial and semi-arboreal lifestyle, never going to the sea coast.

The size of an adult bearded agama reaches 50-60 centimeters, the body has a flattened elepsoidal shape, the length of the tail is one and a half times the length of the agama's body. Scales in the form of prickly spines are located in rows along the lizard’s body, mainly on the sides, thereby increasing the apparent size of the body. Thanks to the unusual structure of the scales, the bearded dragon has an exotic and predatory species. The head has a triangular shape and is framed with spines; there are auditory openings on the sides.

When threatened, the bearded dragon flattens its body, inflates its “beard” and opens its mouth - this behavior visually increases the size of the dragon and scares away enemies.

The bearded dragon leads a predominantly predatory lifestyle, feeding on insects, small rodents and birds; the lizard’s diet also includes plant foods in a much smaller proportion, which makes up only 20% of the diet. Since agamas of this species live mainly in dry places, they obtain moisture through food. When it rains, the bearded dragon bends its body forward and drinks the water flowing down its body.

Agamas become sexually mature at 2 years of age. Oviparous species. After being brought out of the winter, the agamas are irradiated and fed, adding preparations containing vitamin “E” to the food for 2-3 weeks. Males acquire bright, “nuptial” colors. Then the males and females are seated next to each other if they were sitting separately. Males display bright throat coloration by raising themselves on their front legs and nodding their heads. Females ready to mate demonstrate their consent to males various movements head and tail manipulation. After this, the males chase the females, overtake them, grab them with their teeth, hold them and insert their hemipenises. Copulation does not last long, up to 5 minutes. After mating, 45-65 days later, females lay eggs. To do this, they need to dig a hole at least 40 cm deep. Therefore, pregnant females should be placed in a special terrarium, in which either a layer of sand of similar depth is created, moistened from below, or a box 40 cm high and long is attached to the bottom of the terrarium. about 30 cm wide, into which the entrance leads, through a hole in the bottom of the terrarium, the box is filled with sand, coconut substrate with vermiculite or a mixture of sand and vermiculite, also with bottom moisture. The clutch is removed and placed in an incubator at a temperature of 27-29°C. The number of eggs in a clutch is from 9 to 25 pieces. After 65-90 days, and at a temperature in the incubator of 30-31°C, after 55-60 days, the eggs hatch and the babies begin to feed after assimilation of the yolk reserve. The female lays 2, approximately equal, clutches per season.

It was known that the sex of these lizards is determined by chromosomes: ZW in females and ZZ in males, but in the agama there is a dependence on temperature during the incubation period.

Temperature dependence:

22-32 °C - both sexes

32 °C - all females

In males, the tail is noticeably thicker at the base. The throat (beard) of adult males during the mating season is dark blue or black, while that of females is orange or beige.

Bearded dragons are kept in spacious horizontal terrariums with stones and strong branches, which are easy for the animals to climb. The minimum dimensions of a terrarium for 1-2 individuals are 80x40x40 cm (excluding the height of the lamp). The temperature is maintained using a thermal cord, a thermal mat, a thermal stone, or using local, downward heating (incandescent lamp, mirror lamp). It is advisable to place the terrarium at a considerable height from the floor, so that the animals feel relatively safe. Gravel, small round stones or sand are used as soil (Sand can get into the lizard's stomach with food, clogging it.). The temperature during the day is 25 - 30 degrees, under a heater (incandescent lamps) up to 35°. At night 20 - 24. Ultraviolet irradiation is mandatory, especially during the growth period. The humidity is low, but it is advisable to spray the terrarium once a day with warm water and a drinking bowl with water. UV lamp (ReptiGlo 5.0 or 8.0). Under the heating point, install driftwood, branches, a shelf or a stone slide so that the agamas can warm up well, while choosing the temperature they need. Branches and snags are also placed in a cold corner. Shelters are of any shape: houses, shelves, piles of stones, etc. The walls of the terrarium are decorated with a background of shaped material that resembles rocks, and allows agamas to climb on its surface. Adult agamas can be kept in a group: 1 male/1-2 females.
Duration daylight hours and operation of daytime heating, during the period of animal activity - 12 hours. Irradiation with UV lamps with UVB 7-8% during daylight hours; such lamps can perform both lighting and irradiation functions. For irradiation, you can also use erythema lamps - 5 minutes 3 times a day. In the absence of the above lamps, you can irradiate with household appliances such as UV for 1 to 2 minutes during the week, from above, from a distance of at least 50 cm - once a month. When irradiated with erythema lamps and devices such as ultraviolet radiation, the animal must be in dry conditions. During the winter months, which for bearded dragons, inhabitants of the southern hemisphere, are June-August, it is necessary to arrange a period of rest, subject to strict adherence to the following conditions. Over the course of two weeks, the daylight hours and the duration of the heating are gradually reduced; at a 6-hour day, the lizards are stopped feeding and the heating is turned off. Then, after a week, they are placed in a light-proof, ventilated cage filled with sawdust or well-pressed sphagnum. The temperature during wintering should be at 15-18°C. Maintaining humidity: by spraying the soil in the corner of the cage once a week. Periodically place a drinking bowl in the fish tank. The duration of wintering is up to 2 months, if the animal is in normal condition. The agamas are brought out of the winter in the same rhythm in which they were put down, gradually increasing the daylight and heat. At 6 hour days, turn on the heating and offer food. For immature young animals, wintering is not necessary, but desirable. Some terrariumists practice changing the seasonal rhythms of animals in the southern hemisphere to the seasonal rhythms of the northern hemisphere, but it should be remembered that such a replacement is only possible for animals that have undergone long-term adaptation, have lived in captivity for several years, or were born and raised (especially those that have replaced more than one generation) in terrariums. conditions.

Feeding

In nature, they feed on various invertebrates and small vertebrates, leaves and succulent shoots of plants, flowers and soft fruits. In terrarium conditions, agamas are fed with crickets (brownies, bananas, etc.), cockroaches, mealworms, zoophobass, and other insects. They readily eat snails, songbird eggs, juveniles and newborn mice. Plant foods include grated vegetables and fruits (carrots, cabbage, rutabaga, apples, pears), lettuce, tradescantia and dandelion leaves, sliced ​​bananas, tomatoes, cucumbers, as well as berries and fresh fruits. leguminous plants(diet of plant feed No. 2). Give plant food in feeders: low, wide bowls or ditches, which are placed in the terrarium and taken out during the day after eating the food. Animal foods make up approximately 80% of the diet, and 20% are plant foods. Young people are offered similar food in smaller sizes. Feeding is carried out at least once every two days, preferably daily, varying the feed. They drink water, for which it is necessary to regularly change it in the drinking bowl. Along with feed it is necessary to give various mineral supplements, for example: crushed eggshells, calcium. You can add mineral water (Borjomi) to the drinking bowl. Offer concentrated vitamin preparations with food no more than once a month. Give well-balanced reptile food according to instructions.

Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animals
Type: Chordates
Class: Reptiles
Squad: Scaly
Suborder: Lizards
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Bearded Dragons
View: Bearded dragon

Despite the fact that the Australian bearded dragon is an exotic animal that has recently begun to be bred at home, keeping it is becoming increasingly popular among reptile lovers, thanks to its good adaptation to captivity, easy care, docile nature and not too large size in combination with a spectacular appearance. Of course, before you get such a unique pet, you need to study the features of its maintenance.

Habitat and natural lifestyle of the bearded dragon

The place where exotic lizards live freely in natural conditions is the central and southern regions of Australia; agamas are never found near the seashore. Natural conditions Habitats: arid rocky areas of desert and semi-desert type, dry forests, bushes.

Reptiles are active during the day, they travel and hunt both on the ground and in trees, hide in burrows, and hide in stones and bushes. Bearded dragons limit their territory and do not leave it. They wait out the heat in shelters or in well-ventilated areas of trees.

Agamas can live both on the ground and in trees

Appearance and lifespan

These reptiles were classified at the beginning of the 20th century. The bearded dragon belongs to the genus Pogona, which includes several species:

• Pogona barbata;
• Pogona henrylawsoni;
• Pogona microlepidota;
• Pogona minima;
• Pogona minor;
• Pogona nullarbor;
• Pogona vitticeps.

The most common is Pogona vitticeps, which in Latin means “bearded with a bulbous headband.” The reptiles are given this name because of the beard-like spines around the ears and throat, and a pouch under the neck that can swell and darken when the dragon is in danger or during the rutting season.

Dramatic enlargement of the neck pouch may deter predators

The size of an adult animal is 35–60 cm in length including the tail, weight is approximately 300 g. The tail is 1.5–2 times longer than the body. The triangular head is equipped with lateral auditory openings, the body is flat with two rows of spines.

Despite the threatening appearance, the spines and scales are quite soft to the touch and have a pleasant texture, in contrast to the more rigid and scaly iguana.

The agama is distinguished by fingers with long claws, a wide mouth, sharp teeth: She grabs food with her front ones, and chews with her back ones. Can catch insects with the sticky tip of its tongue.

Coloration and sexual differences

The most common skin color is gray or brown, the scales often form a pattern resembling spots or stripes, which is more pronounced in young dragons, but is almost invisible in adults. The belly is lighter. The skin may change color slightly depending on the conditions of detention, ambient temperature, general condition animal.

There are specimens with various shades - from red to almost white. The main difference between males and females is that their tail is much thicker at the base, and their neck pouch is mating season

becomes black or dark blue, while in females it becomes beige or orange.

Based on skin color, bearded dragons are divided into the following types:

1. Morphs bred by breeders:
   

   German Giant Bearded Dragons - "German Giant". It was bred by German breeders. This morph freely interbreeds with any others and is large in size.

2. The "German Giant" is distinguished by its particularly large size

   Italian Leatherback Morphs - “leatherback agama”. It was bred in Italy and has less spiky scales. Some individuals may be practically devoid of lateral spines.

3. Some leathery morphs lack lateral spines

   Silkback Morphs - “silk morph”. Obtained as a result of crossing leathery morphs. It has almost bare skin, very pleasant, soft and silky to the touch, but is too sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, in addition, the skin is prone to drying out. Requires more careful grooming than the average bearded dragon.

4. Dunner Dragons - distinguished by spikes that grow up the beard and white vertical stripes on the tail.

   Instead of the usual horizontal pattern on the tail, Dunner Dragons have vertical stripes

5. Translucent Morphs - translucent morph. The trait is most pronounced in young reptiles.
   

   Translucent skin is a genetic disorder

6. Leucistic Morphs are light in color and their skin does not produce dark pigments. True leucists should not even have black nails.
   

   If at least one nail is black, then this is not a leucist.

7. Witblits Dragons - absolutely agama white, the drawing is completely missing. They are born darker, but with age their color should become pure white.

   The Witblits Dragons morph is completely white, without a pattern.

8. Japanese Silverback Dragons are born with the same coloration as regular dragons, but lighten with age and a silver tint appears on their backs.

   Japanese Silverback Dragons are distinguished by their silver color

Lifespan of bearded dragons in captivity

Lifespan house lizard depends on proper care, lighting, nutrition. In a zoo, a bearded dragon can live up to 10–12 years, in an apartment - usually less, 6–7 years. Some breeders claim that such reptiles live up to 40 years at home, but this is a myth.

The Swallowtail Agama Hydrosaurus can live in captivity for up to 24-26 years, if obesity is not allowed, rhythm is maintained, and the terrarium is much larger than the size of the reptile so that it can move freely.

The lifespan of bearded dragons depends on the right conditions content

How to choose a bearded dragon

Before purchasing a pet reptile, you need to make sure that it is completely healthy. Young agamas can often bite off each other’s finger or the tip of their tail, so this defect is quite common, is considered practically normal and does not pose a danger, but other signs should be studied more carefully:

1. Presence of wounds or damage. Before purchasing, the lizard must be carefully examined: there should be no fresh wounds, scars (even long-lasting ones), ulcers or other defects on its body.
2. Body integrity. Bearded dragons are unable, like other lizards, to regenerate body parts. Therefore, if she does not have a tail, it will definitely not grow back.
3. Clean eyes and nostrils - there should be no discharge around them, and no liquid or foam near the mouth.
4. Activity. It is better to observe the selected reptile for some time, because it cannot maintain round-the-clock activity. But if the agama is constantly lethargic and inactive, this is an alarming sign, because in nature these animals are quite mobile.

Video: how to choose a healthy lizard

Features of maintenance and care

Construction of the terrarium

To keep agamas, a terrarium is required; the cage can only be used temporarily, as a carrier. You need to choose a terrarium designed for reptiles, horizontal, and long enough. Young individuals can be placed in a container of 100 liters or more, but you need to take into account their growth rate, which means that a larger volume will soon be needed. Optimal size terrarium for one adult lizard - 80x45x45 cm, volume from 200 liters, but the longer the container, the better. For two or three individuals, a terrarium with a minimum size of 100x50x50 cm is required. The container can be made of glass or plastic, the main thing is to avoid the presence of sharp edges and burrs.

It is better to cover the top of the terrarium with a grill; this will provide ventilation and prevent condensation from accumulating. Access to the terrarium is made from the side, since the lizard may perceive a lowering hand as a danger.

It is recommended to place the container higher from the floor, so the reptiles will feel safer. Bearded dragons are very mobile, so it is better to keep them in a free terrarium, but it is not advisable to let them run around the apartment, especially on the floor.

The terrarium for a bearded dragon should be horizontal, with an entrance on the side

My opinion is that it is better to raise these animals one by one. They often have fights and simply “psychological” pressure, as a result of which the weaker lizard, experiencing constant stress, becomes lethargic, begins to weaken, lose appetite, get sick, and may even die.

Sofia Remizova

www.myreptile.ru

Video: preparing the terrarium

Daylight and exposure

Agamas are characterized by daylight hours lasting 12–14 hours. IN winter period The ultraviolet lamp should work continuously for 13–14 hours every day. It is recommended to place lighting fixtures inside the terrarium to prevent light loss; the distance to the bottom should be 25–30 cm.

It is better to use lamps marked UVB 7–8%, which are suitable not only for lighting, but also for irradiation. For this purpose, erythema lamps are also used - 5 minutes 3 times a day.

You can replace special lamps with UFO-type heaters, using them for a week for 1–2 minutes from above at a distance of at least 50 cm - no more than once a month. When using erythema lamps and UV devices, the inside of the terrarium must be dry.

Ultraviolet lamps are used for lighting and irradiation

Wintering

Months from June to August in southern hemisphere, familiar to natural habitat bearded dragons occur in the winter. During this period, reptiles are recommended to winterize according to certain rules.

1. Over the course of 14 days, the duration of lighting and heating is gradually shortened.
2. When daylight reaches 6 hours, the heating is turned off and the lizards stop feeding.
3. After another 7 days, they are moved to a separate container with good ventilation and a temperature of 15–18 °C.
4. Once a week, the soil, consisting of wet sawdust or sphagnum, is sprayed with water, and periodically a drinking bowl must be placed in the container. If the animal feels normal, wintering lasts about two months.

To bring them out of winter, they increase lighting and heating in the same sequence. When the day reaches 6 hours, they begin to feed. Young agamas do not need wintering as much as mature lizards, but it is still advisable to do so. Many reptile owners practice hibernation during the winter months, but this is only possible for individuals that were born and raised in a terrarium or have lived in captivity for several years.

Heating

Since bearded dragons are accustomed to hot arid climate, the temperature for their maintenance should be high, from 30 to 40 °C. It is better not to exceed this limit so that the lizards do not get burns. Overheating is especially dangerous for young individuals. It is not advisable to use stones with heating inside. Young agamas can be provided with a downward-facing heating point (low-power incandescent lamp or mirror) with a temperature of 32–33 °C during the day and 22–24 °C at night. In the place of local heating tThe temperature should be measured with a good, accurate thermometer directly under the lamp. Be sure to arrange a “cold” corner where the reptile can cool down - 22–24 °C (at night 18–20 °C).

Under the heating point, you can install a snag, a wooden block, a branch, a shelf or a bridge, where the agama could climb to find the appropriate temperature. In a cool zone, install branches or snags for shelter, or make a hole from a container with a lid, making an entrance hole on the side and pouring wet sand on the bottom.

The terrarium should have a warm and cold corner

It is important to ensure that there are no drafts in the terrarium, otherwise the lizard may get sick.

The temperature and humidity level must be monitored regularly, ensuring that the norm is not exceeded. It is better to put two thermometers (in the cool and hot zones) and one hygrometer. Although you can use a combination thermometer and hygrometer for reptiles.

Water

Many agamas practically do not drink; they mostly get enough moisture from juicy vegetables and herbs, but in the drinking bowl it is necessary to regularly change the water to clean and fresh water to maintain moisture, this is especially important during the molting period. At the same time, the terrarium should not be too humid. Once a day, in the morning or evening, the walls of the terrarium can be sprayed with clean water (when keeping young animals - 2-3 times a day).

This simulates dew falling; in addition, reptiles are happy to lick moisture from the walls or decor.

Water should always be fresh to prevent bacteria from growing in it.

Bathing Bearded dragons do not need to be bathed regularly; they only need bathing in certain cases: when dehydrated (for example, after wintering), to prevent diseases during the warm season, during molting, or if the dragon is very dirty. In such cases, the reptile is immersed in a container with a small amount warm water

(about 35 °C), the head must be at the top.

Video: how to properly bathe an agama

What soil is suitable for agamas Agamas love to burrow into the soil, so its thickness should be at least 10 cm. It is best to use special substrates for reptiles, choosing those that imitate vegetation. Napkins, paper or thick fabric, are suitable for young animals. toilet paper , pressed cellulose mats. Sand or pebbles with a diameter of 10 mm or more can be poured into the container where adult animals are kept. Do not use gravel, sawdust, stones or sand for a terrarium with young animals.

Reptiles often eat soil, which poses a health hazard - particles clog the intestines and can be fatal.

The soil should be such that the agama cannot swallow it

Shelters and decor A bearded dragon needs a place to hide. Shelters can be of any shape: houses, shelves, stones. You can buy them at a pet store or make them yourself. The main condition is that there must be enough space in the shelter so that the lizard can turn around freely.

There is no need to touch the shelter or remove it for the day.

The walls of the terrarium can be decorated with shaped material, giving it the shape of rocks that the reptile can climb. Under the heating point, you can place flat dark stones that absorb heat well.

When choosing branches for decoration, you should first clear them of bark so that the agama does not swallow it and insects. Soaking will help solve these problems. Just immerse the prepared branch in water and hold it for a while: part of the bark will fall off on its own.

Video: How to Keep Bearded Dragons

Nutrition Basics

In nature, bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they can eat both plant and animal foods. But the diet depends on the age and size of the lizard. Young agamas are actively growing, for this they require a lot of protein, so during this period they eat practically no fiber. Feed ratio for young individuals: 80% - insects and small animals, 20% - vegetables, fruits, herbs. For adult sexually mature individuals, the ratio changes in reverse side(80% - plant food, 20% - animal food). If young agamas do not immediately eat plant food, they are left for a day in a flat feeder with low sides. Protein food is given to young animals three times a day in an amount that they can eat in 10–15 minutes. Remains of food are removed.

Adult agamas are prone to obesity when kept at home, so they should not be overfed. The size of the food pieces should not exceed the distance between the agama’s eyes to prevent the animal from choking.

Animal food

The feed ratio for young animals should be 80% protein and 20% plant foods, and vice versa for adults

Insects suitable for feeding bearded dragons:

• crickets (house, banana, etc.);
• cockroaches (not domestic ones);
• flour beetles;
• Zofobas.

Agamas also eat snails, earthworms, eggs, about once a month you can give newborn rodents, lean meat.

Video: feeding a lizard with crickets

Plant food

Vegetables and plant leaves are the basis of the diet of adult agamas and a source essential vitamins and minerals. Before feeding, they must be grated or finely chopped. Lizards can be given:

• carrot;
• cabbage;
• rutabaga;
• pumpkin;
• lettuce, tradescantia and dandelion leaves;
• carrot tops;
• parsley, alfalfa, etc.

A diet suitable for agamas green iguanas or land turtles. Like iguanas, agamas are good at distinguishing colors, so they are attracted to food in rich colors (red, yellow, green). Reptiles can eat apples, pears, and bananas, but it is still not recommended to give them fruit.

Agamas enjoy eating vegetables and fresh herbs.

It is important that lizards receive calcium, so they are given various mineral supplements, rolled in protein food, and crushed eggshells can be poured into the feeder. Multivitamins and reptile food are added once a month. They must be given according to instructions.

Video: How to properly feed your bearded dragon leafy foods

Reproduction and breeding

Agamas are an oviparous species. They reach sexual maturity at about two years of age. Reproduction occurs after wintering. To do this, the reptiles begin to be gradually irradiated and preparations containing vitamin E are added to the food. When the males acquire a bright “nuptial” throat color, they are placed with the females (it is better to keep them separately in the period between breedings). At the same time, the behavior of the female is observed: if she does not express interest and does not move, then she is removed, since she is not ready to reproduce. Try again after 2-3 days. Females demonstrate their readiness to mate by nodding their heads, moving their tails, and raising their paws. Males rise on their front legs and puff out their throats. The mating process lasts 3–5 minutes.

To arrange a place for masonry, you can place a container with wet sand

Egg laying occurs after 45–65 days. To do this, the female must dig a hole at least 40 cm deep. Therefore, she is either placed in a separate terrarium with a layer of sand of sufficient depth, moistened from below, or an additional container is placed. There the lizard lays eggs and buries them.

The laying process lasts about three hours

The clutch consists of 9–25 eggs, but some may be unfertilized. The eggs are placed in an incubator with a temperature of 27–31 °C (the higher the temperature, the faster hatching will occur), which can be reduced to 24 °C at night. The incubation period is from 50 to 90 days. Young dragons begin to feed around the second day after hatching. During a season, a female can make two clutches.

During the season, the female lays two approximately equal clutches

Bearded Dragon Diseases and Treatments

Refusal to eat is the first sign of most diseases, but overfeeding is often the cause. If the dragon does not eat for 2 days, but drinks water in normal quantities, this is normal. On the third day, you need to force-feed, take a warm bath and take a closer look at other symptoms.

Video: case history and treatment of a bearded dragon

Taming and behavior

There is no particular need to specifically tame bearded dragons; they easily get used to humans. But you shouldn’t pick them up often unless absolutely necessary. After acquisition, the process of getting used to the owner should occur gradually; you can lightly stroke the lizard on the chin every day without showing aggression. There is no need to try to immediately grab it in your hands or take it out of hiding.

Many lizards, including iguanas, are often trained to be walked on a harness. This is not suitable for the agama: she has a specific body structure and a very fragile spine, which can be damaged by a tug from the harness. Agamas must be transported in a special closed container.

It is better not to use a harness for bearded dragons.

Bearded dragon molt

The frequency of molting of agamas depends on age, growth rate and care. With proper maintenance and feeding, this happens quite often, especially in young actively growing agamas.

The skin does not peel off completely, but in parts. Often, shedding starts from the head, then the body, and lastly the tail. If molting is difficult (part of the skin does not die off for a long time), you need to try to carefully remove the remaining skin, wetting it with warm water.

It is important to ensure that skin remnants do not accumulate on the tail and do not press on it, as this can lead to tissue necrosis and subsequent loss of the tail. There should be no old pieces of skin left on the body to prevent fungus from forming underneath.

Video: how molting occurs The bearded dragon is well suited for keeping in an apartment, does not require particularly expensive equipment or exotic food, and quickly gets used to humans. But to make the pet different good health

and life expectancy, you must carefully follow the rules of feeding, arrangement of the terrarium and care recommendations. The bearded dragon, which is a representative of Australian lizards with a calm character and bewitching color, has gained quite a lot of popularity among exotic pet breeders. Such a pet

, will certainly appeal to all lovers of unusual pets.

Appearance The most known species

The bearded dragon, a photo of which can be seen below, has a rather impressive body size, namely from 40 centimeters to just over half a meter, while its weight ranges from 280 grams. up to one and a half kilos. The lifespan of such unusual pet on average varies from ten years, but if all the necessary comfortable conditions are created for them, they can live much longer.

The bearded dragon can have a variety of colors, from red shades to almost white.

A terrarium for an agama must have a minimum size of 200x50x40 cm.

Males tend to defend their territory, so two males will not get along in the same terrarium. The best solution would be to get two females and one male. An important nuance in arranging a terrarium is that it should open from the side. This arrangement of the side door is due to the fact that the pet will perceive an attempt to enter the terrarium from above as an attack by a predatory individual, and, consequently, an aggressive reaction will follow. It is best to use a lattice to furnish the lizard’s home, which will completely cover the terrarium and at the same time provide additional ventilation.

A terrarium for a bearded dragon should be covered with sand, but gravel should never be used, since the lizards can consume it with their food.

Keeping bearded dragons involves a certain temperature regime. During the daytime, the temperature should be no lower than 30°C, but at night minimum temperature should be 22°C. To maintain this mode, it will be necessary to provide the terrarium with a heater. So that the lighting in the lizard's home is similar solar radiation, must be used.

The lizard must be sprayed or bathed weekly. At the end of this procedure, the pet should be wiped with a light cloth.

Feeding

The bearded dragon, which is not very difficult to care for, also needs a certain diet.

When answering the question of what to feed your bearded dragon, it should be noted that these fascinating exotic pets consume both plant and animal food. When determining the percentage of food, the age of the agama should be taken into account. Young animals should be given 1/5 of plant food and 4/5 of animal feed. When lizards reach more mature age, the feed ratio needs to be changed, the majority should be plant food, but insects should occupy 1/5 of the diet. Pieces of food intended for agamas should be divided so that they are no larger than the distance between the pet’s eyes.

Young animals in the stage of intensive growth must be given a large number of squirrel. Because of this, small agamas may not eat plant foods at all. They should be fed three times a day. The amount of food should be as much as the lizard can consume in a fifteen-minute period of time, after which the remainder must be removed.

For mature individuals, squirrels do not have this great importance. Therefore, they eat more fruits, vegetables and grass. Insect feeding can be done once a day.

The bearded agama is prone to obesity at home, so the amount of food must be observed and the lizard must not be allowed to overeat. Suitable insects:

• crickets,
• cockroaches,
• earthworms,
• zoophobes.

From plant food it is best to give:

• carrot,
• dandelions,
• apples,
• cabbage,
• alfalfa,
• grape,
• peas,
• melon,
• eggplants,
• blueberries,
• Bell pepper,
• clover,
• zucchini, zucchini and squash.

Features of reproduction

Upon reaching two years of age, bearded dragons become capable of producing offspring.

The mating period begins in the first month of spring. To ensure favorable conditions, lizards need to create the desired temperature regime, the maintenance of which is mandatory. The female bears the offspring for one month.

Since agamas lay eggs, the female must be transplanted into a special terrarium equipped with enough sand so that the female can dig a hole 0.35-0.4 m deep. The female lays eggs, the number of which varies from 10 to 18 pieces, and They mature in about two months.

After birth, the babies need to be placed in a separate container, the flooring of which will be made of napkins. Sand is not suitable for young animals; they can consume it along with food and not survive.

You can buy a bearded dragon at a price ranging from 1000 to 5000 rubles.

At the right approach, keeping pet agamas is not difficult.

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