Finding eggs in your bearded dragon’s enclosure can be a surprising experience, especially if you weren’t expecting them. Whether you have a female dragon living solo or one that’s been paired with a male, understanding what to do when your bearded dragon lays eggs is essential for her health and well-being. From egg-laying behaviors to proper aftercare, here's how to navigate this situation like a pro reptile parent.

🥚 Why Do Bearded Dragons Lay Eggs?

Female bearded dragons are capable of laying eggs even if they’ve never been in contact with a male. These are called infertile eggs. On the other hand, if your dragon has mated with a male, her eggs may be fertile and capable of hatching into baby dragons under the right conditions.

Egg-laying is a natural process for female dragons once they reach sexual maturity, which typically occurs around 18 months of age. However, the experience can be physically taxing, and it’s important to understand the signs of egg-laying and how to support her through it.

🐉 Signs Your Bearded Dragon Is About to Lay Eggs

Before laying eggs, your bearded dragon may exhibit some noticeable changes in behavior and appearance. Keep an eye out for these common signs:

• Increased digging or scratching at the enclosure substrate
• Restlessness and pacing
• Swollen abdomen that feels firmer than usual
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Visible lumps in the belly, which are the eggs

These behaviors often indicate that your dragon is preparing to lay her eggs and may be searching for a suitable spot to do so.

🦎 How to Prepare for Egg-Laying

Once you suspect your bearded dragon is about to lay eggs, you’ll need to create a safe and comfortable environment for her. Here’s how to prepare:

• Provide a lay box: A lay box is a container filled with moist, soft substrate where your dragon can dig and deposit her eggs. Use materials like damp sand or coconut fiber, ensuring it’s deep enough for digging.
• Ensure proper temperatures: Maintain a warm basking area (95–100°F) and a cooler side (75–85°F) in her enclosure to regulate her body temperature.
• Offer hydration: Egg-laying can dehydrate your dragon, so make sure she has access to fresh water and mist her enclosure if needed.

By setting up a suitable environment, you’ll help reduce your dragon’s stress and make the egg-laying process smoother.

🥗 Aftercare for Your Bearded Dragon

Once your bearded dragon has laid her eggs, her body will need time to recover. Follow these steps to ensure her health and well-being:

• Rehydrate her: Offer plenty of water and consider giving her a shallow, lukewarm bath to help with hydration.
• Provide nutritious food: Feed her high-calcium foods like collard greens, mustard greens, and calcium-dusted insects to replenish lost nutrients.
• Monitor her closely: Watch for signs of lethargy, lack of appetite, or bloating, as these could indicate health issues like egg binding.

According to PetMD, egg binding (dystocia) is a serious condition where a female reptile is unable to pass her eggs. If you suspect this, seek veterinary care immediately (source).

🪺 What to Do With the Eggs

Once your dragon has laid her eggs, you’ll need to determine whether they are fertile or infertile:

• If the eggs are infertile: Dispose of them safely by freezing them first to prevent bacterial growth before discarding them.
• If the eggs are fertile: Fertile eggs require incubation to hatch. Use an incubator with a stable temperature (80–85°F) and proper humidity (75–80%). It’s a complex process, so consider consulting a vet or reptile expert for guidance.

Keep in mind that caring for baby dragons is a significant commitment, so make sure you’re prepared before attempting to incubate fertile eggs.

⚠️ When to Call a Vet

While egg-laying is a natural process, complications can arise. Contact a veterinarian if you notice any of the following:

• She hasn’t laid eggs after displaying nesting behavior for more than a week
• She appears lethargic, weak, or unresponsive
• You suspect egg binding (e.g., swollen abdomen with no eggs being laid)
• She refuses to eat or drink for an extended period after laying

A vet can perform diagnostics, such as X-rays, to check for retained eggs and provide treatment if necessary.

FAQs

Q: How many eggs can a bearded dragon lay?

A: A healthy female bearded dragon can lay anywhere from 15 to 35 eggs in a single clutch. She may also lay multiple clutches in one breeding season.

Q: How can I tell if the eggs are fertile?

A: Fertile eggs will have a white, opaque appearance and may show visible veins when candled (held up to a light source). Infertile eggs are often yellowish and collapse over time.

Q: Do all female bearded dragons lay eggs?

A: Not all females will lay eggs, especially if they are not exposed to a male. However, some may still lay infertile eggs due to hormonal cycles.

Q: Can I leave the eggs in the enclosure?

A: It’s best to remove the eggs to prevent bacterial growth and stress to your dragon. Use gloves and handle the eggs carefully when removing them.

References

• PetMD – Dystocia in Reptiles
• Reptiles Magazine – Bearded Dragon Egg Laying and Incubation
• VCA Animal Hospitals – Bearded Dragon Reproductive Behavior

Book a $49 online vet consultation at https://www.dialavet.com for fast, expert advice.