What Do Bearded Dragon Eggs Look Like

What Do Bearded Dragon Eggs Look Like?

Bearded dragon eggs are small and soft-shelled, usually oval-shaped with a whitish or cream-colored hue. Fertile eggs will swell slightly as the embryo develops, and they will start to glow when you project light through them.

Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles, and their eggs are just as interesting. If you’re a bearded dragon owner, or if you’re considering being one, it’s important to know what their eggs look like.

You should also be able to see a network of blood vessels. Infertile eggs, on the other hand, will be much smaller and yellow in color. Knowing what to look for when your pet is ready to lay can help you make sure the eggs are healthy and strong.

In this article, we’ll discuss the appearance, size, and color of bearded dragon eggs so you’ll know what to look for when your pet is ready to lay.

Appearance

When discussing the Appearance of something, it is important to take into consideration its Size, Color, and Shell. These characteristics can greatly influence the look and feel of an object.

For example, a small object may appear delicate and a large object may look imposing. Furthermore, the hue of an object can evoke certain emotions and the type of shell can make an object appear more or less refined.

Size

Lizard Eggs
Credit: Zarathustra3

The size of the bearded dragon egg is small, much like a grape or a marble. The average size of beardie eggs range from 0.7 to 1.2 inches (1.8 – 3 cm) in length, and from 0.5 to 0.9 inches (1.3 – 2.4 cm) in width.

They are usually round or oval, and can come in different shapes and sizes. The size of a bearded dragon egg can vary depending on the species and the size of the female.

Although they are small in size, they are surprisingly light, weighing only a few grams. The weight of a single bearded dragon egg is a maximum of 5 grams, but it can be as little as 1 gram. The weight of all eggs in a clutch can be equal to the weight of a single egg.

Color

Moving on to the color of a bearded dragon egg, the hue can vary from white or cream-colored to a pinkish tinge. This variation in color is caused by the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide inside the egg.

Interestingly, the pink color is typically seen in eggs which are more developed and are closer to hatching. This indicates that the embryo has absorbed the oxygen and carbon dioxide in the egg, causing a change in color.

Shell

Moving on to the aspect of the shell of a bearded dragon egg, it is notable for its soft and leathery texture. When touched, the shell of a bearded dragon egg will easily give way; it is much more malleable compared to the shells of other reptilian eggs.

This can be attributed to its thinness, which is only slightly thicker than a sheet of paper. The shell of a bearded dragon egg also has faint ridges on its surface, which tend to become more pronounced as the egg ages.

Location

Moving on to Appearance, bearded dragons are usually found in their natural habitats, such as the arid, semi-desert regions of Australia. Typically, female bearded dragons will dig a nest in the soil to lay their eggs.

The nest is typically located in a shallow depression and may be hidden under a rock or other object. After the eggs are laid, the female will cover the nest with soil to protect it from predators.

Bearded dragons are well-adapted to their environment and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deserts, scrublands, and open woodlands. This species is also found in some suburban areas due to its popularity as a pet.

Incubation

Temperature is a key factor in the successful incubation of bearded dragon eggs, as the optimal temperature range is between 86 and 88°F. The incubation period for bearded dragon eggs is typically 50-70 days depending on the temperature.

During this time period, it is important to monitor the temperature and humidity levels to ensure successful hatching.

Temperature

Having discussed the appearance of a bearded dragon, it’s important to understand their incubation requirements. Specifically, the temperature is a critical factor for successful incubation. The ideal temperature for incubation is 88-92 degrees Fahrenheit.

If the incubation temperature drops below this range, it could result in poor hatching success. Additionally, it is important to maintain the temperature consistently throughout the incubation period. Fluctuations in temperature can have a negative impact on the eggs.

It is also important to consider the incubation period for bearded dragon eggs. This period typically lasts 50-70 days. During this period, the temperature should remain consistent and not drop below the ideal range. To ensure successful incubation, it is recommended to monitor the temperature regularly and make any necessary adjustments.

Incubation Period

When it comes to incubation, temperature is an important factor. The temperature must be kept between 88-92 degrees Fahrenheit for the eggs to develop properly. This temperature must be maintained for the entire incubation period.

The incubation period for bearded dragon eggs is typically 50-70 days. During this time, the eggs must be monitored closely to ensure the temperature is kept consistent.

Temperature fluctuations can have a significant impact on the development of the eggs and can lead to malformation, deformities, and even death. Therefore, it is important to maintain the correct temperature for the duration of the incubation period.

The Incubation Period for Bearded Dragon Eggs Is Typically 50-70 Days.

Moving on to the topic of incubation, the incubation period for bearded dragon eggs is typically 50-70 days. During this time, the eggs should be kept at a temperature of 88-92 degrees Fahrenheit in order to ensure they hatch successfully.

The temperature should remain consistent throughout the incubation period, and it is important to check the temperature regularly and make adjustments as necessary. The incubation period for bearded dragon eggs is significantly longer than most other species of reptile, and it requires a more dedicated approach to ensure they hatch successfully.

Hatching

Hatching Bearded Dragon
Credit: Ian Robson

The first sign of hatching is when the egg begins to crack. The hatching process then begins when the chick breaks through the eggshell and continues until it fully emerges. Finally, the hatchling will then use its back legs to push itself out of the shell and complete the hatching process.

Signs of Hatching

As the incubation period nears completion, the signs of hatching become more apparent. Egg development can be monitored closely to determine when hatching is imminent. The most obvious sign is the presence of a small hole in the eggshell, made by the hatchling using its back legs to push itself out.

Additionally, the eggshell may become soft or thin and may start to crack or break apart. These are all signs that the hatchling is about to emerge.

Hatching Process

The hatching process of a bearded dragon egg typically begins when the hatchling starts to make a small hole in the shell. From there, the hatchling will use its back legs to push itself out of the shell. The force generated by this movement is usually enough to break open the egg and allow the hatchling to emerge.

This process may take a few hours to complete, and the hatchling may require assistance at times to fully break out of the shell. Once the hatchling is out, it will be able to crawl away from the egg and start exploring its new environment.

The Hatchling Will Then Use Its Back Legs to Push Itself Out of the Shell.

The next step in the hatching process is for the hatchling to use its back legs to push itself out of the shell. This is a strenuous process, as the hatchling has to use significant amounts of energy to push its way out.

Once the hatchling has made it out of its shell, it is free to explore its new environment. The hatchling’s first movements are usually slow and tentative as it adjusts to the new world around it.

The process of hatching can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The hatchling’s first steps can be a joyous occasion and a moment to be savored. Watching a hatchling emerge from its shell is a reminder of the amazing process of nature and the incredible power of life.

Care for Hatchlings

It is important for hatchlings to have a secure enclosure with a suitable substrate. Temperature is also a crucial factor to consider when caring for hatchlings, as it can either make or break their health.

Optimal heating should be provided to ensure the hatchlings have a comfortable and healthy environment.

Enclosure

Once the hatchlings have emerged from their eggs, they must be moved to a carefully-regulated enclosure. Creating the optimal environment for the hatchlings’ growth is essential, and requires specific attention to their enclosure.

The enclosure should be spacious enough to allow the hatchlings to move around, but small enough to ensure that the temperature can be regulated easily. Substrates such as sand or soil should be used to provide a surface for the hatchlings to burrow in.

The enclosure should also be kept at a temperature of 85-90 Fahrenheit, providing a warm and inviting space for the hatchlings to thrive in.

Substrate

Now that the hatchlings have emerged from their eggs, they will need to be kept in a separate enclosure. The substrate in the enclosure is particularly important, as it provides a surface that the hatchlings can easily burrow in for security and warmth.

Sand or soil are both suitable options for substrate, as they are easy for the hatchlings to move around in. It’s important to ensure that the substrate is clean and free of any debris or sharp objects that could injure the hatchlings.

Additionally, the substrate should be replaced regularly to prevent any build-up of bacteria or fungus.

Heat

Once the hatchlings have hatched, they will need to be kept in a separate enclosure with the right temperature to ensure their survival. The enclosure should be kept at a temperature of 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit to replicate the nest environment the hatchlings came from.

If the temperature is not stable, the hatchlings may become too cold and have difficulty thermoregulating, leading to potential health issues. To maintain the temperature, you can use an infrared heat lamp or ceramic heat emitter.

Uvb Lighting

UVB lighting is essential to the health of a hatchling bearded dragon. Without it, their metabolic processes cannot properly function. UVB light also helps with the synthesis of Vitamin D3, which is required for calcium absorption.

To ensure proper UVB exposure, it is recommended that the enclosure have a fluorescent light tube specifically designed for reptiles with a UVB index of 10-12%. Additionally, the light should be placed within 12-16 inches of the hatchling and should be replaced every six months to ensure the reptile is receiving adequate UVB radiation.

Diet

When it comes to caring for hatchling bearded dragons, diet plays an important role. Proper nutrition is essential to their growth and health. They should be fed a diet of small insects, such as crickets and mealworms.

It is important to ensure that the food you offer is appropriately sized– food should be no bigger than the space between their eyes. Live insects are preferable, but frozen or pre-killed insects can also be offered.

Hatchlings should be fed once or twice a day. It is also important to dust their food with a calcium supplement to ensure proper nutrition.

Conclusion

Bearded dragon eggs are a fascinating part of the life cycle of these animals. In order to properly care for bearded dragon eggs, it is important to understand their appearance, incubation, hatching, and care for hatchlings.

With the right knowledge and preparation, you can successfully hatch and care for healthy bearded dragon eggs. With the right environment and conditions, you can enjoy watching these little creatures grow and thrive.

It is a rewarding experience that can bring a lot of joy and satisfaction. So the next time you find yourself with a clutch of bearded dragon eggs, you can be sure that you are prepared to help them grow and thrive.