Bearded Dragon Egg Incubation: A Beginner’s Guide

Bearded dragons are the perfect pet for reptile enthusiasts. They are docile and easy to care for, making them a great choice for beginners. But what do you do if your bearded dragon lays eggs? You must incubate them to ensure the eggs hatch safely.

Choosing an Incubator

The first step in incubating your bearded dragon eggs is to choose an incubator. There are many different types of incubators, but for bearded dragon eggs, a small, tabletop incubator is ideal. These incubators are inexpensive and easy to use. They usually come with a built-in thermometer and hygrometer to monitor the temperature and humidity inside the incubator.

It’s important to get an incubator that maintains a steady temperature without a lot of fluctuations. Bearded dragon eggs need to be kept at an ideal temperature of 84 to 88 degrees Fahrenheit (29 to 31 degrees Celsius) to ensure they hatch successfully. Fluctuations in temperature can cause the eggs to become deformed or kill the embryo inside.

Preparing the Eggs for Incubation

Before you put your bearded dragon eggs into the incubator, you need to prepare them. Remove the eggs carefully from the enclosure and place them in a small container filled with vermiculite or perlite. These materials help to retain moisture and ensure the eggs stay hydrated during incubation.

It’s important to keep the eggs moist, but not too wet. If the eggs get too wet, they may develop mold or bacteria, which can be deadly for the developing embryos. You can monitor the moisture level by gently squeezing the vermiculite or perlite. It should feel moist, but not wet. If it feels dry, add a little bit of water.

Incubation Time

Bearded dragon eggs take approximately 60 to 80 days to hatch. As the eggs develop, they will start to change color. The eggs will become darker and may even change color completely. This is a sign that the eggs are developing properly.

It’s important to keep the temperature and humidity levels consistent throughout the incubation period. Do not disturb the eggs during this time, as it can cause stress to the developing embryos. Just monitor the temperature and humidity levels daily, and add water or adjust the temperature as needed.

Hatching Day

When the bearded dragon eggs are ready to hatch, you will notice small cracks appearing in the shell. This is a sign that the baby bearded dragons are ready to emerge. Do not try to help the hatchlings out of the shell, as this can cause injury or even death.

After the baby bearded dragons have hatched, you can remove them from the incubator and prepare a new enclosure for them. They will be very small and delicate, so it’s important to provide a safe and comfortable environment for them to grow in.

Conclusion

Incubating bearded dragon eggs can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience and attention to detail. By choosing the right incubator, preparing the eggs properly, and monitoring the temperature and humidity levels consistently, you can increase the chances of a successful hatch. Keep in mind that raising baby bearded dragons is also a long-term commitment, so be sure you are ready for the responsibility before deciding to breed your pets.