Expert: Joe Zarnick - 1/20/2012

Question
I just got two bearded dragons from a friend about six days ago. They gave us the tank, all the supplies, and the same feeding dishes and lighting they have been useing for six years now. It's a male and female and they get along great...I know that you aren't suposed to leave them together, but since they have lived together for so long, I'm reluctant to seperate them. Anyways, my friend who gave them to me told me the girl laied eggs once about a year ago, but other then that has never laied them. They didn't know how to take care of the eggs (or they may have been infertile), so none of them ever hatched. I'm hoping that Delilah (the female) will lay more eggs, but since it has been so long...I don't know if she will. Is there anything I can do to encourage her to lay eggs, or is there something I should change in their enviroment? I have a heating mat under the tank, a 90 watt lightbulb, and driftwood for them to climb on. The floor is sand and I also keep fresh food and water in the cage. Also, should I take Samson (the male) out?
Thanks.

Answer
Hello, the male needs to be removed. They may hurt each other if left together. You need to find out if she is gravid yet. If she has eggs, you need to prepare a lay box. She may start digging just a few weeks of becoming gravid with eggs. Her lay box needs to have a good substrate that will keep shape as she digs. Soil can be used but normal sand will not work. If she is still showing signs of wanting to mate, keep the male in for.a little while longer. Other than that, they can't be housed together.