Caring for an Australian Water Dragon
Commonly found in Eastern Australia, Australian Water Dragon is also found in the state of South Australia too. Australian Water Dragons possess long powerful limbs and claws, extended laterally compressed tail along with a prominent neck and a vertebral crest.General Temperament:
The Australian water dragon is a very shy and a quiet pet, especially when the pet owners are not aware of how to handle the creature. It looks remarkable because of its reasonably large body and a vicious name, Australian Water Dragon lizard. They are generally a calm species that escapes the moment; they feel any threat around them. They usually do not bite or attack and also don’t get nervous quickly as compared to other lizards. However, it is very important to calmly handle the species in the initial stages and provide them with a perfect reptile care cautiously unless it gets friendly or known. Once it gets familiar, it proves to be a very sweet companion.Appearance
The Australian water dragon lizard is very appealing and reaches a height approximately three feet in males whereas; the female species reaches to the maximum of two and a half feet. You can see a variety of colors on the male’s body like dark red on their stomach and on other parts of limbs, black and white on the male’s head, which is strongly visible. In addition, the head size of males is larger in comparison to that of females, and they also have a crest on their necks. The lips in males are white and at the back of their eyes there is dark colored band. However, females have different color of lips as well as the band at back of their eyes as compare to males. Female bellies are also light colored, pinkish.Terrarium:
The normal terrarium for a pair of the adult water dragon should be spacious enough keeping in mind their height that is three to four feet approximately. They require a cozy area to laze around too. One can put a small part of tree or a trunk inside a terrarium where the Australian dragon can climb and sit. There is every possibility of them laze around on it, and therefore, one can put the normal lights along with UV light for them to keep them warm.It is extremely important to place the UV light very near to the lizard’s basking spot to help the lizard absorb that light to the maximum. Apart from it, there should be a place for it to sleep and hide. The water sink should be placed where it will be easier for the lizards to move around and can be easily cleaned at the same time.
The water needs to be changed on the daily basis. Products that contains bleaching agent in them acts as best decontaminator to clean up the cage. Make sure to carefully clean the area before putting back the lizard into it. Pet sitters who know the pet care job, careful work with the animal. It is important the the pet sitter knows what food can be given and what items are poisonous to the pet.
Temperature
The ideal temperature that must be maintained for water dragon lizard is 83 degrees to 89 degrees Fahrenheit at the daytime with a basking temperature of 89 degrees Fahrenheit to 94 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, during the night, the temperature should be set five to seven degrees lower than the one set up during the day. Water dragon lizards can tolerate temperatures below this as well during winters.Proper Lighting:
Water dragon lizard requires ultraviolet radiation, and therefore, it is very important to provide both kind of Ultraviolet rays i.e. UVA radiations as well as UVB. In case, the pet has kept inside the house, UVB lamp is required to provide heat to the lizard. It is of utmost importance to keep the source of heat such as a lamp at the right height so that lizard gets its benefit. A little mistake in adjustment of the height of a lamp can alter the total radiation to be absorbed by the reptile.Feeding the lizard:
Water dragons generally eat insects or pests such as crickets, cockroaches, earthworms, mealworms, etc. They can also be given all sorts of vegetables to eat. Fruits such as berries like strawberries and banana could be given too. Though, all the lizards are not able to take this food, but it helps in keeping them healthier. Adult Water dragons have pinkie rats and mice too along with Super worms and Deadhead roaches.Substrate:
For Australian Water Dragon, one can use many kinds of substrates. It’s a good idea to make a natural enclosure with a sterilized potting soil, but it could become muddled. Apart from it, one can also use paper such as old newspapers, tissue papers, and a kind of flooring, which is simple to keep.With the right kind of knowledge and care you can keep your Australian Water Dragon happy and healthy. Make sure a proper pet care is provided if you plan to keep this animal as a pet.