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Post by willowsdragon on Dec 3, 2004 15:55:19 GMT -5
Well, first of all I'm new here...so hello to all. I work at a pet supply store with a small animal, lizard, fish department. Needless to say someone dropped off a CWD that was unwanted and neglected....and after a couple of months of nobody whating him/her, I brought him home yesterday. If anybody can give me any advice, help, pointers, etc. I'd really appreciate it. Like I said, I have no idea if he's a male or female, or for that matter how old he is. He is approximately 8 inches long, not including the tail. My experience with lizards is limited so all help is appreciated.....thanks...Cindy  |
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Post by dragosmom on Dec 3, 2004 17:07:46 GMT -5
8" without tail is a full grown water dragon. You should be able to readily tell if it's male or female from appearance. A male will have long spikes going all the way down his back and long spikes on a large crest on his head. A female will have a very small crest and spikes and little or no spikes down her back.
Your WD needs UVB light, heat 84-88F, high humidity for starters. Temps should decline 10F in the evening. Photoperiod 10-12 hrs. winter, 12-14 summer. Calcium supplemented crickets, meaworms, waxworms, silkworms, hornworms, earthworms are all suitable food. Your adult dragon can/should eat mice. 1 per week. He/She needs a large water pan so he can immerse himself. Water changes need to be done daily. WD are arboreal and need to climb. He needs branches, limbs, ropes that will support his weight to bask and sleep on. He needs a basking light positioned so it is 90F where his branch or limb is so he go ther when he wishes to warm up. Please read all of the various sections so you can get addt'l info.
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wdm
Young Adult
Posts: 246
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Post by wdm on Dec 3, 2004 18:38:47 GMT -5
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Post by willowsdragon on Dec 4, 2004 8:13:36 GMT -5
Thanks so much for the replies ;D This definately gives me so much more info than I already knew. Guess we're going shopping today for my little friend!!!
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Post by dragosmom on Dec 4, 2004 11:07:01 GMT -5
Take good care of your new friend. We were happy to help. keep us posted on his/her progress!
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Zippy
Young Adult
Posts: 238
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Post by Zippy on Dec 4, 2004 20:24:45 GMT -5
You must be careful what size crickets you feed it though. I think the crickets have to half the size of the width of the water dragons head. You also have to dust the crickets.
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Zippy
Young Adult
Posts: 238
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Post by Zippy on Dec 4, 2004 20:25:53 GMT -5
[glow=orange,2,300]And good luck with your new friend  .[/glow] |
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char
Young Adult
Posts: 63
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Post by char on Dec 4, 2004 21:13:50 GMT -5
Here is another site for you to visit. It has a wealth of information but don't feel overwhelmed. Get a notepad and pen, a cup of coffee, and enoy. www.icomm.ca/dragon/Congrats on your WD. You will learn that they soon have you wrapped around thier little fingers. ;D |
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Zippy
Young Adult
Posts: 238
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Post by Zippy on Dec 5, 2004 12:17:57 GMT -5
You should try breeding them though it would be hard to find another full grown adult.
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Post by willowsdragon on Dec 13, 2004 15:39:33 GMT -5
Thanks again for the replies! My CWD (now named Gypsy) is doing quite well. She is in a 45 gallon tank with climbing branches and a driftwood climber that she loves to lay on and bask under the heat lamp. She is proving to be a very good eater and I'm slowly introducing her to a wide variety of foods. I've noticed that she has one toe missing on her rear right leg, probably do to severe neglect. We are all thrilled with Gypsy and hopefully she'll continue to do well. ;D I'll keep everyone posted...also thanks for the links...I love to read!
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Post by dragosmom on Dec 13, 2004 17:46:22 GMT -5
They'll lose a toe sometimes if they don't properly shed and the old skin compacts the digit and cuts off the blood flow. Can happen to spikes also. Glad to hear your Gypsy is settling in! Being a good eater may be what saved her from her previous owner. I'm sure she enjoys the variety you have provided for her. Probably thinks she's in water dragon heaven now.
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char
Young Adult
Posts: 63
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Post by char on Dec 13, 2004 20:12:16 GMT -5
Glad to hear Gypsy is settling in and doing well. It always helps when they are good eaters. My guy, Zilla also is missing a couple tips of his toes, some spikes, part of his upper lip, and a couple of teeth. He also came from someone who couldn't take care of his needs. He eats pretty good though and the partially missing toes don't slow him down a bit.
Unfortunately (as I'm sure you know) a 45 gallon tank is too small for a full grown wd. You will need something much larger. A good size is 6'x5'x3' or as close as possible. If you can make one that's even better. You should surf the net and get some ideas or I can send you some links to some great sites so you can get ideas of what you may be looking for. Any who, it's something to think about sooner rather than later since he is already full grown. Keep us posted.
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Post by willowsdragon on Dec 15, 2004 5:27:46 GMT -5
Char...my ultimate plan is to build something bigger for her in the near future....any links or ideas would be great! ;D
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Post by dragosmom on Dec 15, 2004 7:33:28 GMT -5
I have seen a couple of people who have taken old curio cabinets with front opening doors and made absolutely stunning vivs out of them. An old chiffarobe or entertainment center would also work. You just sand them and apply several coats of urethane for waterproofing and then fix the insides to suit your likes.
You can either affix your lights inside and dragon proof them or cut holes in the top of the cabinet and use screen wire to set your dome lamps on! Personally, the closer to the uvb the better. I like the one's with the UVB light inside!
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.[/glow]