I find that they quickly are attracted to insects and they have very good eyesight. They will watch from 20 metres away and I throw an insect towards them whenever they make a forward move.
Asian water dragons are bright green lizards found in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Burma and southern China. They are adept climbers and strong swimmers. If necessary, they can remain submerged for up to 25 minutes.
Australian water dragons can adapt and aren't usually aggressive to humans, making them good pets. Like other sizable lizards, they have sharp claws and can deliver a nasty bite if they feel cornered, so some caution is needed.
Water dragons are known for their timid natures which can make them easy to tame. For this reason, they can make excellent pets – under the proper care! They are active and intelligent animals that need plenty of space to move around and explore.
Water dragons are diurnal lizards, meaning they are active during the day and sleep at night. The lights, therefore, need to go off at night. For this reason, a lightless heat source, such as a ceramic heat emitter for day and night heating might also prove beneficial.
These lizards are one of the most friendly types. Typically, they do enjoy being handled. Regular handling is essential to prevent them from becoming too aggressive. If the Chinese water dragon is scared or feels threatened, it may bite or whip its tail.
Australian water dragons are omnivorous meaning that they can eat a varied diet of vegetation, insects and meat. Though they can eat vegetation we only provide a small dish of leafy greens as this species is normally far more focussed on insects and meat.
Chinese water dragons are among one of the friendliest lizards out there—friendlier even than iguanas. They enjoy being handled and actually require regular handling to prevent them from becoming aggressive.
While the Australian Water Dragon does not necessarily pose a threat to humans, you should never take them for granted. Adult dragons are confident and friendly but also have sharp claws. Young dragons are skittish and jumpy but get used to human interaction very quickly.
Water dragons can live up to 28 years in the wild and up to 40 years in captivity. If you see a male bobbing its head it is saying “move on, this is my territory!” The water dragons are active from spring through to autumn each year. During the cooler months they enter a hibernation-like state called brumation.
Feed Water dragons a variety of gut-loaded insects such as crickets, king mealworms, silkworms, and waxworms, as well as grasshoppers, roaches, and earthworms. Pinky mice and small fish may also be fed occasionally. All produce offered should be fresh, high quality items fit for human consumption and pesticide free.
Using gloves and/or a towel, you can restrain the dragon by its tail with one hand while supporting it from underneath with the other. Water Dragons can bite hard so always keep your fingers away from their mouth. Remember, lizards may also scratch and some species (water dragons) may attempt to whip their tail.
Water dragons should be regularly fed large insects such as woodies, crickets and mealworms. A lean, salt and fat reduced (less than 1.5%) dog food (not fish) can also be mixed in with vegetables, calcium supplements and vitamin supplements to form a staple part of their diet.
Water Dragons are strong-minded and determined to do well in whatever they try, which comes to them quite naturally. They are a little perfectionist and will always try to maintain their high standards. The Water Dragon Chinese Zodiac is going to criticize anyone who tries to make a fool of them extremely quickly.
Male vs. Female Water Dragon: Coloring
Just below their throats, you will see colorful orange or yellow markings on male water dragons. You will also see a bright pink color around the bottom edge of the male's mouth. Neither of these bright colors will be present on female dragons.
Water Dragons can sleep in the water, with just their nostrils protruding. In cold weather before they go into their winter dormancy (hibernation), sleeping in the water overnight, is actually warmer than sleeping in the open.
Types of vegetation reportedly consumed include figs, lilly-pilly fruits, and other fruits and flowers. Water Dragons are believed to forage underwater, however this is based on one observation of diving Water Dragons returning to the surface and moving their jaws.
Like other reptiles, water dragons can carry Salmonella. Always wash your hands after handling reptiles or items from their enclosure. Chinese water dragons are known for rubbing their faces against glass and causing damage to their nose and face.
Water dragons have plenty of stored fat, so they can go without eating for two months, although if you are keeping them as pets, keeping food from them is not recommended.
When stressed or angry, water dragons may puff up their throats, wave their arms, head bob, whip their tails or lick each other! Water dragons have a bad habit of banging their faces against the glass of their enclosure if the enclosure is too small.
This lizard is found around creeks, watercourses and backyard ponds and is more often heard than seen plopping into water from its basking position. Don't approach water dragons as they have sharp claws and can deliver a serious bite.
Therefore the tail can fall off when grasped sometimes when very little pressure applied. The tail will regrow as a cartilaginous rod.
Human introduced animals; cats, dogs and foxes can also cause death and injury to Water Dragons. Predatory birds such as Kookaburras, Butcherbirds and Currawongs are likely to prey on the young hatchlings and small juvenile Water Dragons.
Water dragons eat both plants and animals, especially fruits, flowers, insects, frogs, yabbies and other aquatic organisms.
Reptiles do not have ear 'flaps' like mammals, but lizards have an external ear structure and therefore have adequate hearing.