Hey Everyone...

[digimattd]

Hey all, Im new here as you can probably tell. I just have a few questions...

1. Ive read how some Dragons can be taught to follow you or come when called, is this true?

2. Will my Water Dragon be able to swim with me in say the pool? (I dont think so, but throwing it out there anyway)

3. Can my Water Dragon swim in a pool of water that is say deeper than itself, like say its 4' high and I have the water 7' up, will it drown?

I have more, but these are the ones that I can take off the top of my head. I really need help with these questions and answers are greatly appreciated (ASAP). Thanks again.

-Matt

[Pooka]

Hi Matt,
Welcome to GD, glad to have you aboard, sorry about the late reply, its been super busy here at work for months now. Here is my shot at your questions.
1. Yes, in my experience my dragons respond both to my voice and my presence although they rarely come to me as a dog would, its more like cat where they do as they please. My dragons usually respond with head tilts of recognition or scarcthing the glass to an attempt to get to my arm (they associate me with food and escape from there enclosure).
2. Water dragons are excellent swimmers although the chemicals in a pool may or may not be good for them, they are more senstive then us to chemicals.
3. Yes they can swim in any depth but mine can get a bit freaked out if they cannot touch bottom. I usally fill there bath up at the deepest part to be just out of toe touch range. They can also tire quickly as they are build for short fast bursts of speed in the water, never leave them in deep water with no place to rest.

Hope some of my experience is useable in your research, I wish you the best.

[digimattd]

Thanks alot, and this is great, I cant wait..I went to the Retile place near me and they had just sold out of babies and adults!

[cwddude]

I would avoid a pool. The chemicals would have negative effects.

I usually full my tub with the deepest so his head would be out of the water and his entire body submerged.

[digimattd]

I thought so to, but its always better to ask. I have a few more questions though. Ive seen the Vivarium section and I am not sure if I should build or buy. If I buy it would be a large glass tank. It costs about $120, but its just the glass tank and cover. I was thinking about building but I dont really have time due to sports (first scrimmage tomorrow just saying) Anyway, its going in my room, which is pretty large. So what do you guys think? (And great site, Im glad I found it, and I cant wait till I can post pics and stories about my little guy)

[Pooka]

Personally I like the aesthetics of pre-made tanks like aquariums or nice zoo/display setups like those found at cagesbydesign.com. However, I decided to go with self fabricated enclosure of wood and class for a few reasons:
*cheaper (especially if you the skills to build it)
*insulated better (takes less wattage to heat and maintains heat more evenly)
*easy glass cleaning (water spots are a killer on an aquarium, sliding glass doors can be pulled and rinsed in glass cleaner)
*Modifieable (you can add shelves, ramps, and ports for wires and humidifiers in wood much easier then glass)
Those are a few off the top of my head. I'll be starting my cage with a few items bought from the local glass store and home depot this week, I'll make sure to keep a detailed work log and photo journal to share.