Bearded dragons typically get pregnant once a year. In the wild, bearded dragons typically reproduce or lay eggs during the spring and summer months. Females in captivity retained the same habit. Though the exact mate selection criteria for pregnant females do not exist, it is believed that they are synced with rainfall and temperatures.
Due to their overlapping ranges, captive bearded dragons can find a partner easily, resulting in higher chances of pregnancy.
It is also recommended by experts that female bearded dragons should not be mated every year but should skip a year to maintain their health and wellbeing. Also, 11-12 months after a female lays eggs, they might become gravid (pregnant) again.
That is why the average frequency of pregnancy in bearded dragons is once a year.
Do female bearded dragons lay eggs without mating?
No, female bearded dragons cannot lay eggs without mating. Although there are some reports that some females may lay infertile eggs in a clutch without mating, this is not typical. To lay fertile eggs, the female bearded dragon must mate with a male and produce viable sperm that will fertilize the eggs internally.
Female bearded dragons usually need to mate multiple times in one season, with multiple males, or several times with one male, to produce fertile eggs. Without mating, neither the male nor the female bearded dragon can produce viable offspring.
Do bearded dragons have a breeding season?
Yes, bearded dragons do have a breeding season. For most bearded dragons, the breeding season typically runs from late summer to early fall. During this period, males tend to become more aggressive and territorial, especially when around females.
These behaviors are related to the seasonal hormone changes that drive them to mate during the breeding season.
While some bearded dragons may breed year-round, it is best to wait until the official breeding season if you are considering breeding. During the breeding season, the bearded dragons’ hormones and reproductive strategies will be optimal for mating and successful reproduction.
It is important to ensure that the male and female dragon are healthy and compatible before breeding. Make sure to research thoroughly to understand the nutritional and environmental requirements for breeding bearded dragons.
Can bearded dragons change gender?
No, bearded dragons cannot change their gender. While some lizards, such as the common iguana, can change their gender based on environmental conditions, bearded dragons are unable to do this. Bearded dragons are born with a fixed gender determined by their chromosomes.
There is no known scientific way to change the gender of a bearded dragon after it is born.
Can you tell a bearded dragons gender as a baby?
It can be difficult to tell a bearded dragon’s gender as a baby, but there are a few things to look for that can help. One of the most evident differences can be seen on the underside of the dragon. For males, the pores on the side of their legs and on the base of their tail will be larger and more visible, while on the female they will be very small or not visible at all.
Additionally, males tend to have wider heads and chins than females. Another way to tell the gender is to look at the length of the beard. Male dragons usually have longer, fuller beards than females.
Lastly, males can sometimes also be seen displaying territorial and courting behaviors, such as bobbing their head and posturing, as early as 2-3 months of age.
How do you know when a lizard is pregnant?
It can be difficult to tell if a lizard is pregnant, because female lizards often don’t show any physical signs until they are very close to giving birth. However, there are some ways to tell when a female lizard may be pregnant.
One of the most noticeable signs is a swollen abdomen, which may indicate that the female lizard is carrying eggs inside her body. Additionally, some species of lizards may exhibit nesting behaviors when they are pregnant, by making a nest or burrow and exhibiting nesting behaviors.
Close observation of the female’s behavior can sometimes help revealing signs of pregnancy. Finally, a veterinarian or vet technician can perform tests such as ultrasound or radiographs to determine if the female is carrying eggs.
What does an infertile bearded dragon egg look like?
Freshly laid infertile bearded dragon eggs are typically a creamish/white color and are cylindrical in shape. They are generally 2-3cm in length and 0. 5-1 cm in diameter. When first laid, they will have a smooth surface, but as they age they may begin to dry out and develop a harder shell.
Often they will also darken in color over time. The egg itself may not be obviously infertile, so it is important to monitor fertility with a water test. If a egg is submerged in a cup of water for 24-48 hours and does not float, it is likely infertile.
It is not uncommon for female bearded dragons to produce infertile eggs; however, if more than half of the eggs in a clutch are infertile this may be an indicator of an underlying health issue in the female dragon that should be addressed.
