AboutPam Expertise I can answer 98% of all questions regarding the husbandry of most desert to temperate climate omnivore and herbivore lizards. This would include bearded dragons, and skinks. I can also answer questions regarding iguanas. I can not help with snakes,amphibians,crustations or arachnids.
For tortoises I will only refer you to the World Chelonian Trust.
I am not a vet, but I've had enough medical (human) training to know that when a reptile is showing symptoms he needs definitive care. That means a vet, period. I can help with a few conditions, such as prolapse, so that the animal has the best chance at the vet to treat and recover.
The answer to having two species sharing the same habitat will always be no.
Just because you don't like my answer does not mean I'm wrong.
As for breeding animals, especially bearded dragons who already have a weak gene pool as it is, you will get all the reasons why you shouldn't. There are enough inexperienced breeders out there, filling pet stores with undersized sickly babies, I will not add to their number.
If you need a lizard identified, please give me an idea of where you live and a description of the animal.
Experience I own and breed bearded dragons (pogona vitticeps). I've been a member of several e-mail lizard care groups, I am both a forum chat moderator for Reptilerooms.com, and forum moderator for Pogona and Babyiguana Yahoo Groups. I have soaked in the knowledge of some of the best researchers, rehabbers, and herp veterinarians from those groups
Organizations Long Island Herpetological Society
International Reptile Conservation Society
Education/Credentials SUNY @ Farmingdale - Animal Science
Univ. of GA - Pre-Vet
Question Hi Pam, My bearded dragon, Dino, is 6 months old and has been in great health until now. I am not sure whether Dino has begun to brumate or is feeling ill (i'll be making an appointment to see the vet tomorrow). Dino has been a big eater and usually eats medium crickets twice a day during periods of about 10 minutes, plus bok choy. Two days ago Dino stopped eating and became very slow and sleepy during the day which I attributed it to brumation because the temp has dropped a lot here (winter in Australia). But today I found vomit next to Dinos head and also passed a solid stool today. Is this usual brumation behaviour? Thank you.
Answer Six months old is too young for brumation. A healthy beardie his age may slow but he should not go into full brumation until he's an adult. Vomit is never a good sign so it's great you are taking him to a vet.
I would also suggest that after a clean bill of health to give him more variety in food. Have you collard greens in Australia, also known as spring greens? Turnip tops? Mustard greens? Dandelion greens? Rocket or arugula? These are high calcium greens which are very good for him. Check with herpetologists such as Dr. Richard Wells in regards to native greens that beardies eat since you are lucky enough to live in beardie home world. It would save you a fortune to just go foraging for the same weed and plants they would eat in the wild.
