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Bearded Dragon Hatchling Care

Bearded Dragon Breeding / By

If you’ve taken the exciting step of breeding bearded dragons, congratulations! But as the eggs begin to hatch, the real work starts. Bearded dragon hatchling care is crucial to ensure these tiny reptiles grow up healthy and strong. Drawing from my years of experience with breeding and caring for bearded dragons, this blog post will walk you through every aspect of hatchling care—from setting up their habitat to their diet and health monitoring.

Preparing the Habitat

Your hatchlings’ environment will significantly impact their long-term health and growth. Here’s how to set up a perfect habitat.

Setting Up the Enclosure

Bearded dragon hatchlings are fragile and require specific conditions to thrive.

  • Tank Size: Start with a 20-gallon terrarium. Hatchlings need space, but too large an enclosure may stress them.
  • Substrate: Opt for paper towels or reptile carpet to avoid impaction, a common issue with loose substrates like sand.
  • Lighting: UVB lighting is non-negotiable. I recommend a 10.0 UVB bulb, which should be replaced every six months. Ensure there’s a gradient of temperatures—provide basking areas (100-110°F) and cooler zones (75-85°F).

Humidity and Temperature Control

Humidity levels should be kept between 30-40%. Too much humidity can lead to respiratory issues while too little can cause skin problems.

  • Use a hygrometer to monitor humidity.
  • Mist the enclosure lightly, just enough to maintain optimal levels.

Nutrition for Hatchlings

An appropriate diet is the cornerstone of healthy growth. Hatchlings have specific nutritional needs that differ from adults.

Feeding Your Hatchlings

Hatchlings eat more frequently than adults due to their rapid growth.

  • Protein: Offer pinhead crickets or tiny dubia roaches. Aim for 3-5 feedings per day, ensuring the insects are smaller than the space between their eyes.
  • Vegetables: Though insects will be the bulk, introducing finely chopped greens like collard or mustard greens is beneficial.
  • Calcium: Dust insects with calcium powder once a day to prevent metabolic bone disease.

Hydration

Hatchlings can become dehydrated quickly.

  • Provide a shallow water dish and change the water daily.
  • Light misting can also help maintain skin health and hydration.

Monitoring Health and Growth

It’s essential to monitor your hatchlings closely for any signs of illness or abnormal behaviour.

Common Health Issues

While I can share general tips, always consult a vet for specific concerns.

  • Impaction: Ensure proper substrate and avoid feeding oversized insects.
  • Metabolic Bone Disease: Symptoms include swelling limbs and soft jaws. Ensure adequate UVB exposure and calcium intake.
  • Respiratory Infections: Watch out for laboured breathing and mucous. Maintain proper humidity and clean the tank regularly.

Growth Tracking

Keep a log to track growth rates and weight.

  • Use a digital scale designed for small objects.
  • Weigh your hatchlings weekly. Healthy hatchlings will grow noticeably every month.

Conclusion

Caring for bearded dragon hatchlings is both challenging and rewarding. By providing the right habitat, diet, and regular monitoring, you set the foundation for your hatchlings to grow into robust and healthy adults. Always stay observant, and don’t hesitate to consult a vet for any health concerns.

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Take the time to immerse yourself in this process, and the rewards will be well worth the effort. If you have any questions or need personalised advice, feel free to reach out to our community of experts.

By optimising your care regimen, you can ensure that your bearded dragon hatchlings grow into healthy, happy adults. Happy herping!