Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just answered a question you asked me around july 1st.
I left town and did not see your last post but I am back now and answered it. Sorry so late.

I got ya.

As for your original question,,,,No the do not "have" to be bromated. Some will breed without it, some wont. It's a case by case situation.

Any luck so far?
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Joel R

Coming Soon!
www.SpikesAndScales.com

Tons of head bobbing neck biting and mounting but he doesn't lock or swing his tail into proper position. He just sits on her and I don't know if it is more of a dominance display.
If it does not work out should I just brumate them in a few months and try again next spring. Will she get too old to breed? Someone told me they can't breed past three years old.
He worked in a pet shop so I am not sure if he knew his stuff or not. Wow I can breed my chameleons with out this much trouble but my beardies have given me headaches the entire time. Even their health was a challenge. Is it normal for them to be so problematic or is it just the pair I got was not that healthy to begin with. At least their temperament is super sweet. Also they turn down greens and veggies most of the time and hold out for silkworms, superworms and hornworms. Is there a trick to switching them over. The third dragon I got is so different from these. She eats anything I give her. She is feistier and has given me no problem at all the entire time I have her but she wont be ready to breed till next spring.
How old does a male need to be before he is ready to breed. I just got her a male but he is way too young right now only two months old. I heard the male can start mating as early as 7-8 months old.

Sometimes it takes a first time male, a while to get the hang of things. If you are trying to breed them, taking them apart will only prolong his learnings. lol
It is however getting longer into the season & it's know that the later season clutches have a harder time (health wise). Sooo you may want to separate them, brumate them & give it a fresh start in the spring.

No she will not be to old at 3. lol I'm glad you took that advise as you did. I have heard of some breeders that retire their females after 3 seasons. They may become less productive but that's 3 seasons, not 3 yrs. old. (that whole topic is debatable & controversial)

You mentioned all the trouble you've had with your pair. I keep reading all the articles in the magazines saying how hearty Dragons are. lol I guess they are fairly hearty however, when they get sick, they get sick quick & hard.
As you also said, the other one you have, eats everything & hasn't had any problems. They are individuals.

Now,, males breeding age. I wouldn't breed a 7 -8 month male. I think your asking for trouble. That would have been to young to brumate so your sperm count will be less (age itself will contribute to that).
Once again,, they are individuals & size plays a big roll. A 7 -8 month dragon will be fairly small so it would have to be a fairly small female which would be bad news too. For the most part,, a female will not accept a small male. She just wont' be to impressed,and or HE will be intimidated by her. If he feels threatened by her,, he will not be trying to breed, but will want to be submissive or defensive. (not all but most)

I'm sure there are others out there that will not agree with most of what I said but that's where I stand.

Good luck.
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Joel R

Coming Soon!
www.SpikesAndScales.com

I will try for a few more weeks then give up till next spring.
How old should the male be? Even a baby would be 10 months old or so by next April or May would that age be acceptable?
Also do later season clutches have more problems because the female is depleted slightly by laying multiple clutches or is the actual month make a difference?

I personally wouldn't breed a male that is under a year. Depending on size, even older. I hold females until 2.

From what I'm told,, the later clutches / breedings just don't do as well. Yes the later clutches from a female that lays multiple clutches have more problems, but even "first & second" clutches from a female who had bred later in the season tend to have a harder time.
Like I said though,, I haven't had any late breeders so I can't personally vouch for that but I have been told this from very reputable "big" breeders.
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Joel R

Coming Soon!
www.SpikesAndScales.com

That means my female will be two years old when he hits about a year old. I will wait till then. It should be around next June which won't be too late in the season.
If I brumate my older dragons this year how early can I start their season. It is kind of hard to get the temps low enough since I am in Florida. We have hot days year round. It is not too uncommon for there to be days that get into the eighties in winter. Is air conditioned room temps low enough say 72F?
Also we start warming up in late February. Should I follow our winter/spring patterns.