The two adolescent dragons that I took pictures of just got done filling their tanks... that is why I took the picture. And hence... FATTY X2



They tank up well and then digest.



Some eat a couple insects and have slower growth rates. These two boys will pace the tank to and fro almost saying... "jimmony Christmas, feed me already man." I think they would eat to the point of bursting actually. They have incredible growth grates and are vibrant healthy dragons.



I use mercury vapor in conjunction with repti-sun bulbs... incorporating this with good sized enclosures and lots of shady hiding spots. I find the heat light and UVB from the same source to be awesome. I am a fan of properly used/placed mercury vapor bulbs.



Dragons are opportunistic sun bathers and will retreat to shady spots not wallowing in the sun for as many hours as some people force them to endure that dont provide shady relief.





They may bask for an hour or two then retreat for an hour or two then repeat. I believe that its imperative to have lots of shading hiding spots as you find in nature. This is the nature of most reptile sun worshipers.



I have had breeders tell me, I dont want my dragons hiding. I want them out in the open, and not a recluse. This leads me to believe they do not provide relief from the uvb in the way of shade.



Dragons are also social animals and need interaction and stimulants to thrive I have found. When put into total isolation in enclosures for long periods of time I find them to become very complacent and seemingly depressed. Although they all differ in sensitivity to this.









I offer them veggies every day... insects every other day. Sometimes I will do two days in row on insects. But this is not the norm. This way they can digest properly and their digestive system is not overtaxed.



The adult hypo male that looks fat in the picture is puffed up and swollen with air in a dominance display. He is hardly fat at all. Agile and robust in actuality.



My adults get exams and checkups etc.



Just had Aurora (the leucistic female) at the vet about 2 weeks ago. The vet said she looks to be at an optimal weight for her size actually.





I have seen some fat lazy lethargic dragons in pet stores and also the opposite side of the spectrum. Not sure how you could call these adults fat.















Anubis is 22 inches long and not a fat dragon.



Aurora is a beautiful vibrant healthy dragon and is not even the slightest bit overweight. She is the dragon form of a svelte and sexy Olympian. She literally runs around the tank and I take her outside often to bask and romp.









Thanks for the collective criticism.

[ Show Entire Thread ]