Instructions
Keep your dragons in separate enclosures unless they have been together since birth. Bearded dragons aren't aggressive toward humans, but they will attack other lizards and amphibians, including smaller bearded dragons, geckos and frogs. Generally, you don't want to house young males and females together because breeding too young can cause health problems for the female dragon. Female dragons should be at least 18 months old before breeding. Older males can be territorial, so it's advised to keep only one male in an enclosure. If you're breeding, one male and two to three females in an enclosure is acceptable.
Determine the sex of your dragon. This step is necessary if you're considering adding another dragon to an enclosure, attempting to breed dragons or just curious. Sexing bearded dragons can be tricky, particularly if they're young. Males typically have a larger head, wider tail base and hemipenal bulges. You can check for the bulges by gently lifting the tail. Two bulges should be noticeable behind the vent on a male. Be aware that bulges won't appear on an undeveloped juvenile male.
Observe if your dragon exhibits some strange behavior. It's normal for bearded dragon's beards to turn purple or black when they're exited. Male bearded dragons bob their heads at females. This can appear aggressive, but it's completely normal. Dragons often bask is the hot spot of their cage with their mouths open. This is called venting and it's not a sign of distress. Healthy dragons are active. If your dragon appears lethargic, more so than lazy basking, make an appointment with a vet.
Add a vitamin and mineral supplement to your dragon's greens. A well-balanced diet is vital for a healthy dragon and by adding a supplement you can make sure you're dragon is getting all the necessary nutrients. This supplement shouldn't be used as a substitute for live prey.
Quarantine any new bearded dragons before allowing them to interact with your beardies. Most reptile diseases are extremely contagious and you need to make sure your newest member is healthy before exposing it to other dragons. If, after a week, your new beardie is healthy and thriving, introduce it to the enclosure keeping the information in Step 1 in mind.
How to Care for Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons are an excellent pet for those desiring a reptile. While their appearance is similar to iguanas, beardies tend to be more docile than iguanas and much less demanding. Although these reptiles are on the hardy side of the reptile species, their care can sometimes confuse novice bearded dragon owners.