New Beadie Owner Question

[koiboydavid]

I have recently acquired two dragons. Both are approx. 20" head to tip of tail. One male and one female. How often do beardies this size defecate? My male seems to want to go when I take him out of his tank (they are both in their own 40 gallon breeder) which is the worst because both times he has done it on my desk . Female went today on her basking rock. I am not big on this poopy odor ( I was a snake guy before trying the dragons) and would like to try to get into some sort of routine in hopes of having them go either in their tank or while they bathe. I am thinking the bath bowel movement would be the best and easiest to deal with. Any suggestions on a routine that you may use that works?

Thanks!

 

[RioReptiles]

I find that my big male does not like going in his enclosure. He goes crazy wanting to get out or if I leave the front off, he jumps out and goes on my tile floor. He always goes once a day, sometimes twice and even a third time depending on how much he eats. A 40gal breeder is pretty small so I can't blame yours for not wanting to stink up his house. Usually you can count on them going after a good long bask and some veggies in the morning or after a good feeding and bask in the evening. Maybe you can try to put together a routine of feeding and basking, then a very warm bath 95ºF. Also, study his behaviour when he is about to go. My male sits on my desk forever and when he wants to go he takes off to the other end usually. I keep a piece of paper handy to slide under as I see the tail go up. Once you've had them a while you'll get used to their habits and it will be easier to predict. I can't say I blame you for wanting to plan properly for the event. If your male is like mine, it puts a cat to shame.