Bearded dragons typically lay eggs during the breeding season, usually in the spring and summer. Female bearded dragons can also lay infertile eggs even if not mated with a male. The process of laying eggs, known as oviposition, can take several days and involves several stages. Female bearded dragons will typically become restless and begin to dig in their enclosure.
Once the nest area is prepared, the female will lay her eggs and cover them with the substrate or other materials. It’s important to provide a suitable nesting site and substrate for your female bearded dragon if you suspect she may be preparing to lay eggs.
Suppose you notice your female bearded dragon exhibiting any of the abovementioned behaviors. In that case, it’s important to monitor her closely and provide a suitable nesting site and substrate to help facilitate the egg-laying process. If you have concerns about your bearded dragon’s health or behavior, consult a veterinarian specializing in reptiles.
Sexing Bearded Dragons
Knowing the sex of your bearded dragon is important if you plan on breeding or if you want to make sure you have a good mix of male and female dragons in a communal enclosure. Sexing bearded dragons can be tricky, but there are some physical characteristics to look for that can help.
Physical Characteristics of Male and Female Bearded Dragons
Male and female bearded dragons have some distinct physical differences that can be used to determine their sex, according to PetCo. Here are some of the key characteristics to look for:
| Characteristic | Male | Female |
| Pores on the underside of the legs and tail | Large and noticeable | Small and not as noticeable |
| Head shape | Broader and more triangular | Narrower and more elongated |
| Size | Generally larger | Generally smaller |
| Behavior | Can be more aggressive and territorial | Can be more docile and submissive |
It’s important to note that these characteristics can vary from dragon to dragon, and some bearded dragons may not display all of the typical traits associated with their sex. Additionally, it can be difficult to determine the sex of a bearded dragon until they are at least six months old.
Suppose you’re still unsure about the sex of your bearded dragon. In that case, you can take them to a reptile veterinarian or an experienced breeder who can help you determine their sex more accurately.
Bearded Dragon Mating Behavior
Bearded dragons are fascinating creatures with interesting mating behaviors. Understanding their mating rituals and behaviors can help you provide better care for your pets. In this section, we will explore the mating rituals of bearded dragons and how they prepare for egg-laying.
Mating Rituals
Based on observation, male bearded dragons are known for their head-bobbing displays during mating season. This behavior allows males to signal their dominance and readiness to mate. They also display arm-waving behavior to attract females. Female bearded dragons may also display arm-waving behavior in response to the male’s head-bobbing.
Once a male and female have paired up, they will engage in courtship behavior. This may include the male nuzzling the female, licking her, or biting her neck. These behaviors help to stimulate the female’s reproductive system and prepare her for mating.
Preparing for Egg Laying
After a successful mating event, the female bearded dragon’s body will begin to change to accommodate the growth and development of her first clutch of fertile eggs. It typically takes six to ten weeks, or 45 to 70 days, to lay her clutch after mating. During this time, the female will start to dig a burrow or nest in the substrate to lay her eggs.
It is important to provide a suitable substrate for your female bearded dragon to dig in, such as sand or soil. It is also important to provide your female bearded dragon with a suitable nesting box where she can lay her eggs. The nesting box should be large enough for the female to lay her eggs comfortably and deep enough to allow her to dig and bury her eggs.
Egg Laying Process
Signs of Impending Egg Laying
Female bearded dragons will start showing signs of impending egg-laying a few days before the event. The first sign is a decrease in appetite, followed by frequent digging in the substrate. The female will also become restless and may start pacing around her enclosure. She may also start to look bloated, and her belly may feel firm to the touch.
Egg Laying Process
When the female is ready to lay her eggs, she will start to dig a hole in the substrate. This hole should be deep enough to accommodate the eggs and allow for proper incubation. The female will then lay her eggs in the hole individually. She will cover the eggs with the substrate until all the eggs are laid. The entire process can take several hours.
It is important to note that female bearded dragons can lay infertile eggs even if they have not mated with a male. These eggs will not hatch, and the female will usually stop laying after a certain number of infertile eggs have been laid.
Egg Incubation
Once the eggs are laid, they must be incubated at the right temperature and humidity to hatch. The eggs should be carefully removed from the substrate and placed in an incubation box with a suitable substrate. The box should then be placed in an incubator with the correct temperature and humidity levels.
The incubation period for bearded dragon eggs is around 60-70 days. During this time, the eggs should be monitored regularly to ensure the correct temperature and humidity levels. The eggs should also be checked for mold or other development issues.
Once the eggs hatch, the baby bearded dragons should be carefully removed from the incubation box and placed in a suitable enclosure with the proper heating and lighting. In addition, they should be fed a diet of appropriately sized insects and vegetables and given plenty of space to grow and explore.
