Introduction

If you own a bearded dragon or are thinking of getting one, understanding the proper care for their eggs is crucial. Temperature plays a critical role in ensuring the health and success of the eggs. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn everything there is to know about bearded dragon eggs temperature and how to ensure the best possible outcome for your pet’s offspring. Let’s dive in!

Bearded Dragon Egg Laying

Bearded dragons lay eggs approximately 4-6 weeks after mating. Female dragons carry the eggs for around 28 days until they are ready to be laid. The eggs will be visibly protruding from the female’s abdomen, and she will dig in the enclosure substrate to create a nest for the eggs. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good indication that egg-laying is imminent, and you should prepare accordingly.

Temperature Requirements for Bearded Dragon Eggs

The optimal temperature range for incubating bearded dragon eggs is between 82-86°F (28-30°C). It is important to maintain a consistent temperature throughout the incubation period to ensure the best possible outcome for the eggs. Avoid sudden temperature changes or fluctuations, as this can negatively impact the eggs’ development and damage the embryos inside. You’ll need a reliable thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately. If the temperature drops below 80°F (26°C), it can result in delayed hatching, and prolonged exposure to lower temperatures can be fatal to the embryos.

Incubating Bearded Dragon Eggs

Here’s what you’ll need to incubate bearded dragon eggs:

• Incubator: You’ll need an incubator that maintains a constant temperature between 82-86°F (28-30°C).
• Substrate: Use a substrate that’s moist enough to maintain humidity levels between 65-70%. Vermiculite or perlite are good choices.
• Egg Containers: You can use deli cups or other similar containers to hold the eggs and substrate. Poke small holes in the lids to allow air circulation.
• Thermometer: Use a reliable thermometer to monitor temperature levels.
• Hygrometer: Use a hygrometer to measure humidity levels.
• Spray bottle: To keep the substrate moist, you’ll need to spray it regularly.
• Incubation medium: Vermiculite and perlite are the most commonly used incubation media for bearded dragon eggs. These materials are lightweight, have good moisture retention, and provide a stable environment for the growing embryos.

To start the incubation process, fill the egg container with the incubation medium, spray it with water to moisten it, and make a small indentation in the center where you’ll place the egg. Place the egg gently in the center of the substrate, making sure it’s stable and not rolling around. Cover the egg with more substrate, making sure the egg is entirely covered. Do not press down on the substrate, or you may damage the egg.

Caring for Bearded Dragon Eggs during Incubation

During the incubation period, it’s essential to keep an eye on several factors to ensure the best outcome for the eggs.

Temperature

As previously mentioned, maintaining a constant temperature between 82-86°F (28-30°C) is crucial for the eggs’ success. Invest in a good quality thermometer to monitor the temperature and adjust the incubator’s settings as necessary to keep the temperature consistent. Avoid opening the incubator frequently, as this can cause fluctuations in temperature.

Humidity

Humidity levels between 65-70% are optimal for bearded dragon eggs. Use a hygrometer to monitor the humidity levels and spray the substrate with water as needed to maintain optimal levels. It’s essential not to let the substrate become too dry or too wet, as either extreme can harm the developing embryos. Spraying the substrate once or twice a day should be sufficient to maintain humidity levels.

Candling the Eggs

Candling the eggs involves shining a bright light through the shell to visualize the embryo’s development inside. You can use a flashlight or a specially designed egg candler to do this. Candling the eggs regularly (once a week) will allow you to monitor the egg’s development and detect any issues or abnormalities. Be careful not to handle the eggs too much, as excessive handling can be harmful to the developing embryos.

Hatching Bearded Dragon Eggs

Bearded dragon eggs typically hatch around 55-75 days after being laid. Keep monitoring the temperature and humidity levels until the eggs hatch. Once you start to see small cracks in the eggshell, it’s a good indication that the eggs will hatch soon. Do not assist the hatching process; allow the baby dragons to emerge from the eggs naturally. Hatching can take several hours, and the baby dragons will need time to rest and absorb their egg yolk before attempting to move.

Conclusion

Maintaining the ideal temperature and humidity levels are vital for incubating bearded dragon eggs successfully. With this comprehensive guide, you should now have all the information you need to ensure a healthy, successful hatching process for your bearded dragon’s eggs. By carefully monitoring the eggs and providing the optimal environment, you can look forward to welcoming a new batch of baby dragons into your family soon!