Mary Allen
The home of the dwarf bearded dragon is northeastern Australia. There she lives in the semi-desert between steppe grass, trees, and bushes. They find their hiding places and resting places in dry niches and crevices in the rocks. It belongs to the bearded dragon genus and the agama family.
At 30 cm, the lizard is the smallest of the bearded dragon species. The head-body length is just 13 cm and the rest is the tail. The head is oval-shaped. In the neck and on the beard there are spiked wreaths that do not allow the beard to stand up properly. The color scheme is light beige to light olive and yellow. The back pattern is heavily colored and adorned with numerous round and oval spots.
Dwarf bearded dragons have poor eyesight but a very good sense of smell. They are hide hunters who lurk for prey and then eat it up within range with lightning speed. Between the hunting phases, the reptile sunbathes and increases its activity temperature.
Acquisition and Maintenance
Since they are loners, only one specimen belongs in a terrarium. When choosing an animal, it is important to ensure that it is in good health. Criteria are slim and wiry body, strong colors, clear and alert eyes, tight corners of the mouth as well as attentiveness, and a good reaction.
The species-appropriate home has the right climate, sufficient light, places to sit and hide, and enough variety.
Terrarium Requirements
The minimum size of the terrarium is 120 cm length x 60 cm width x 60 cm height. It contains several temperature zones.
The average temperature is around 35° Celsius. The highest is about 50° Celsius and is located directly under the heat lamp. The degrees can drop to 25° Celsius and at night even be as low as 20° Celsius.
The humidity is 30% to 40% during the day and rises to 50% to 60% at night. The level of humidity can be increased slightly by spraying the substrate with lukewarm, freshwater. The air circulation must also be right and the relevant openings in the pool must work.
Good lighting with metal halide lamps (HQIs) is used to achieve the desired brightness and sunshine. This light is extremely bright and natural. In addition, the UV rays ensure the formation of vitamin D3. Halogen spotlights are suitable as heat sources. The different heat zones can be easily adjusted with dimmer and selectable watt values.
For regular temperature and humidity checks, a thermometer and a hygrometer are useful tools.
The terrarium equipment offers the active and sun-loving lizard sufficient climbing, running, hiding, and sitting possibilities. The stable rear wall can consist of climbing branches and bamboo poles, for example. Roots, tree bark, or cork tubes serve as caves. Stones and small wooden slabs provide niches and ledges. Non-toxic and robust plants also belong in the tank.
The floor consists of terrarium sand that can be buried. Alternatively, a mixture of sand and some clay is suitable. The substrate should be given stability by pressing firmly. The selected location of the pool must be quiet, not too sunny, and without a draft.
Gender Differences
The sexes can only be distinguished after months of sexual maturity. The male has a hollow at the base of the tail. The femoral pores are larger and darker than in the female. In addition, the base of the tail has an elevation in the female. The males are usually more delicate than the females.
Feed and Nutrition
The feed consists of plant and animal food with an animal’s main direction. Animal food includes only “living” arthropods: flies, spiders, house crickets, cockroaches, grasshoppers, etc.
The plant-based diet consists, for example, of radicchio, romaine, iceberg lettuce, and cucumbers. Wild plants include stinging nettles, daisies, dandelion, chickweed, ribwort, and broadleaf plantain. Berries, mango, and melon are also taken. A shallow bowl of freshwater is part of the diet.
To prevent nutritional deficiencies, powdered vitamins and minerals are sprinkled on the feed. In addition, you should always have some grated cuttlebone or mussel grit available.
Acclimatization and Handling
The dwarf bearded dragon is placed in a completely furnished terrarium from the very beginning of its keeping. Hiding places and rest give her time to get used to her new surroundings. Live food is given.
From October to November the lizards spend a natural hibernation. This lasts two to three/four months and must be respected! Before the animal enters the rest period, its health should be checked at the end of August. A parasite infestation can be identified and treated by examining the feces.