Introduction

If you are a new bearded dragon owner, you may be wondering about the nesting habits of your pet. Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures and understanding their nesting behavior is essential for their health and well-being. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about bearded dragon nesting, its significance, and how to provide proper care for your pet.

What is Bearded Dragon Nesting?

Bearded dragons are native to arid regions of Australia, and they are known for their unique nesting behavior. In the wild, they dig burrows to live in, hide from predators, and lay their eggs. Even captive bearded dragons exhibit similar nesting behaviors, which suggests that it is an innate behavior for them.

Signs of Nesting Behavior

Bearded dragons show various signs of nesting behavior that indicate they are ready to lay eggs. Here are some of the most common signs to watch out for:

• Digging: Bearded dragons dig a hole in the substrate, usually a few days before laying eggs.
• Restlessness: If your bearded dragon is pacing around the enclosure or trying to climb the walls, it may be a sign that she is ready to lay eggs.
• Reduction in Appetite: As they prepare for egg-laying, bearded dragons may lose interest in food and become less active.
• Increased Basking: Bearded dragons may spend more time basking under the heat source as they prepare to lay eggs.

Preparing for Egg-Laying

Before laying eggs, female bearded dragons need a suitable nesting site. In captivity, you can provide this by setting up a nesting box in their enclosure. Here are some steps to follow when preparing for egg-laying:

• Choose the Right Substrate: The ideal substrate for nesting should be fine-grained and easy for the female bearded dragon to dig through. You can use a mixture of sand and soil to create the right texture.
• Select the Right Size Box: The nesting box should be at least 12 inches long, 8 inches wide, and deep enough to allow the bearded dragon to bury the eggs completely.
• Place the Box in the Right Location: The box should be placed in a quiet, secluded area away from the main living area of the enclosure.
• Add Moisture: You can add some moisture to the substrate to facilitate the digging process. However, the substrate should not be too wet as it can lead to unhealthy conditions.

Egg-Laying Process

Once the female bearded dragon starts to lay eggs, it is essential to avoid disturbing her as much as possible. Here are some of the critical things to keep in mind during the egg-laying process:

• Don’t Disturb: Female bearded dragons may take several hours to lay all their eggs, and any disturbance can prevent them from completing the process. So, it’s best to avoid handling or moving her.
• Observe Closely: Keep an eye on the nesting area, and make sure the eggs are laid correctly, without any damage.
• Remove the Eggs: After the female is done laying the eggs, remove them carefully from the nesting box and place them in an incubator.

Incubating Bearded Dragon Eggs

After the female bearded dragon lays eggs in the nesting box, you should remove them from the enclosure and place them in an incubator. Here are the steps:

• Prepare the Incubator: Incubators should be set between 82 – 88⁰F and have 70-80% humidity to ensure the eggs hatch correctly.
• Place the Eggs: Put the eggs carefully in the incubator and ensure they don’t touch or get dirty.
• Monitor Regularly: Eggs need to be checked regularly for any developing signs of the embryo. Note that bearded dragon eggs incubate for approximately 60-80 days before hatching.
• Prepare for Hatchlings: Once the eggs have hatched, you can move the baby bearded dragons into a rearing enclosure with proper lighting, heating, food, and water.

Conclusion

Bearded dragon nesting is a remarkable aspect of these creatures’ lives, and understanding their nesting behavior can help ensure their health and happiness. As a beginner bearded dragon owner, providing the correct nesting setup, monitoring egg-laying, and offering ideal incubation conditions are essential for the well-being of your pet. So, be prepared, stay attentive, and have fun while observing your bearded dragon’s natural nesting behavior!