Bearded Dragon: The Friendly Lizard of the House. Agama. Habitat and lifestyle of the agama Food for the bearded agama

Reptile lovers are attracted to the Bearded Dragon unusual appearance. Despite the presence of threatening-looking spines, this lizard has a very friendly character. It won't be difficult to tame her. Agama easily makes contact with the owner.

Reptile lovers are attracted to the Bearded Dragon due to its unusual appearance.

History of the Bearded Dragon

The bearded dragon is a reptile that came to us from Australia

The lizard belongs to the agamidae family. It got its name because of the sac located in the neck area, which swells when the animal shows aggression or tries to attract attention during mating season. The reptile's natural habitat is the Australian continent. Agama inhabits regions such as New South Wales, Northern Territory, and Queensland. These lizards live in desert rocky areas and sometimes climb trees.

Appearance of a lizard from a photo

The bearded dragon has a unique appearance

The bearded dragon has an amazing appearance. The length of the body reaches 50–60 cm, with most of it falling on the tail. Lizards can weigh 300 grams or more. The head resembles a triangle. The lizard has a strong build. The back, head and outer sides of the limbs are covered with scales with sharp ends. The short and thick fingers have strong claws. When the agama inflates its throat, the scales rise, resulting in the formation of a beard-like formation.

The bearded dragon does not have the property of dropping its tail, which is characteristic of other species of lizards. For this reason, injured individuals are quite common. Agamas in childhood They often bite off the ends of their relatives' tails. Due to limited regeneration abilities, new organ fragments are not formed in these reptiles. But this does not affect their quality of life.

The color of the agama can be beige-brown, taupe or gray. The lizard's body is covered with light spots and dark stripes. The jaws may be yellow or white. Juveniles have brighter colors. Agamas are able to change their color depending on emotional state, as well as temperature. In hot weather they lighten, and when cold they become dark. Eye color varies from golden to dark brown.

Important! A unique feature of the agama is to change its color due to fright. In this state, the lizard turns pale and its paws become bright orange or yellow.

You can distinguish a male from a female by the characteristic external features: Males have a thicker tail base. During the mating season, the beard of males becomes black or dark blue, while in females it is beige or orange. Agamas live 7–10 years.

Video: Key Features of the Bearded Dragon

How to choose a Bearded Dragon?

The lizard must be alert

To choose a healthy animal, you need to pay attention to the following signs:

1. Examine the reptile and make sure it has no wounds or ulcers. Having scars is also undesirable.
2. Since dragons cannot regenerate lost body parts, do not purchase an animal that does not have a paw or tail. The lizard will remain this way for the rest of its life, although sellers may convince you otherwise. But the absence of the tip of a tail or a finger is quite acceptable.
3. Examine the area near your mouth. There should be no liquid or foam here.
4. A healthy lizard has clear eyes and is also characterized by alert behavior. IN natural environment The agama hunts fast insects, which requires attentiveness and mobility.

Features of maintenance and care

For the agama, it is necessary to create conditions as close as possible to its natural environment.

We create the necessary conditions

A terrarium for an agama must have heating, ventilation and decoration

The terrarium is selected depending on the number of lizards. For one agama you will need a container measuring at least 50 cm in width and 100 cm in length. Choose a horizontal terrarium with a wall height of 60 to 80 cm. The best option There will be a terrarium with sliding glass on the side or front wall.

Important! A container with a door at the top is not suitable for an agama. IN natural conditions lizards under attack birds of prey, therefore, the reptile will perceive all movements above its head as a potential threat, which will negatively affect its emotional state.

You should also take care of ventilation. There should be holes in the bottom, top or side of the container that can be covered with a metal mesh. IN otherwise the agama will have difficulty breathing. The lizard can be kept alone or in small groups. The optimal option is one male and 2–3 females.

Can be used as decoration artificial plants, driftwood, stones. N You should not place living vegetation in the terrarium, since the agama will quickly mistake it for food. In nature, lizards climb rocks and trees. So that an agama in captivity can fulfill this need, equip a special place for it. Apply a layer of PVA to the wall and cover the surface with small pebbles or sand. This will not only provide the lizard with the opportunity to climb around the terrarium, but will also become an original decor.

Place 15 cm thick bedding at the bottom of the container. Cat litter, sand, pebbles, gravel, shavings or crushed bark are suitable for this. IN natural environment reptiles hide from danger by burying themselves in the ground, leaving their heads on the surface. The container is also equipped with shelters: houses made of stones, shelves. They must match the size of the reptile.

Provide lighting and bedding for your lizard

Agama requires bright lighting and must also receive ultraviolet light. For this purpose, the terrarium is equipped with fluorescent lighting devices. Ultraviolet deficiency will lead to the development of rickets in the animal. The duration of lighting should be 12 hours a day.

Heat the terrarium using incandescent lamps, infrared devices or thermal mats. The temperature in individual areas of the container should be uneven:

1. You need to organize a cool corner with temperatures of 23–25°C.
2. You will also need a local heating area (40°C).
3. The general temperature background is maintained within 27–30°C.

Air humidity should be 35–40%. At night, the indicators can be slightly increased. To do this, once a week, an hour before turning off the lights, the container is sprayed with warm water from a spray bottle. The lizard must be provided with constant access to drink. For this purpose, a ceramic drinking bowl is installed in the terrarium. Do not use containers made of lightweight material. Agamas not only drink from the drinking bowl, but also bathe in it, so they will immediately turn over a light container.

Feeding rules

The agama's diet depends on the age of the individual

Agamas are omnivores, which makes feeding them much easier. The diet should consist of plant and animal foods. In this case, the percentage of feed varies depending on the age of the animal. Young individuals up to 12 months are given 80% insects and 20% plants. After a year, the diet of lizards should contain only 40% animal food. This is due to the fact that in adult animals the metabolic process slows down.

Agama is given:

• cabbage leaves, carrot tops and roots, pumpkin, eggplant, squash, wheat leaves, sweet peppers, peas, green beans;
• parsley, spinach;
• alfalfa, clover, dandelions, buttercups, crocuses, cyclamen, daffodil, spurge, mint;
• peeled apples, grapes, bananas;
• mushrooms;
• crickets;
• mealworms;
• cockroaches;
• snails

The lizard should also consume vitamin supplements such as Reptilife. The young dragon is fed daily. An adult lizard is offered food every other day. Feeding is done during daylight hours.

Important! For an agama, the food it consumes within 15 minutes is enough; the remaining food should be removed to avoid overfeeding.

Video: Feeding the Bearded Dragon

Agama loves water procedures

Agama sheds quite often. This process occurs in stages. The head sheds first, then the body and tail. Once a week, the reptile is bathed in warm water at a temperature of 30–35 °C. For this you will need a deep basin. Monitor the water level, it should be safe for the lizard. The duration of the procedure is 30 minutes. Then pat the animal dry with a paper towel and place it in the terrarium. After bathing your lizard, avoid drafts.

Video: rules for bathing a lizard

The agama can be periodically released from the terrarium for walks around the apartment. But you need to adhere to some rules. There should be no other animals in the room with the lizard. In order for the pet to get used to communicating with the owner, it needs to be picked up once every 1-2 days. It is also advisable to release the lizard not on the floor, but on the surface of the sofa, so that the animal does not catch a cold from the draft.

Important! The agama should not move on a surface that is too fluffy; if the fluff gets wrapped around the animal’s fingers, this will cause necrosis.

Reproduction and breeding

Bearded dragons mate in spring

Agamas reach reproductive age by two years. To stimulate mating, the lizards are first placed in individual containers. They must be kept at rest. In early December, agamas are placed in separate terrariums. Lighting is reduced to 8 hours a day, temperature levels are lowered to 25°C during the day and 20°C at night. The rest period lasts 11–12 weeks. After this, the indicators return to the original level.

The male is then placed in a terrarium where the female is. Mating occurs in March. Agama pregnancy lasts 30–45 days. Females lay eggs in holes 40 cm deep. For this purpose, a layer of sand of appropriate thickness is poured into the terrarium. The clutch contains from 8 to 25 eggs.

The incubation period lasts from 60 to 75 days at a temperature of 28–30°C. During the season, the female can lay 2–4 clutches. Hatched babies begin to eat on the 2nd–3rd day of life. They are fed cockroaches, small crickets, grated carrots, and small pieces of fruit.

Diseases and treatments

1. One of the common diseases is pneumonia. It develops as a result of the agama staying in a cool room with high humidity air. The disease can be recognized by a runny nose, which causes the animal to breathe through an open mouth. Pneumonia is divided into 2 types. With the first type of disease, the reptile experiences mucus in the mouth and wet whistles. Type 2 pneumonia is characterized by wheezing. In the first case, treatment is carried out with the antibiotic Ampicillin for 7 days. In the second type, this drug is administered from 9 to 15 days with an interval of 72 hours.
2. Salmonellosis is an intestinal bacterial infection that can lead to fatal outcome. Manifests itself in the form of refusal to eat, diarrhea, regurgitation, and weight loss. To treat the lizard, the antibiotic Chloramphenicol is used, which is injected into the stomach through a tube. The procedure is performed 2–3 times. The drug Bactrim is also used. It is introduced into the reptile's body in a similar way over 7 days.
3. Cloacitis is an inflammation of the cloaca. At the first stage of the disease, purulent discharge is observed when the animal defecates; at the second stage, the defecation process is disrupted. Treatment consists of inserting a catheter into the reptile's cloaca and feeding it into the intestines. warm water with the drug Tetravil. The volume of liquid depends on the weight of the lizard.
4. Stomatitis is an inflammatory process of the oral mucosa. It occurs as a result of a deficiency of vitamins A and C, as well as mechanical damage. Oral cavity becomes pale and acquires a bluish tint. The vessels are clearly visible. The lizard's oral cavity is treated with a 1% solution of Dioxidin, Iodinol or Ectericide. Neosporin or Polysporin ointment is also used, which is used to treat the affected areas 2 times a day for a week. In addition, the animal is given vitamin C.
5. Calcium deficiency in the reptile's body provokes fractures, swelling, and rickets. As therapy, the lizard is given a special complex: a mixture of vitamins D3, A and calcium. The reptile complex is given for a week. If the agama gets injured, treat the damaged area with turpentine liniment or a 10% solution of potassium permanganate.
6. Sometimes the lizard refuses to eat. The most likely reason for this is overfeeding. If she doesn't eat for two days but drinks normal amounts of water, that's normal. Agama can arrange fasting days in this way. If she refuses to eat for more than three days, start force-feeding. Also monitor the animal for symptoms consistent with an intestinal infection.

In order for the Bearded Dragon to feel comfortable in captivity, you need to adhere to some maintenance requirements. The reptile needs a certain temperature and light conditions. Throughout the year she needs fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and live insects. A lack of vitamins, as well as non-compliance with the rules of caring for the reptile, can lead to the development of a number of diseases in the Bearded Dragon.

The bearded dragon (Pogona vitticers) is a lizard from the agamidae family. Previously, this scaly reptile belonged to the genus Amphibolurus. This species received its name due to its very characteristic neck pouch, which at the moment of danger or during the period of mating flirtation is noticeably swollen and acquires a noticeable dark color.

Description of the bearded dragon

The color of the lizard is characterized by a predominance of yellowish, gray or brown tones and shades. The color may vary depending on the temperature and condition of the bearded dragon. In adults, the pattern on the body is almost completely absent.

Young lizards are characterized by spots and stripes located mainly on the back, as well as on the sides. The pattern is formed by fairly regular geometric patterns. The bearded dragon is the only representative of the reptile family with a dental system located along the outer rim of the jaw.

Appearance

Mature sizes adult most often reach half a meter. The entire body of the lizard is characterized by a flattened ellipsoidal shape, and the length of the tail is approximately one and a half times the length of the body. Thanks very much unusual type and the structure of its scales, the bearded dragon lizard has a very exotic and somewhat predatory appearance. The scales are represented by original prickly spines, located on the surface of the entire body of the lizard in several rows.

This is interesting! The external differences of the bearded dragon by gender are obvious: males have a tail noticeably thickened at the base and have a dark blue or black “beard” in mating season, and females are characterized by the presence of a “beard” of soft beige or orange color.

A significant number of spines are located precisely on the sides, which contributes to a visual increase in the apparent size of the scaly reptile’s body. The head area of ​​the bearded dragon has a very characteristic triangular shape with a frame consisting of numerous spines. There are noticeable auditory openings on the sides of the head.

When a clear threat appears, the lizard is capable of strongly flattening its entire body, and also inflates its warty “beard” and opens its mouth wide. Thanks to this behavior, the scaly reptile visually increases in size, which helps to very effectively scare away enemies in natural conditions.

Lifestyle and character

Menacing and unusual appearance, which the bearded dragon possesses is often confusing, but this scaly creature when tamed and home care is very affectionate, easy to handle and enjoys scratching the animal's neck area. The intimidating stance and appearance are demonstrated by males exclusively during the mating season or when defending against enemies.

This is interesting! Bearded dragons are quite fearless animals, so they do not run away from the enemy, but try to scare him away with their unusual appearance, snorting, actively moving their tail, hissing and jumping, as well as squatting on their paws.

Despite the fact that the damaged area quickly heals on its own, the animal’s tail never grows back. It is for this reason that experienced terrarium keepers prefer to keep domestic bearded dragons only separately, pairing them up exclusively for the breeding season.

How long does an agama live?

Under natural conditions, the average lifespan of a bearded agama does not exceed eight years, but if the rules of keeping in a terrarium are followed, such a scaly reptile can live a little longer - about ten to twelve years.

Bearded dragon morphs

Under natural conditions, the bearded dragon has predominantly gray with orange, beige, brown and black shades. Color variations directly depend on the locality of the individual and the surrounding temperature.

As a result of selection, it was possible to develop quite a lot of interesting morphs in terms of color and shade range:

• Leather Вask– a morph bred in Italy with absolutely smooth skin on the back in red, yellow, orange and other color variations;
• Leucistic– a morph represented by individuals that are completely white from birth;
• Wood Red– a morph characterized by a very original and intense red color;
• Snow- a morph that has a white color with yellow and pinkish stripes in mature age, and pale pink color at birth;
• Sandfire– an incredibly popular morph among lovers of scaly exotics, obtained by crossing golden and red individuals;
• Salmon– a morph from pinkish to orange in color, with a disappearing pattern, obtained by crossing SandFire and Snow individuals;
• German Giants– a morph that belongs to rapidly developing lines and is characterized by very large sizes, as well as abundant egg laying;
• Sunburst– a morph characterized by rich yellow and orange color with very original red stripes;
• Trans or Translucent– a morph that has incredibly beautiful black eyes, as well as relatively transparent skin;
• Neurotranslucent– a morph characterized by completely transparent marigolds and exceptionally light tones in color;
• Witblits– a relatively new type of morph, first bred in the territory North Africa, and characterized by cream flowers in color.

IN last years Domestic terrarium keepers are increasingly breeding the Zero morph, which is a genetic form and is characterized by the absence of yellow, orange or red color pigment. The color of this bearded dragon is characterized by predominantly white or whitish-gray tones..

Range and habitats

The natural habitat of this scaly reptile, which is unusual in appearance, is Australian semi-desert zones, sparsely wooded and rocky areas. Large numbers of individuals inhabit the states of New South Wales and Queensland, as well as the north-western part of Victoria, eastern South Australia and south-eastern Northern Territory.

The bearded dragon prefers to settle in arid desert and semi-desert biotopes, dry forest areas, rocky semi-deserts or shady bush thickets. The animal leads a terrestrial or semi-arboreal lifestyle, and is especially active only during the daytime. Shelters for the scaly reptile are burrows dug independently or by other animals, as well as rocky piles and crevices located near the root system of plants.

On hot days, the bearded dragon most often hides inside shelters or climbs into low vegetation, where it chooses an area with relative ventilation. Agama always sticks to its territorial area, where it lives and feeds.

Bearded dragon nutrition

Today, there are eight species of bearded agamas from the genus Pogona, and all of them in natural conditions lead a predominantly predatory or predatory-vegetative lifestyle. Such scaly reptiles successfully hunt all kinds of insects and small vertebrates. However, as a bearded dragon ages, its main diet consists primarily of plant food. About 20% general nutrition Agama's diet consists of animal food, and about 80% is a diet of plant origin.

From food of animal origin, bearded dragons give preference to various small vertebrates or invertebrates, and in the form of plant food they use foliage or shoots, fruits or flowers various plants. In captivity, such a scaly reptile eats various crickets and cockroaches, as well as mealworms, with great pleasure.

This is interesting! The main source of animal proteins is represented by snails and bird eggs, small rodents. Due to the characteristics of the body, the bearded dragon is able to feed only once every few days.

Bearded dragons inhabit areas and areas that are not very rich in water, so such scaly reptiles receive a significant part of their moisture exclusively from the food they eat. Especially interesting behavior bearded dragons are observed during rare rainfalls. During such a period, lizards line up en masse under the rain flow coming from the sky, flatten their bodies and characteristically tilt their heads down. It is in this position that the bearded dragon very effectively collects all the flowing drops with the help of its tongue.

The lizard lives up to its name by having a pouch on its neck, which has the ability to increase in size and swell in case of danger or during the mating season. The organ also changes color and becomes darker.

Appearance of a bearded dragon

An adult agama reaches 60 cm in length. The shape of the body resembles an ellipse, and it is also slightly flattened. The tail is almost twice the length of the body.

The bearded dragon has very unusual and distinctive scales, giving it a frightening, predatory appearance. There are also prickly spines that are lined up in rows on the sides of the body, this visually increases the size of the body. The head is triangular in shape, the lateral corners of which are crowned with auditory canals. When the agama feels that danger is approaching, she inflates her pouch on her neck, opens her mouth, and also makes her body less flattened - in this way she tries to intimidate the enemy with her appearance.

Color depends largely on temperature environment And general condition animal. Adults show virtually no pattern; young agamas have spots and stripes on their sides or back. There are differences between male and female. The male's tail is thickened at the base. The so-called “beard” in females during the mating season beige colour, and in males it is black or rich blue.

Habitat of the bearded dragon

Lives in large quantities in Australia. Inhabits semi-deserts, rocky areas or sparsely planted forests. The population is high in the eastern part of South Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland. However, the habitat boundaries never extend beyond the coast.

Lizard lifestyle

The biotope is represented by semi-desert or desert, bush thickets (arid scrub).

The lifestyle is mainly terrestrial, but can also be semi-arboreal. Activity is shown in daytime days. They use the holes of other animals for shelter; they can dig a hole on their own or hide in a crevice of tree roots. Agamas strive to live in their usual territories and do not wander from one habitat to another.

Feeding features of the bearded dragon

The bearded dragon is mostly a carnivore. The diet consists of insects. However, the diet of a young individual consists of 20% plant food, and the remaining 80% includes animal food. When the agama becomes an adult, the proportions change places.

Due to the extreme aridity of the places inhabited by agamas, they also obtain moisture from food. During the rainy season, she drinks water that flows from her body.

Reproduction and breeding of agamas

A bearded dragon is considered an adult when it reaches two years of age. Males ready for sexual reproduction show off a brightly colored neck pouch, stretch out on their front legs and nod their heads. If the female is ready for copulation, she makes characteristic movements of her tail and head. The process of fertilizing a female lasts about 5 minutes.

After about 70 days, she is ready to lay eggs. To do this, she digs a hole about 40 cm deep, into which she then lays from 9 to 25 eggs. After 90 days, little agama babies emerge, first they digest the yolk reserve, and then begin their normal diet. In one season, a female can lay two identical clutches.

Keeping exotic animals in the house today is not something unusual or supernatural. Bearded dragons, Australian lizards that are called descendants of dinosaurs, are also kept as pets. However, before purchasing such an animal, you should learn about the characteristics of its behavior and maintenance.

The bearded dragon easily tolerates the hot climate of Australia

They are considered an endemic animal. In their natural environment, they live exclusively in Australia. The lizard prefers a hot climate and is not afraid of the scorching sun, and therefore lives, as a rule, in desert areas. Agama can also be found in the mountains and on tree branches, but it is impossible to see it on the seashore.

From the heat they hide in the shade or in holes that they dig in the sand or soil. Lizards also use the burrows of other animals as shelter. They are considered predators and in nature feed most often on insects, small rodents and birds, but do not refuse food of plant origin.

Due to the fact that the agama lives in arid areas, it gets water from food. The lizard enjoys plenty of moisture during the rainy season. This is enough for her to live comfortably.

Description and morphs

In Latin it is called Pogona vitticeps, which means “bearded with a bulbous headband.”

Reptiles were classified in the last century. The animal belongs to the class reptiles, genus Pogona. At the bottom of the lizard's head there are spines that form a kind of neck pouch. In times of danger or mating season, they swell and darken.

Bearded dragon - enough large reptile, which can grow up to 70 cm. In this case, the tail is twice as long as the body. The lizard has a triangular head, auditory openings on the sides. The flat body of the reptile is equipped with two rows of spines.

It is noteworthy that despite the threatening appearance, the spines and scales on the agama’s body are not as prickly as, for example, those of the iguana, and are pleasant to the touch.

The lizard is distinguished by strong paws, fingers with sharp claws and sharp teeth with which it grabs and chews food.

The usual coloration of the reptile is gray and brown, but representatives of this species of other colors are found. Coloring may vary depending on the weather and the health of the reptile. They shed periodically throughout their lives. At a young age, this happens often; in adults, skin changes occur less frequently.

Common morphs of agamas:

• Common bearded. Agama Normal is a regular gray or brown color.
• LeatherBac. There are such lizards different colors and are distinguished by smooth skin on the back.
• Leucistic. Completely white lizards.
• Blood Red. Reptiles are bright red.
• Black Morphs. Black agama.
• Snow. Lizards white, but unlike Leucistic, which do not change color throughout their lives, Snow are born pink. As adults, they may have pink stripes on the back.
• Sunburst. Individuals of yellow and orange flowers with red stripes on the back.
• Trans or Translucent. Morph with black eyes and slightly transparent skin of different colors.
• Neurotranslucent. These reptiles have transparent claws and are always light in color.
• German Giant Bearded. Such individuals were bred through selection in Germany and are particularly large in size.
• Sandfire. Morph obtained by crossing yellow and red dragons.
• Silkback Morphs. It is distinguished by almost bare skin.

There are many morphs of bearded dragons, differing in body color

Features of behavior

The lizard is easy to handle and loves to scratch its neck

Despite their menacing appearance, the bearded dragon is easy to tame. However, it can bite and scratch, so be careful if the reptile changes color, snorts, hisses, crouches, wiggles its tail, or flares its neck.

Agamas with long tails. Individuals of the same sex often do not get along with each other and bite off each other’s tails, which then do not grow back. Australian lizards are fearless and do not hide from the enemy, preferring an active attack. In general, they are quite passive and just lie or sleep most of the time. Animals are usually more active during the day in sunlight.

The agama is quite easy to keep compared to some other reptiles. However, you need to know the basic rules for caring for such an exotic pet.

What to feed

Bearded dragons can be fed almost any fruit and vegetable.

Agamas are omnivores. Their diet includes both protein and plant foods. However, the diet of the Australian lizard depends on age. Young lizards up to one year old need to be given significantly more protein in the form of insects (crickets, cockroaches, worms, snails, zoobass). Lizards need live food. However, it is better not to catch insects yourself. They can be carriers of infection. The food is purchased from a specialized store.

Most of the menu of sexually mature agamas consists of food of plant origin (carrots, cabbage, sweet peppers, legumes, pumpkin, squash, apples, bananas, grapes, greens and herbs, mushrooms). It is important to ensure that the pieces of food are not too large. Their size should not exceed the distance between the reptile’s eyes. Otherwise, your pet may choke.

Young lizards are fed daily, older ones - once every two days. An adult reptile can live 3–4 days without food. In order not to overfeed the agama, you need to give it food, and after 15 minutes remove what the pet has not eaten. Australian lizards do not need a large amount of liquid. It is enough to spray the walls of the terrarium with water. You can also install a drinking bowl with clean water.

Diseases and treatment

With proper care and feeding, many diseases of bearded dragons can be avoided.

Provided they are properly kept and fed, Australian lizards rarely get sick. Popular reptile diseases include:

Some owners sound the alarm when they notice that their pet is simply lying motionless. No need to worry. Agamas are quite static and can spend several hours in one position.

The necessary conditions

Keeping bearded dragons requires a terrarium. The cage can only be used as a carrier. The container must be large enough. A terrarium with a volume of 100 liters is sufficient for a reptile up to a year old. Sexually mature individuals need more space - at least 200 liters. Please note that the terrarium must be long enough. Good ventilation must also be ensured. To do this, the terrarium is covered not with glass or plastic, but with a lattice.

It is best to use special substrates for reptiles as soil. For containers with young individuals, dense ones are suitable. paper napkins and cellulose mats, while older animals will be comfortable with pebbles. It is prohibited to fill the terrarium with gravel, sawdust, stones and sand. The thickness of the soil should be at least 10 cm, as reptiles like to burrow into the soil.

It is especially important to pay attention to lighting. It is not enough to simply install the terrarium on a windowsill exposed to direct sunlight. Agama needs lighting constantly. Due to lack of light, reptiles develop calcium deficiency, which is dangerous for the health and life of animals. High-quality lighting is provided using special ultraviolet lamps. The lamp must be turned on at least 12 hours a day.

This is a heat-loving animal. For a reptile to live comfortably, the air temperature in the terrarium should be at least 30 degrees. However, you cannot bring it to 40 degrees. For heating it is best to use special lamps. The ideal option is to divide the terrarium into zones: warm and cool, so that the pet can choose for himself comfortable temperature air.

Agamas, like other living beings, need rest from outside world, so shelters are important for them. They can be purchased at the store or made yourself. The main thing is that the shelters are made of safe materials and match the size of the pet.

The cleanliness of the terrarium is the key to your pet’s health. It is necessary to remove food debris and metabolic products from the reptile from the reptile’s home. Cleaning and replacement of soil is carried out approximately once a week. While cleaning, your pet can be placed in a cage.

Breeding at home

The maximum number of babies a bearded dragon can have is 18–20

Some owners decide to get a couple of individuals for subsequent breeding of reptiles. If you follow all the rules, it is possible to get healthy offspring.

How to determine gender

To do this, pay attention to the area at the base of the tail. In males it is noticeably thicker. The color of the grooves of individuals also differs. For females it is beige, for males it is dark blue or black. However, these signs are not so obvious.

Under the tail of males there are hemipenises, reproductive organs in the form of two pockets.

Mating and breeding

Australian lizards reach sexual maturity at two years of age. The mating period usually occurs in March, after wintering. In males, the mating season is characterized by darkening of the cervical sac, and females demonstrate their readiness for mating by nodding their heads, raising their paws and characteristic movements of the tail. During this period, it is recommended to introduce vitamin E into the pet's diet. The mating process itself lasts 5 minutes, and pregnancy lasts 30 weeks.

Agamas are oviparous reptiles, so it is important to provide a number of conditions for reproduction. The female is placed in a terrarium, where the soil thickness reaches 40 cm, so that the reptile can bury eggs there. Their number usually does not exceed 20. Incubation period is approximately 2 months. It is better to place the hatched cubs and feed them with protein foods at least 3 times a day.

Lifespan

The lifespan of an Australian lizard depends on factors such as nutrition and living conditions.

In the wild, bearded dragons live up to 7–9 years. At home, reptiles reach in some cases 11–12 years old.

Advantages and disadvantages

The variety of morphs is another advantage of this reptile.

Before you decide to get such a pet, you should weigh the pros and cons of such an acquisition. The benefits of keeping lizards include:

• The unpretentiousness of the animal. It is quite easy for a bearded dragon to provide the necessary conditions content.
• Contact. Reptiles quickly get used to humans and love communication and affectionate stroking.
• Independence. It can be left for 3-4 days, providing warmth and light. A reptile can survive without food for several days.
• Low cost. The price of a pet is more affordable compared to other exotic animals.

It is also important to know that bearded dragons can be aggressive and may scratch or bite. Owners of exotic animals also note expensive treatment in case of pet illness. IN in rare cases Possible lizard allergy.

These reptiles are very inquisitive and, according to scientists, capable of learning

The bearded dragon is an amazing animal, which due to its unique appearance is called a bearded dragon, has a number of interesting features. The Australian lizard is not a chameleon, but is capable of changing color depending on the situation and environment. But throwing away the tail in case of danger is not typical for such a reptile.

During the incubation process, a change in the sex of the individual may occur. At high temperatures, males lose their sexual characteristics and develop into females. It is noteworthy that agamas live longer at home than in the wild.

They love water treatments. They can be bathed in water at a temperature of 30–35 degrees once a week. These reptiles are very inquisitive and, according to scientists, capable of learning.

Bearded Dragon - perfect pet even for a beginner terrariumist. Compared to other lizards, it is quite unpretentious. The behavior of such an animal is very interesting to observe. The Australian lizard can become not only an exotic decoration for the home, but also a true friend.

Bearded dragon or bearded lizard(Pogona vitticeps) is native to Australia, which is now quite accessible as it is bred in captivity without problems. It is well suited for both beginners and experienced reptile lovers. Due to its flexibility, small size (40-50 cm), and ease of maintenance, it has become very popular in recent years. In this article you will learn how to care for, maintain and feed your bearded dragon.

Bearded dragon lizards live in Australia, there are several subspecies, but the most popular is Pogona vitticeps. Habitat in arid places, they lead a terrestrial and semi-arboreal lifestyle and are active during the day.

It's pretty large lizards, and adults can reach a size of 45-60 cm in length and weigh 300 grams or more. The bearded dragon lives for about 10 years, although there is evidence of lizards living twice as long.

They have triangular heads and flat bodies, and they got their name from a special neck pouch located under lower jaw, which they inflate during danger or mating games. It is dark in color, and the sharp increase in size scares away predators.

The usual coloring is gray or brown, but there are also many different variations that can be red, orange or white.

Common bearded dragon morphs:

• Sunburst
• German Giant "German Giant"
• Salmon
• Sandfire
• Blood Red
• Leucistic
• LeatherBack
• Silkback "Silk morph"
• "Dunner" Dragons
• Translucent Morphs
• Japanese Silverback Dragons

And by color:

• White Morphs - white morph
• Yellow Morphs - yellow morph
• Orange Morphs - orange morph
• Tiger Pattern Morphs - with a tiger pattern
• Black Morphs - black morph
• Red Morphs - red morph

Choosing an agama

Before you buy an agama, make sure that the animal is healthy, because it is not cheap. Fortunately, there are several signs by which you can understand that she is not sick.

Examine your dragon carefully, looking for any scars or signs of injury, even if they have already recovered. This may cause problems in the future, and if you have a choice, then take an animal without scars. Also inspect for fresh damage, wounds, or ulcers.

Check the integrity of body parts

Many lizards quickly regenerate lost body parts, but bearded dragons do not have this ability. If her tail or paw is torn off, then she will remain that way forever (no matter what the sellers tell you). However, if she is missing a finger or the tip of her tail, then this is a common occurrence and can be considered normal.

There should be no foam or liquid around the mouth, the presence of which may be an indicator of disease. The eyes should be clear, the nostrils clean.

Alertness

Healthy agamas are always on the alert, because in nature they catch fast insects, and without attention they would die of hunger. An active and fast bearded dragon is the first sign of a healthy animal. True, they can be lethargic and lethargic, even when completely healthy, since they are not active 24 hours a day. Observe the selected lizard for a while. How she behaves, how she eats, how she moves.

Australian dragons are desert reptiles and they live in a dry, hot climate, so in order for them to be healthy, you need to recreate it. In this part, you will learn how to make your bearded dragon terrarium not only a decoration, but also an ideal home for it.

Terrarium size

Young agamas can be kept in a terrarium of at least 100 liters and long enough. However, they grow quickly and will require more volume within a few months. Adult dragons should be kept in a volume of at least 200 liters, and if the terrarium for a bearded dragon is even larger, it will only be better.

It is better to cover the terrarium with a lattice, since glass, plastic or wood will not allow air to circulate normally and moisture will accumulate in the terrarium. The gratings will allow you to light and heat the terrarium without problems, and they also do not retain moisture.

Lighting

The light falling into the terrarium from the window is completely insufficient for her, even if it is under direct rays. To keep the lizard healthy, it is necessary to illuminate the terrarium with special ultraviolet lamps (UVB 7-8%) for at least 12 hours.

Since agamas live in the desert, they need the sun or its substitute for care and health. It is under ultraviolet rays that they can synthesize vitamin D3, which is necessary for the normal absorption of calcium. This means that you must recreate the spectral spectrum of sunlight.

Fortunately, this is now quite easy to do; any pet store will offer you a variety of lamps for reptiles. It is better to mount the lamps inside the terrarium so that the loss of rays is minimal.

Heating the terrarium

Again, bearded dragons come from the desert, which means they need heat. The temperature in the terrarium should be no lower than 30 C and no higher than 40 C. Do not use stones with a heating element inside for this, as they can cause burns. The easiest way is to use regular incandescent lamps, but better are special lamps for heating a terrarium, which are again sold in pet stores.

If you have a fairly spacious terrarium, then we can create a cool and hot zone. A lamp will be located in the heating zone and the agama will warm up in it, and cool down in the cool zone as needed. The temperature and humidity inside must be checked constantly so that they do not exceed the norm.

A thermometer and a hygrometer are quite cheap and it is better to put two thermometers (in the cool and hot zones) and one hygrometer. Combination thermometers and hygrometers for reptiles, collected in one device, are now popular.

Water

In order for agamas to drink, you can use a spray bottle. Just spray the walls of the terrarium, and they will already lick the drops from them and from the decor. But don’t overdo it, it shouldn’t be too humid inside, after all, they live in dry deserts.

You can also put water in drinking bowls, most often they are styled like stones, but make sure that the water in them is clean. Humidity is important for molting, since low molting is much more difficult. Sometimes you can practice bathing by lowering your agama into a container of warm water.

Priming

For young agamas, it is best to use plain paper, napkins, toilet paper or special mats (substrates) for reptiles. They are very accessible, cheap, and safe for reptiles.

If you choose a substrate, the one that looks best is one that resembles grass. Do not use sand, gravel, or sawdust for juveniles and juveniles! They are very clumsy eaters, very curious and can swallow such soil. And this is already a health risk; sand and other small mixtures clog their intestines, which can lead to death.

Shelters

Your bearded dragon needs a place to hide. There she could feel safe and rest in the shade. You can buy special shelters at the pet store that resemble natural stones, or you can make your own.

The main thing is that it is spacious enough and you can turn around in it. Some owners become concerned if their dragon hides for too long and remove the hiding place during the day. However, it is better to leave it alone and not touch the shelter; the lizard itself will figure out when to hide and when to be active.

Decor

Agamas love to climb somewhere and bask in the sun, so it is better to add things to the terrarium that even the heaviest and largest agama can climb on.

It can be:

Branches and driftwood
Agamas are excellent climbers, so a good branch or two will not only greatly enhance the appearance of the terrarium, but will also make her feel comfortable. Choosing them is not difficult, the main thing is that there is no bark on it (pieces of which agamas can swallow) and no insects. By the way, an old aquarist trick - soaking - will help get rid of the bark. Immerse the driftwood in water and part of the bark will peel off on its own.

Islets

Platforms that are placed under heating lamps. These can be either artificial things or large stones. The latter is best, for example dark rocks, they absorb heat and allow you to warm up more evenly.

Feeding and diet of bearded dragons

Feeding the right food will increase the agama's lifespan, enhance coloration, and activity. Here you will learn what and how to give agamas so that the diet is optimal and the nutrition is complete.

Bearded dragons are omnivores, which means they eat both plant matter and insects. What to feed depends on the size and age of the agama. Young lizards are fed 80% insects and 20% plant foods, but the opposite is true for mature lizards.

When you feed your dragon, make sure the food is no more than the distance between its eyes. This is especially true for pieces of vegetables, since if they are larger, there is a chance that the agama will choke. Before feeding, simply cut the vegetables into small pieces.

Young dragons grow very quickly and because of this they need food that is more nutritious than fruits and vegetables. Owners complain that it is quite difficult to get them to eat plant foods, so just leave them in the terrarium during the day.

Young dragons need to be fed crickets three times a day, enough to eat within 10-15 minutes. After this time, the excess ones need to be removed.

But adult agamas need much less protein food. It’s much less interesting to watch them eat vegetables, but it’s also cheaper!

By the way, if you give too much, they will not refuse, but they will become fat and lethargic, so maintain moderation. The basis of feeding is vegetables, but insects can be given once a day. The principle of feeding crickets is the same as for young lizards.

Insects

• crickets
• cockroaches (not domestic)
• mealworms
• Zofobas
• earthworms
• crawls out

Vegetables and fruits

Watching an agama eat vegetables is a rather boring experience compared to insects. However, plant foods are the basis of feeding adult bearded dragons. Vegetables and fruits contain essential minerals and vitamins.

• Cabbage
• Dandelions
• Carrot tops
• Parsley
• hibiscus
• Alfalfa
• Apples
• Strawberry

Conclusion

If you have read this article, then you know the basics of keeping and caring for a bearded dragon. However, it is better to use several sources before approaching anyone. This article is imperfect and will be improved as agama lovers make comments.