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Hello, welcome to Water Dragon World, I have
owned a Chinese Water Dragon since November 2003, and ever since I first set eyes on water dragons I was very intrigued and
was determined to learn more about them. I have learnt many things about Water Dragons, mainly about Chinese ones, although
Australian Water Dragons appeal to me also, and in this site I wish to express my thoughts and knowledge on Water Dragons
to you. So, Enjoy!!!
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Well, if you already have a water dragon/planning
on buying one, here is a simple caresheet I hope you will find easy to understand:
- Heating-The temperatures in the vivarium/terrarium in the day time should be around 78-83 degrees fahrenheit, dropping
to around 70-75 at night.
- Hours of daylight and lighting-Your Water Dragon should have about 12 hours of daylight each day in
the summer, and 10 hours in the winter, remember your Water Dragon is a cold-blooded animal, and unlike humans their
body temperatures depend on the heat of the environment surrounding them. The light you supply them with is one of their main
heat sources. Make sure you have a UVA/UVB bulb in the vivarium as this gives your Water Dragon many of the essential vitamins
in your Water Dragons diet.
- Humidity-Your Water Dragons
vivarium/terrarium needs to have a reasonable amount of humidity in it as the Water Dragon is a tropical reptile, so the vibarium/terrarium
should be misted 2-3 times a day, sometimes your Water Dragon may rush over under the water, as they like a good shower!!!
- Food-Water Dragons eat mainly insects such as crickets, spiders, earthworms, mealworms, waxworms and locusts. Although
they will also eat fruit and vegetables including lettuce, apple, banana, peppers (not spicy ones), leeks and cucumber. The Water
Dragon should be offered about 3/4 crickets in the morning and then 3/4 in the evening when young also including
a waxworm every 3 days, 6 crickets in the morning and 6 in the evening when 'middle-aged' and 8 in the
morning and 8 in the evening when adult. When your Water Dragons are 'middle-aged' you should also start feeding them
mealworms and pinkies (new born hairless mice) of course the Water Dragons would prefer them live but thats your decision. Fruit
and veg should be offered 1-2 times a week in the vivarium, taking it out the next day so it does not mold and cause your
Water Dragon any harm
- Sexing your Water Dragon-The males tend to
have larger heads and the pores on the inner back leg are clearer to see and thicker. Also the females lay eggs every other
month but unless they are fertilised by a male the eggs will not hatch and are useless
- Common Illnesses-Water Dragons are well known
for 'Nose Rubbing'. This is banging there snouts into the glass on their vivarium, where the snout wears down, causing
snout damage. Unfortunately, this can result in mouth rot, which can be fatal, if your water dragon does this, you MUST take
him/her to the vet ASAP.
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I will also show you
many pictures of my Water Dragon, Abe, so you can see how she is getting on and how much she is growing.
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