Water Dragon Care

WATER DRAGON CARE SHEET

The Australian water dragon (Intellagama lesueurii) is a reptile that easily adapts to the presence of humans. Docile and easy to tame, these lizards make excellent pets for even novice enthusiasts.

As their name would suggest, the Australian water dragon is native to Eastern Australia. There, you can often see them living amongst humans in parks or gardens. In more rural areas, the lizards inhabit forests around bodies of water.

This species is very adaptable and will take advantage of many different environments to feel safe. They can live in tall trees or rest at the bottom of a riverbed to escape predators! In captivity, however, these lizards are just fine in the safety of a well-maintained enclosure.

DO I NEED A LICENCE?

Yes, before you become a water dragon parent you must obtain at least a basic Victorian wildlife licence, you can do so on this website- www.vic.gov.au/private-wildlife-licences#prepare-your-application

LIFESPAN:

The average Australian water dragon lifespan is between 10 and 15 years.

SIZE:

Hatchlings measure around 15cm in total length. They can grow up to 90cm long although more usually they range from 60 to 70 centimetres.

HOUSING:

Water dragons need very large enclosures, with a large water area for swimming and appropriate furnishings.  In a melamine style you will need to provide them with a large water bowl to swim in.  We can custom make small fish tanks for this purpose if required.

Waterproofing the bottom of a melamine enclosure will be required to ensure your enclosure does not get damaged. If using a glass terrarium, you will need to provide your lizard with adequate water and dry areas.  Your water will need to be changed regularly as water dragons often excrete in the water.  As adults Water Dragons will require as big an enclosure as possible. 270cm x 75cm as a minimum would be recommended. They can also be kept outdoors in aviary style enclosures once adults.  As juveniles you can keep them in smaller enclosure, approximately 60cm x 40cm and upsize as you dragon gets larger.

HABITAT SETUP:

Here’s where you can get creative. These lizards often inhabit forests that are close to rivers or streams. Thus, they’re used to vegetation and lots of humidity.

Start with a moisture-absorbing substrate at the bottom. You can use coarse wood chips or a fertilizer-free mix of soil and peat moss. Both substrate options will hold onto moisture to keep humidity levels high. Next, you will need to provide some climbing surfaces.

Use large tree branches, chunks of cork wood, and climbing branches. Arrange them delicately so that they’re not touching. Create a network of paths so that your lizard has plenty of options to explore.

Once that’s done, you’ll need to create some shelter. You can do this by using a reptile hide/cave.

Many owners prefer to keep things natural in the habitat by utilizing plants as well. Both live and artificial plants work well. Live plants are great for humidity, but plastic ones are better for maintenance and overall cleanliness.

You should also add some resting rocks made of natural stone. Materials like slate are perfect because they retain heat for some belly warmth.

HEATING:

As with most lizards your water dragon will require a good temperature gradient.  35 Celsius at the warm end and 25 Celsius or below at the cool end is ideal.  If your tank is too cold your dragon will not eat and if too warm it can overheat and die. Infrared globes day lamps, and ceramic globes are all suitable.  Make sure you always monitor the temperatures in your enclosure. A thermometer at the warm end and at the cool end is a recommended practice with all lizards.

LIGHTING:

Water Dragons require a quality UVB globe.  UVB light provides the dragon with vitamin D which is an essential vitamin for bone development. Without UVB and the vitamin D it produces, bones will not grow or become strong, and the dragon will die an unnecessary, slow and painful death.  A good quality 5.0 UVB globe is recommended and should be on a daylight cycle of 10-12 hours per day.

HUMIDITY:

High humidity levels are a must with Australian water dragons. This species will always need around 70% humidity levels. They can tolerate levels as low as 40 percent, but they could start to experience health issues outside of that range.

To maintain this, you’ll have to mist the environment regularly. You can use an automatic dripper as well if you prefer.

Invest in a reliable hygrometer to test humidity levels regularly. If you need to raise the humidity, simply mist the substrate and plants. To lower it, open some vents to let the moisture evaporate.

WATER:

Australian water dragons love to spend time in the water. When escaping predators in the wild, they can dart through the water and hold their breath for up to 90 minutes!

Providing a sizable swimmable space in your enclosure probably isn’t viable, but you need to add a large container that they can get into. The container should be no smaller than about three-quarters of the length of your pet lizard. It must be deep enough for full submersion too.

It’s very important to change this water regularly. Your lizard will likely defecate in it, so you must stay on top of cleanliness to keep bacteria under control.

FEEDING:

Water dragons are omnivorous, making them quite easy to feed. A suitable diet for adult dragons would include twice weekly feeding of chopped fruits and vegetables and a variety of insects such as crickets, cockroaches, meal worms and earth worms. Small mice can occasionally be offered but they should not form a major part of the diet. Once a week the food should be dusted with a calcium/multi-vitamin powder. Young dragons should be fed every day with as great a variety of insects as possible. Calcium and vitamin powders should be used every second feeding. In general, Water dragons will not accept pet food, fruit, and vegetables until they have reached a total length of about 20cm. At this stage these foods can be gradually introduced into their diet.

BEHAVIOUR AND TEMPERMENT:

Australian water dragons are perfectly friendly to humans if you’re gentle. However, that docile behaviour isn’t extended towards other water dragons.

These creatures are known to be a bit territorial (this is especially true with males). Fighting is very common, so most owners will not house males in the same enclosure. If multiple males are housed together, you’ll have to deal with constant chasing and fighting, which could lead to lost limbs or broken tails.

In general, it’s best to keep Australian water dragons on their own. You can house males and females together, but they will often breed and raise your lizard population!

HANDLING ADVICE:

When young, Australian water dragons tend to be a bit skittish and jumpy. However, they get used to human interaction very quickly.

As they get older, these lizards should have no problem being handled (assuming you’ve spent time getting them used to the process). You might even see them clawing at the glass because they want to get out and explore with you!

Once they have a good level of trust with you, they will stick by your side. Many owners even report letting the lizard sit on their shoulders for hours.

As long as you don’t make any sudden movements and provide plenty of support, these lizards will stay calm.

When you handle them, support the underside of the body, and let the tail hang down. Always pay attention to their behaviour when handling them. If they’re feeling a bit fussy and don’t want to be handled, give them a break!

SHOPPING LIST:

• Enclosure; 60cm x 40cm for juvenile, 270cm x 75cm for adults.
• Large water bowl/container
• Feed dish for adults
• Substrate
• Basking logs
• Artificial plants
• Heat fitting and globe
• UV fitting and tube
• Thermostat
• Thermometer
• Hygrometer
• Timer
• Reptile disinfectant
• Live food
• Calcium and multivitamin powder
• Cricket keeper
• Fruit and vegetables for adults