Shedding Care for a Mountain Horned Dragon

Mountain Horned Dragons are small lizards originating from the humid mountain forests of Southern China to Sumatra. Their scientific name is Prinklenapes. These small lizards usually do not exceed 12 inches from head to tail. Spiked horns are evident on the eyebrows, on the top center of the head running down between the shoulders. The horns graduate to small points that travel down the spine to the tip of the tail. Mountain Horned Dragons are typically a shade of brown, with a few green specimens occasionally found. Capable of intensifying their skin color to camouflage their appearance, they like to hide among tree branches and foliage staying motionless for hours waiting for their prey. Once stimulated with a passing insect or arthropod, they will quickly lunge to feed.

  1. Shedding care overview

    • To properly maintain a Mountain Horned Dragon's health, their captive habitat must replicate their natural habitat as closely as possible. Running water and high humidity are of great importance to Mountain Horned Dragons to avoid dehydration, particularly during the shedding process. Maintaining a constant humidity of 70% to 80% will help avoid health and shedding problems. Providing a high humid environment, without being dank and moldy requires a balance of ample ventilation and humidity. Both can be easily maintained by utilizing a combination of methods.

    Moisture requirements

    • Proper moisture is one of the most important components needed by Mountain Horned Dragons for shedding and good health. Moving water is required in your Dragon habitat. Mountain Horned Dragons will not recognize or utilize water that is not moving. You can achieve moving water by providing a filtration system in the water dish. A filtration system will keep the water cleaner. A simple tank bubbler can also be used to simulate moving water, but will require manual cleaning of the water every other day. Your Dragon will appreciate a deep water dish that allows him to drink and swim freely. You must provide rocks in the water dish that allow your Dragon to half-submerge and exit easily. Deep dish soaking will assist your Dragon in loosening shedding skin.

    Daily misting

    • Mist your Mountain Horned Dragon habitat often, particularly during the shedding process. This can be accomplished with clean water in a spray bottle, or an automated fogging machine. Misting or fogging throughout the day is crucial in maintaining the humid environment that Mountain Horned Dragons require during the shedding process. Misting also provides moving water droplets on the foliage that Dragons love to lap up.

    Ventilation

    • The tank lid for your Mountain Horned Dragon should be a well secured screen. This will allow for the exchange of fresh air, deterring a moldy environment. Be sure the lid is tightly secured to prevent escape. Above the tank lid one should also provide a ultraviolet light for basking and to provide the necessary vitamin D needed for optimum shedding health. Never let the temperature of the tank go above 84 degrees.