Caring For Chinese Water Dragons
Feeding, and Housing, and a Description of These Friendly Lizards
Sep 19, 2008
Chinese water dragons are complex animals that require a great deal of time, care and attention. If one is thinking of purchasing a water dragon, he or she should spend extensive time researching the lizard’s needs before making a decision.
Description of Chinese Water Dragons
Baby water dragons are about five inches long in total length, from tail to nose. They are often brown and pale green with light white or beige stripes. Adult water dragons are mainly a range of dark to light green in color. Males grow to about three feet long in total length, while females reach about two feet long. Their tails, however, are about 70% of their total length. Dragons use their tails for balance when climbing, and can use them to strike predators.
Water dragons have wide tongues that end in a small fork and small, pointy teeth. They also have a "third eye" located at the top of the head, which helps them sense changes in lighting.
All water dragons have nuchal crests, though males have longer spikes than females. They can also run on either four feet or on their hind legs. Water dragons are semi-aquatic and spend a lot of time basking in pools of water.
Feeding a Chinese Water Dragon
Generally, juvenile water dragons should be fed every day, while adults can be fed every few days. Water dragons need to eat a varied diet in order to maintain maximum health. Pet water dragons enjoy crickets, butterworms, silkworms, horn worms, phoenix worms, cockroaches, caterpillars, grasshoppers and other insects. While these are high in calcium, it is important to dust the water dragon’s food with a calcium supplement before feeding.
Owners should take care not to feed their water dragons too many mealworms or superworms, as they are very high in phosphorus and can be difficult for the dragon to digest. Waxworms are high in fat and should be fed only as a treat.
Mature water dragons may enjoy pinky mice and small goldfish as additions to their diet. Most water dragons refuse to eat vegetation, so it is important to breed their insects and to feed the insects a healthy diet (often sold in pet stores as "gut loaders") so that they, in turn, satisfy the water dragon’s nutritional needs. If attempting to feed a water dragon vegetation, give it to him singly without insects, and offer a variety of collard and mustard greens, carrots, squash, and small amounts of berries or melon.
Housing a Chinese Water Dragon
Size of Cage: Chinese Water dragons require special accommodations when kept as pets. They need a large enclosure, at least twice the length of the dragon and high enough for climbing. If housing more than one lizard, make sure there is adequate space for both to roam freely. If an owner is thinking of breeding Chinese water dragons, please read Mating Chinese Water Dragons.
Lighting: Chinese water dragons require high basking temperatures and humidity levels. If they do not receive proper lighting, they can die from Metabolic Bone Disease. A basking area should maintain a temperature ranging from 85-95°F, and humidity levels should be around 80%. Night temperatures should be between 75-80°F. The best way to monitor temperatures is to purchase temperature gradients to place in different areas of the cage. Water dragons also require full spectrum UVA-UVB lighting to properly absorb calcium. Heat pads can also be placed under the cage, and hot rocks inside the cage. These are especially helpful for the lizard to lay on and digest its meals. The cage should not be placed in front of the window to access UV light as this can dangerously raise the temperature of the cage. As an alternative, dragons can be walked outside in sunlight on a leash.
Substrate: Inside of its large enclosure, water dragons need multiple branches or vines to climb and bask upon. These lizards also enjoy live plants as substrate, including hibiscus, ficus, and some ferns. In order to maintain humidity levels, place either potting soil, moss, peat, mulch, or shredded paper on the bottom and lower sides of the cage. Mist the enclosure at least once daily to raise humidity levels. Water dragons also need a large enough pool to allow them to submerge at least half of their body; water will need to be changed frequently as dragons often defecate in the water. Lastly, if caging a lizard in a glass enclosure, affix dark paper or an aquarium backing to the sides of the glass to prevent the dragon from rubbing its nose raw in an attempt to walk through the glass.
Overview
Caring for Chinese water dragons can be an expensive and costly venture. Before purchasing a lizard, research its requirements extensively. Think both short-term and long-term. Cages, lighting, and substrate alone can cost a small fortune. Daily feedings can also become expensive. However, Chinese water dragons can truly become friendly pets. They will often sit on their owner’s shoulder and ride happily for hours. They rarely bite and are friendly with children. Owning a Chinese water dragon can overall be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.
