Post by hoomanslave on Nov 10, 2020 8:53:06 GMT -5
Breeding animals is much more complicated than just throwing a male and a female together and hoping that some cute babies will pop up. People who do this are known as "backyard breeders" and are looked down on by the community. If you are planning to breed bearded dragons (or any animal), there are many things to consider first.
1. Basic facts
Females lay eggs 3-5 weeks after successfully mating. The eggs, once laid, will require 6-12 weeks to hatch. When they hatch, the bearded dragons will be only 3 inches long and weigh 4 grams. During the first two months of their life, these tiny hatchlings can grow over an inch per week.
2. Don't breed without a goal
Getting rich should not be your sole motive to breed bearded dragons. Why do you want to breed? To meet the increasing demand for lizard pets? To improve or create a morph? Breeding is pointless and even unethical if you just want to do it for fun.
3. Do you know your bearded dragon's genetics?
Do not breed if you bought your pair from a pet store. They are likely closely related if they are from the same group of babies, and even if they are not you do not know their genes and perhaps even where they came from. You could unknowingly be introducing bad genes into the hobby through the dragons and their offspring. Only breed with purebred dragons from a reputable breeder.
You should also be careful of what morph you are planning to breed. Silkback, or silkie, bearded dragons are scaleless, which makes them extremely vulnerable to injuries, even when roaming their enclosures. Many people consider it unethical to breed them.
4. Can you handle giving your female extra care?
When carrying eggs, beardies will give almost all of their body stores of nutrients to them, especially calcium. During and after the pregnancy, you will need to increase her calcium supplements and make sure she is getting enough nutrients.
5. Do you have the budget?
Having one or two bearded dragons is expensive, let alone several dozen! To raise the babies, you will need several tanks to keep them in, enough UVB, heat lights, substrate, and dishes for each tank, and LOTS of food. I recommend starting a large colony of dubia roaches or crickets so that you have plenty to feed your bearded dragons. Otherwise, you can expect to spend up to or over $70 per day, depending on what you use to feed your beardies.
6. Are you prepared to deal with health issues?
Egg-binding, failure to thrive, and MBD can all occur in babies or breeding females. Breeding will also shorten the lifespan of your female. Do you have the budget to pay all vet expenses? If you refuse to provide medical care for your beardies, you are better off not breeding or having pets in general. Can you handle the possibility that some eggs or hatchlings may not survive?
1. Basic facts
Females lay eggs 3-5 weeks after successfully mating. The eggs, once laid, will require 6-12 weeks to hatch. When they hatch, the bearded dragons will be only 3 inches long and weigh 4 grams. During the first two months of their life, these tiny hatchlings can grow over an inch per week.
2. Don't breed without a goal
Getting rich should not be your sole motive to breed bearded dragons. Why do you want to breed? To meet the increasing demand for lizard pets? To improve or create a morph? Breeding is pointless and even unethical if you just want to do it for fun.
3. Do you know your bearded dragon's genetics?
Do not breed if you bought your pair from a pet store. They are likely closely related if they are from the same group of babies, and even if they are not you do not know their genes and perhaps even where they came from. You could unknowingly be introducing bad genes into the hobby through the dragons and their offspring. Only breed with purebred dragons from a reputable breeder.
You should also be careful of what morph you are planning to breed. Silkback, or silkie, bearded dragons are scaleless, which makes them extremely vulnerable to injuries, even when roaming their enclosures. Many people consider it unethical to breed them.
4. Can you handle giving your female extra care?
When carrying eggs, beardies will give almost all of their body stores of nutrients to them, especially calcium. During and after the pregnancy, you will need to increase her calcium supplements and make sure she is getting enough nutrients.
5. Do you have the budget?
Having one or two bearded dragons is expensive, let alone several dozen! To raise the babies, you will need several tanks to keep them in, enough UVB, heat lights, substrate, and dishes for each tank, and LOTS of food. I recommend starting a large colony of dubia roaches or crickets so that you have plenty to feed your bearded dragons. Otherwise, you can expect to spend up to or over $70 per day, depending on what you use to feed your beardies.
6. Are you prepared to deal with health issues?
Egg-binding, failure to thrive, and MBD can all occur in babies or breeding females. Breeding will also shorten the lifespan of your female. Do you have the budget to pay all vet expenses? If you refuse to provide medical care for your beardies, you are better off not breeding or having pets in general. Can you handle the possibility that some eggs or hatchlings may not survive?