Life With Draco

I don't know how we got talked into this one, but
Samuel keeps a dragon.I thought Dad was going to
refuse once he heard about the live crickets.
But we had our scheme all together, and the campaign finally won the day!

Heeeeeeere's Draco!
News Flash!
Draco recently laid 16 eggs. This is a remarkable
feat when you consider that he was supposed to be a "he."
Sadly, Draco is single, so the eggs won't
produce little lizards. br> If you, too, would like to try raising an exotic animal, read on!

The exotic pet trade has boomed in recent years.
Reptiles once prized by collectors are becoming
common household pets. However, great care must
be taken in choosing an appropriate pet and providing an environment that will guarantee it’s health. A popular choice is pogona vitticeps, the
Australian bearded dragon. Samuel found out about this species when a church kid
brought an unusual lizard he had found in the
wild to church. This critter sat and listened to the
sermon more intently than most people! The kid said
it was a baby, and that the mother was about 12 inches
long. No native Texas lizard known to Samuel fit
such a description.
So Sam began to search the internet. Here are the results
of his investigation:

With proper feeding and housing, a dragon can live
as long as a domestic housecat, or five to ten
years. However, local pet store owners caution that
only one out of ten bearded dragons commonly
reaches maturity due to carelessness of pet
owners. A prospective lizard owner should
research thoroughly all requirements before
deciding on an exotic pet.Samuel campaigned that a bearded dragon with a worthwhile investment as a
scientific part of his homeschooling. We insisted
that he be prepared to care for it even if the
excitement waned. After all, an animal is a living organism, not a toy.

The lizard’s domain must be set up to simulate a
desert habitat. Full-spectrum UVB/UVA flourescant
lighting ensures the dragon’s processing of
calcium, essential to a healthy skeletal frame.
The lights must be changed annually, even before
it ceases to provide light, as the UV rays
diminish after that time period. Also, an
infrared heat lamp is essential to warm the
lizard’s tank. The lights should be arranged,
along with thermometers to accurately measure
heat, in such a way that the cool end of the tank
reaches 80 degrees while the warmer end is no
hotter than 105 degrees. Finally, we agreed to try being lizard keepers
Christmas of '98. We purchased a tiny dragon and
arranged the cage set-up. I have to acknowledge that
Samuel did more math in measuring for the tank,
figuring how many gallons would be in the thing, and
adding up the cost of food and care than he had done
all year with his school math program!

Substrate for lining the tank is an important
consideration. Sand is pleasing to look at, but can
cause problems in the dragon’s intestinal tract if
swallowed during feeding. Some owners recommend
newspaper or paper towels. If sand is used, the
dragon may be removed to another holding tank for
feeding.

Since bearded dragons are omnivores, a healthy
diet consists of live prey and vegetation. Crickets
comprise the main course. Dusting with calcium powder
is recommended to boost calcium levels. (Dad's comment:
"We have to raise crickets, too?"
Many sources say that full-grown beardies need to eat
more mice and less crickets.
lizards need an occasional mouse, which may be
purchased, frozen at pet stores. Leafy vegetables
such as kale, mustard greens, collards, and beet tops
along with edible flowers complete the dragon’s
nutrition requirements. A dragon who is eating and
defecating properly is generally a healthy pet.

However, if a beardie becomes lethargic and
exhibits poor appetite, a trip to a herpe
veterinarian is called for immediately. Exotic
lizards are troubled by parasites and other
illnesses. Antibiotics or special worm medicine may
be prescribed.

Why would anyone choose a reptile with such
specific requirements? There are many reasons why
pogonous vitticeps makes a pleasing pet. They accept
handling by humans without a protest, even allowing
themselves to be carried in the hand or placed on a
windowsill in the sun. They exhibit interesting
mannerisms such as submissive arm waving and arboreal
climbing when given the right tank furnishings. A
dragons coloring is attractive and very
individualized. It’s wide mouth gives the impression
of a permanent smile. Children, especially
responsible teens, can learn quite a few scientific
facts by caring for this exotic lizard. Many owners
of bearded dragons find themselves hooked on a new
hobby, becoming quite expert in the care and breeding
of their animals.
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