Chinese Water Dragon
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== Introduction == | == Introduction == | ||
This care sheet can also be used for the Australian Water Dragon, Basilisks and Sailfin lizards. This care sheet concentrates specifically on Chinese water dragon care, however. There are some temperament differences with the other species. The Chinese water dragon is the most amiable of them all. This is an easy lizard to socialize and many even seem to ask to be let out for some interaction. | This care sheet can also be used for the Australian Water Dragon, Basilisks and Sailfin lizards. This care sheet concentrates specifically on Chinese water dragon care, however. There are some temperament differences with the other species. The Chinese water dragon is the most amiable of them all. This is an easy lizard to socialize and many even seem to ask to be let out for some interaction. | ||
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| + | [[Image:Chinese_Water_Dragon.jpg|thumb|left|Tatsu - Rehabbed by Author]] | ||
The Chinese water dragon is found in the Southeast Asian mainland. They’re mainly arboreal animals preferring trees and bushes. They’re also a diurnal animal which hunts during these daylight hours. | The Chinese water dragon is found in the Southeast Asian mainland. They’re mainly arboreal animals preferring trees and bushes. They’re also a diurnal animal which hunts during these daylight hours. | ||
=== Lighting === | === Lighting === | ||
| + | Basking lights are very easy and inexpensive if you stay away from the pet stores for this one. They need a photoperiod with daylight and nighttime as they would in their natural home. Instead of using the expensive "reptile basking lights", go to your local retail store and get a regular incandescent light bulb, such as what you would use for a lamp. | ||
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| + | Water Dragons should NOT have night heat unless their nighttime temps go below the lows as suggested. Their bodies need to regulate to lower temps in order for them to "rest and recharge" for the next day. | ||
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Not all UVB lights are created equal. Some decay very quickly. You need no less than two 3' fluorescent UVB tubes or a merc vapor such as the Mega Ray. Short version - UVB helps the ig to process the calcium in their diet. Without the UVB...the calcium does not get absorbed and the result is Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and renal failure. The brands to go with: | Not all UVB lights are created equal. Some decay very quickly. You need no less than two 3' fluorescent UVB tubes or a merc vapor such as the Mega Ray. Short version - UVB helps the ig to process the calcium in their diet. Without the UVB...the calcium does not get absorbed and the result is Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) and renal failure. The brands to go with: | ||
=== Sexing === | === Sexing === | ||
The sex of young Chinese water dragons is impossible unless you get one DNA tested or probed by an experienced vet. Probing is invasive and can cause deadly results if done incorrectly. Usually you have to wait until maturity and the physical differences become apparent. This usually happens at about 18 months to 2 years. Even then it’s hard if you don’t have a comparison to look at…so search for some pictures and see if yours looks more like a female, or a male. | The sex of young Chinese water dragons is impossible unless you get one DNA tested or probed by an experienced vet. Probing is invasive and can cause deadly results if done incorrectly. Usually you have to wait until maturity and the physical differences become apparent. This usually happens at about 18 months to 2 years. Even then it’s hard if you don’t have a comparison to look at…so search for some pictures and see if yours looks more like a female, or a male. | ||
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| + | If you are experienced at louping, young dragons can be sexed as early as six months. Male water dragons will have glands located on the underside of each back leg. These look like large, brownish pores. | ||
== Conclusion == | == Conclusion == | ||
* Lizard Care from A to Z (Paperback) by Richard Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett | * Lizard Care from A to Z (Paperback) by Richard Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett | ||
* Green Water Dragons: Plus Sailfin Lizards & Basilisks (Advanced Vivarium Systems) by Jerry G. Walls | * Green Water Dragons: Plus Sailfin Lizards & Basilisks (Advanced Vivarium Systems) by Jerry G. Walls | ||
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| + | '''Many of these books can be found on Amazon for very reasonable prices. Use the Amazon link on the main forum pages and help to contribute to the upkeep of all that is good here.''' | ||
== Author == | == Author == | ||
