Introduction to Chinese Water Dragons
Chinese water dragons are one of the finest reptiles. You will love
the way they look and behave. They are hardy creatures and do not cause
too much problems to their owners. They can be excellent pets and
reptile lovers can keep themselves entertained by keeping some of these
reptiles. When they get scared they change colors and open mouth threats
which wouldn’t even scare away your kid.
How will you differentiate the water dragons?
Confused whether you have a male or a female dragon? Maybe your pet
reptile has given birth. But do you know whether they are male or female
dragons? It’s not your fault. When Chinese water dragons are young they
are almost impossible to differentiate. When they grow older they can be
clearly distinguished.
Size
Compare the sixes. Males are generally larger than the female water
dragons. Males have angular bodies. They have heads which look like
triangles. Female Chinese water dragons on the other hand have round
bodies. Their heads are also slender. Males grow up to a length of
thirty six inches and the females grow up to a length of twenty four
inches.
Crest:
The crest of a male Chinese dragon is taller than the crest of a female
dragon. The male reptile also has longer spikes. The back of a dragon
has spikes on it. If it’s a male then it will have longer spikes and it
will also have a bony ridge below the spikes.
 Housing these creatures:
You have to take special care of their pet house if you are keeping
reptiles. Right temperatures and right amount of light is necessary to
keep your Chinese water dragon healthy and hearty. Pet owners know how
much the reptiles love to bask and so provide them with basking areas
within the shelter. Bedding material is provided. A water tub is also
kept so that these excellent swimmers can spend a lot of time in the
water. Glass enclosures are a strict no because they are never able to
understand the dangers of glass. They often end up rubbing their fragile
bodies against the glass which makes permanent damage to their bodies.
Maintain the humidity of the cages. Chinese water dragons are arboreal
creatures so there is a huge importance of trees and branches in their
lives. Let them climb and be happy.
UVA/UVB light fixtures are also significant. This light helps them to
produce the much needed calcium in their bodies. If calcium is not
produced sufficiently then your adorable reptile will soon fall sick.
Food for life:
Crickets, mealworms, dead pinkies and dead fuzzies can be given as food
to the reptiles. The Chinese water dragons also eat fruits. Though these
reptiles never touch vegetables, you need to make them eat a certain
quantity of vegetables. It is best if you incorporate them in the
mealworms. Brush the dead insects over calcium supplements to make a
perfect meal for the little reptiles. Pet owners advise to feed the
Chinese water dragons with dead rodents so that they don’t harm the
reptiles in any way.
Various diseases of the Chinese water dragons:
Metallic bone disease is a serious sickness in Chinese water dragons.
The reptiles become weak and they complain of enlarged bones and humps
on the back of their bodies. Many times the symptoms appear at a later
stage of the disease. Reptiles may also suffer from respiratory
functions and other bacterial and fungal infections. Most of these
ailments are caused due to improper lighting and uneven temperature in
the shelter. Sometimes even inappropriate diet causes problems in the
reptiles.
Read on to find more about these stunning creatures!
|
