A pregnant, or gravid, bearded dragon requires special care, which includes feeding it with food high in nutrients such as calcium. It also needs a plastic container high enough for the lizard to stand up in while laying eggs. Each batch of eggs, called a clutch, can include anywhere from 15 to 35 eggs. A bearded dragon can deliver from three to five clutches following one mating, each delivered at different times.
Calcium is the most important nutrient to supply when caring for a pregnant bearded dragon. Supplements are required at least five times each week, and multivitamins should be administered three times a week. Green vegetables, squash, cranberries, alfalfa sprouts, papayas, kelp, and wheat grass are some high calcium foods which are good for a bearded dragon that’s expecting. As small pets, it is important to watch the food intake of these lizards, but pregnant bearded dragons require more nutrition, and additional insect snacks such as silkworms and phoenix worms are also beneficial.
Reptiles are cold blooded and require warmth. A heat lamp should be used to keep the pregnant bearded dragon warm, and exposure to Ultraviolet B light outdoors also helps if the temperature is above 70°F (about 21°C). Bathing a gravid bearded dragon is also recommended because it is important for the female to stay hydrated. Frequent exercise will keep up her muscle tone and make it easier for the eggs to pass through.
It takes three weeks on average for a pregnant bearded dragon to lay eggs following mating. A plastic box should be filled with wet sand or soil to make it easy for her to dig a hole for the eggs. The container should be about 12 inches (30.48 cm) high at the deepest end and decrease in depth gradually for the reptile to choose where to dig. When a bearded dragon lays eggs, a warm lamp should be clamped to the box. When the egg laying is finished, the animal can be put back in its usual enclosure.
The pregnant bearded dragon should lay all the eggs she has. If more can be felt, the female should be immediately treated by a veterinarian. All eggs laid must be handled carefully. Tilting them could kill the embryos, and a small incubator should be set up to 86°F (about 30°C). The eggs must also be kept dry during their 55 to 75 day average incubation period.