The Bearded Dragon Manual. Philippe De Vosjoil
The Bearded Dragon Manual 2nd Edition
CompanionHouse Books™ is an imprint of Fox Chapel Publishers International Ltd.
Project Team
Vice President–Content: Christopher Reggio
Editor: Amy Deputato
Copy Editor: Joann Woy
Design: Mary Ann Kahn
Copyright © 2017 by Fox Chapel Publishers International Ltd.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Fox Chapel Publishers, except for the inclusion of brief quotations in an acknowledged review.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Names: De Vosjoli, Philippe
Title: The bearded dragon manual : expert advice for keeping and caring for a healthy bearded dragon / Philippe de Vosjoli,
Terri M. Sommella, Robert Mailloux, Susan Donoghue, VMD, Roger Klingenberg, DVM, and Jerry Cole.
Description: Irvine, CA : Lumina Media, 2016. | Includes index.
Identifiers: LCCN 2016031986 | ISBN 9781620082539 (softcover)
Subjects: LCSH: Bearded dragons (Reptiles) as pets.
Classification: LCC SF459.L5 D42 2016 | DDC 639.3/955--dc23 LC record
available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016031986
eBook ISBN 978-1-62008-254-6
This book has been published with the intent to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter within. While every precaution has been taken in the preparation of this book, the author and publisher expressly disclaim any responsibility for any errors, omissions, or adverse effects arising from the use or application of the information contained herein. The techniques and suggestions are used at the reader’s discretion and are not to be considered a substitute for veterinary care. If you suspect a medical problem, consult your veterinarian.
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INTRODUCTION
Inland bearded dragons have been called the perfect reptile pets—for good reason. They are typically tame, easy to keep, and relatively hardy, and they come in an array of stunning colors. Bearded dragons are also amusing, intelligent, and endearing, so it is easy to understand why they are—and have been—one of the most popular reptile pets of all time. For people with fur allergies, a bearded dragon is often a wonderful alternative. They do, however, have certain requirements, as with any pet. And that is where this book comes in.
When I was asked to update The Bearded Dragon Manual, I was thrilled to be able to offer an additional perspective: that of an indoor breeder of exclusive high-color dragons. During my many years as a wildlife rehabilitator and working at the Baltimore Zoo (now the Maryland Zoo), I had the opportunity to learn behavioral-observation skills and large-collection management techniques. I am very grateful to longtime friend Dr. Thomas Ryan, DVM, and the other brilliant folks along the way who taught me to observe behaviors and then draw conclusions based on those observations.
It is my intent to add to the fine work of authors Phillippe de Vosjoli; Robert Mailloux; Susan Donoghue, VMD, DACVN; Roger Klingenberg, DVM; and Jerry Cole with easy-to-understand, practical information about general husbandry, updated views on topics such as feeder insects, tips and answers to common questions, and my personal observations from more than fifteen years as owner of Fire and Ice Dragons. In short, I hope to make the additional information on caring for bearded dragons easily accessible to the pet owner and new breeder. And you can also count on gorgeous photos of the newest color morphs.
Bearded dragons are attractive in appearance, moderately sized, naturally tame in demeanor, and very personable (by reptilian standards). Being ectotherms (cold-blooded), they have particular requirements that differ significantly from those of more traditional pets, such as dogs, cats, and birds. We warm-blooded humans don’t always have a natural propensity for understanding the care of reptiles, but compared to many other reptiles, bearded dragons are relatively hardy and easy to keep. Successfully keeping bearded dragons depends on developing basic knowledge of their needs and acquiring the supplies and technology to care for these beautiful lizards.
Much of this information in this version of the book has never before appeared in print. We hope that this information will improve your understanding of bearded dragons’ life stages and, in turn, help you ascertain the best way to provide for their health and well-being. It is obvious that, like humans, bearded dragons undergo periods of growth and changes in behavior, which may require the dedicated owner to adjust his or her methods of husbandry to meet the needs of each life stage.
Much work still needs to be done with these lizards in a wide range of areas, including nutrition, herpetological medicine, and genetics. There also remain critical obstacles that have yet to be overcome, such as identifying the factors that have prevented the long-term captive keeping and breeding of Lawson’s dragon and the Eastern bearded dragon. These challenges and promises of an ever-more-exciting future continue to drive us into the peculiar passion called herpetoculture! All in all, it is an exciting time to be involved in the evolution of herpetoculture, and we welcome you to the hobby.
—Terri M. Sommella
1: GENERAL INFORMATION
“Bearded dragon” is the common name applied to lizards of the genus Pogona in the family Agamidae, several of which display a beard-like extension of the throat, which turns black when threatened. The bearded dragon most readily available to pet owners is the inland bearded dragon (P. vitticeps). Because the inland bearded dragon is by far the most popular, the information presented in this book relates to that species unless indicated otherwise.
Two other types of bearded dragon are commercially bred in very small numbers: Lawson’s dragon (P. henrylawsoni) and the Eastern bearded dragon (P. barbata). Lawson’s dragon is a smaller and naturally tame species, but, unfortunately, it does not reproduce as easily as the inland bearded dragon and thus is not readily available. The large Eastern bearded dragon is rarely offered for sale because it also has proven difficult to breed consistently and presents certain problems in long-term husbandry that still need to be resolved. Hybrids between inland bearded dragons and Lawson’s dragons are occasionally offered for sale under the name Vittikin dragons.
Inland bearded dragons now come in a variety of morphs, including normal brown-and-tan dragons, although true “normals” are difficult to find. There are colors