Introduction

Bearded dragons are a popular pet reptile, known for their unique appearance and docile nature. As with any pet, it’s important to understand their behavior and needs. If you’re a beginner bearded dragon owner, you may be curious about their breeding habits and when they lay eggs. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about bearded dragon breeding and egg laying.

When Do Bearded Dragons Lay Eggs?

Female bearded dragons can lay eggs without mating with a male. This is known as being infertile. However, if a male and female bearded dragon are kept together, it’s likely that they will mate and the female will lay fertile eggs.

The breeding season for bearded dragons is typically in the spring and summer months when the temperatures are warmer. During this time, female bearded dragons may lay eggs once a month or every few months.

However, it’s important to note that not all female bearded dragons will lay eggs. Factors such as age, health, and diet can play a role in their ability to lay eggs.

Signs that Your Bearded Dragon is Going to Lay Eggs

If you suspect that your female bearded dragon is going to lay eggs, there are a few signs to look out for. These include:

• Restlessness and digging behavior
• Decreased appetite
• Weight loss
• Enlarged abdomen

Your bearded dragon may also start to spend more time soaking in their water bowl or trying to escape their enclosure.

Preparing for Egg Laying

Once you’ve identified that your bearded dragon is going to lay eggs, it’s important to make sure that they have a suitable nesting area. This should be a separate enclosure that is filled with a mixture of sand and soil.

The nesting area should be large enough for your bearded dragon to comfortably dig and lay their eggs. You should also provide a heat source, such as a heat lamp, to help regulate the temperature in the nesting area.

Egg Laying Process

Once your bearded dragon is ready to lay their eggs, they will start to dig a hole in the nesting area. The female will then lay her eggs, usually around 20-30 in a clutch. She will then cover them up with the sand and soil mixture and may even pat down the surface with her nose.

After the eggs are laid, it’s important to keep the nesting area at a consistent temperature of around 85-90°F. This will help the eggs to develop properly.

Hatching and Caring for Baby Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragon eggs typically take around 60-75 days to hatch. Once the eggs start to hatch, it’s important to make sure that the baby bearded dragons are kept in a separate enclosure and provided with the proper care and feeding.

Baby bearded dragons should be fed small insects, such as crickets or mealworms, and provided with a heat source and UVB lighting. As they grow, you can gradually increase the size of their enclosure and the size of the insects that they are fed.

Conclusion

Breeding and egg laying can be an exciting but also confusing time for beginner bearded dragon owners. By understanding the behavior and needs of your bearded dragon, you can help ensure that they lay their eggs safely and the baby bearded dragons are properly cared for.