Breeding Basics for Bearded Dragons (Australia)

Breeding bearded dragons can be one of the most rewarding experiences for keepers — but it also comes with big responsibilities. Dragons produce large clutches, and raising babies takes time, money, and serious planning. Here’s a full guide to the essentials.

🦎 Age & Size Requirements

Females: at least 18 months old and a healthy weight (minimum 350–400 g). Breeding too early can cause egg binding or stunted growth.
Males: at least 12–18 months old, strong and active.
Both should be healthy, parasite-free, and from quality bloodlines.

💡 Choosing Pairs

Always pair dragons with complementary genetics (avoid inbreeding).
Decide your goal: colour phases (e.g., Red Devil, Citrus) or morphs (Hypo, Trans, Zero, etc.).
Avoid risky pairings like Silkback × Silkback or Paradox × Paradox.

⚖️ Pairing Process

Introduce gradually — place enclosures side by side so they can see each other first.
Supervised introductions — male is usually more dominant, head bobbing and biting at the female’s neck to hold her in place.
Monitor closely — never leave unsupervised for long periods, as fights can occur.

🥚 Egg Laying (Oviposition)

After successful breeding, females will develop eggs (gravid).
Provide a lay box: large tub with 25–30 cm of moist, diggable substrate (e.g., washed play sand mixed with soil).
Female will dig and deposit clutch of 15–35 eggs.

❄️ Incubation

Carefully move eggs to an incubator.
Place in vermiculite or perlite at a 1:1 water-to-substrate weight ratio.
Keep at 28–30 °C (82–86 °F).
Incubation takes 55–75 days.

🐣 Hatchlings

Hatchlings absorb yolk sacs before emerging fully. Do not assist unless there’s a clear emergency.
Keep babies in small, simple enclosures with paper towel substrate.
Strong UVB (T5 10–12%) and basking zone at 40–42 °C are critical.
Feed small crickets/roaches 3–4 times daily.

⚠️ Important Responsibilities

Be ready for 30+ hatchlings per clutch — and females can lay multiple clutches from one mating.
Each baby needs food, heat, UVB, supplementation, and handling.
You’ll need to separate aggressive or dominant babies as they grow.
Selling dragons in Australia requires record keeping and legal compliance (depending on state).

❌ Do Not Breed If:

You don’t have space, time, or funds to raise babies.
You cannot provide individual care for weak or sick hatchlings.
You’re unsure of the genetics — avoid “mystery pairings” that could produce unhealthy or unmarketable babies.

💡 Fun Fact

Female dragons can retain sperm and lay multiple fertile clutches from a single mating — so even one pairing can keep you busy for months!

Final Word

Breeding dragons is not just about producing babies — it’s about improving bloodlines, preserving health, and creating strong, vibrant morphs. Always breed with purpose and responsibility.

🛡️ BAYNTONS REPTILES
Linebred. Legit. Legendary.