Diet

Being insectivores, the diet of Thai water dragons should consist of a variety of gut-loaded insects, primarily crickets and mealworms. Larger water dragons may also be fed earthworms and pinkie mice. An occasional waxworm can be offered, but since they are high in fat, they should be limited to avoid the development of obesity.

Small, freshly molted insects are easier for a water dragon to digest. Feeder insects should be coated with a calcium supplement (powdered calcium carbonate or calcium gluconate) prior to feeding them to the dragon. The insects should also be "gut-loaded," which means the insects are fed nutritious, vitamin-rich, high calcium foods before they are given to the dragon. Good foods to feed the insects include ground legumes, corn meal, carrots, sweet potatoes, collard greens, mustard greens, broccoli, spinach, apples, oranges, cereals, and rolled oats. There are also commercial products rich in calcium and vitamins which can be fed to the insects. Insects may be purchased or wild-caught (without the use of pesticides).

In addition to insects, a finely chopped mixture of dark leafy greens (mustard, kale, collard, escarole, dandelion), green beans, orange-colored squash, and fruits such as apples, strawberries, cantaloupe, and bananas should be provided. This, too, can be supplemented with a calcium supplement. Use a reptile multivitamin according to manufacturer's recommendations, as well.

Juvenile water dragons are generally fed daily, while non-breeding adults are fed every 3 days.

If You Have More Than One

Although not naturally social, water dragons can be kept together if they have a large enough enclosure. If you are intending to have more than one in the same enclosure, it is generally best to have a male-female pair. Some animals of both sexes can intimidate others of their own sex, restricting their access to food and basking areas. If you are adding a new water dragon to your collection, remember to have the new animal checked by a veterinarian, have a fecal exam performed, and quarantine the animal several weeks before introducing the animals to each other.

Temperament and Handling

Start handling the water dragon at an early age. Take it slow — offer food from your hand, and repeat this several times a day. When the water dragon accepts food regularly, you can start handling it. Give your dragon regular attention and be consistent in how you handle it. Use two hands to pick up the water dragon, supporting its chest and pelvic area. Gently cup the animal with your hand: the water dragon would rather hold on to you than have you hold on to it. Do NOT pick up a water dragon by the tail.

Reproduction

Pet Thai water dragons usually reach sexual maturity between three and five years of age, although size is also a determining factor. Many water dragons may reach 16 inches by 2 years of age and be able to breed. After mating, the female will dig a deep hole in sandy substrate and deposit 8-12 eggs. Most commonly, breeders will remove the eggs and incubate them in damp sandy soil at 82-86°F. They will hatch within 60-101 days depending upon the temperature. Hatchlings are 5-6 inches in total length, with all but one inch being tail.

Common Medical Conditions

The most common medical conditions affecting Thai water dragons are often due to inappropriate diet or husbandry, and include:

• Metabolic bone disease (secondary nutritional hyperparathyroidism) due to insufficient calcium in the diet and lack of UVB light.
• Abrasions of the nose and face from too small of an enclosure and attempting to get through the glass of the vivarium.
• Obesity from overfeeding.
• Abscesses from injuries, overcrowding, and/or poor hygiene.