Introduction

Bearded dragons are amazing pets that make great companions. These reptiles are native to Australia and are popular pets due to their friendly nature and curious personalities. If you own a bearded dragon, you may be wondering what pregnant bearded dragons look like, and how to care for them during this special time. In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about bearded dragon pregnancy, from breeding to caring for a pregnant bearded dragon.

Breeding Bearded Dragons

Breeding bearded dragons requires proper knowledge and experience. It is important to maintain the health of the breeding pair and ensure that they are genetically compatible. Female bearded dragons reach sexual maturity at around 18 months of age, and can lay eggs even if they have not mated. However, if you want to breed your bearded dragons, it is recommended to mate them when the female is at least two years old.

Pregnancy in Bearded Dragons

Pregnancy in bearded dragons typically lasts around 60 days, although it can vary. During this time, the female will lay eggs, whether or not she has mated with a male. A pregnant bearded dragon will start to show physical changes as her body prepares for laying eggs. Some of the signs that your bearded dragon is pregnant may include:

• Increased appetite
• Weight gain
• Enlarged belly
• Lethargy
• Restlessness
• Digging behavior

As the female bearded dragon’s belly increases in size, she may need extra support and care. It is important to monitor her behavior and provide her with proper nutrition and hydration. You may also need to make some adjustments to her enclosure to accommodate her growing body.

Caring for a Pregnant Bearded Dragon

Caring for a pregnant bearded dragon requires extra attention and care. Here are some tips on how to care for your pregnant bearded dragon:

1. Adjust the Enclosure

As your bearded dragon grows larger, you may need to adjust the enclosure to accommodate her size. You can add more substrate to the bottom to allow your bearded dragon to dig and lay eggs. Be sure to also add plenty of hiding spots and climbing areas to keep your bearded dragon comfortable.

2. Monitor Food and Water Intake

A pregnant bearded dragon will need more food and water to support her growing body. Be sure to feed her a balanced diet of insects, vegetables, and fruits. You can also offer her vitamin and mineral supplements to ensure she is getting all the necessary nutrients. Make sure there is always fresh water available in her enclosure.

3. Provide Proper Lighting and Heat

Bearded dragons need proper lighting and heat to stay healthy, and this becomes even more important during pregnancy. Make sure your bearded dragon’s UVB and basking lights are working properly, and that the temperature gradient in the enclosure is appropriate. You can also add a heat lamp or mat to provide additional warmth if needed.

4. Prepare for Egg-laying

Female bearded dragons will lay eggs, whether or not they have mated with a male. If your bearded dragon is pregnant, you will need to prepare for the egg-laying process. You can provide her with a nesting box filled with a moist substrate, such as sand, soil, or vermiculite. The nesting box should be large enough to accommodate your bearded dragon’s size, and placed in the warmest part of the enclosure.

It is important to monitor your bearded dragon closely during the egg-laying process to ensure she is comfortable and not in distress. If you notice any signs of distress, such as lethargy, lack of appetite, or difficulty laying eggs, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Conclusion

Pregnancy in bearded dragons is an exciting time, but it also requires proper care and attention. Knowing what a pregnant bearded dragon looks like and how to care for her can help ensure the health and happiness of both your pet and her offspring. By following the tips and advice in this post, you can provide your pregnant bearded dragon with the best possible care and enjoy the joy of breeding bearded dragons.