Bearded Dragon Newsletter Issue # 1
====================================================
Dragon Niche Publications Newsletter - Issue 1
====================================================
In This Issue:
* Origin and Habitat of the Inland Bearded Dragon. Part 1
* Dr. Bruce Bogoslavsky, Vitamins and Minerals
* Tips, Tricks and Secrets of the day
* Dragon News
* Please do tell!
=============== FEATURE EDITORIAL ===============
1) Origin and Habitat of the Inland Bearded Dragon. Part 1
=================================================
By Jeff Stewart – http://DiaMondBusterDragonS.com
I thought it would be beneficial if bearded dragon owners had a better understanding about the origin, habitat and characteristics of the wild bearded dragon. This way you can better simulate his natural habitat in captivity and enjoy a happy healthy dragon for years to come.
Historical Origin
For thousands of years, the life forms in Australia lived in isolation from the rest of the world. Surrounded by ocean, the animal life developed attributes all of their own; as a result a remarkable variety of lizards and snakes came to be… and so began the discovery of the Inland Bearded Dragon.
In 1963 herpetoculture was barely beginning, researchers began to recognize the extraordinary habits of this sector of Australian wildlife. They began observing and documenting their findings for the rest of the world to appreciate.
Around the same time, the Australian government began tightening down on the collection, keeping, and exporting of native wildlife, as a result the number of animals available to collectors, exporters, breeders and researchers was severely restricted.
Despite the restriction of exportation, several bearded dragons were smuggled out of Australia and bread in Germany in the mid 1980’s. After numerous articles were published about the bearded dragon in Germany and America, many American herpetologists took interest and bearded dragons were effectively imported into America.
As a result of these pioneers, bearded dragons have roared through the herpetology community, and are to this day one of the most popularly kept reptiles in US.
The Pagona Species
Bearded dragons are agamid lizards belonging to the genus Pogona.
The word pogona comes from the Greek word "pogon" meaning beard.
The scientific name refers to the dark beard-like throat with its conical scales, which when inflated resembles a beard.
There are seven recognized species of bearded dragons, of which the most common and widely available is the Pagona Vitticeps, also called the Australian Bearded Dragon, Inland Bearded Dragon or the Central Bearded Dragon.
In smaller numbers, the common bearded (P. barbata) and the Rankin's (P. henrylawsoni) have become more widely available. The other Pogona dragon species include the western (P. minima), the dwarf (P. minor), the Northwest bearded (P. mitchelli), the Nullarbor (P. nullarbor), and the (P. microlepitoda).
Indigenous Bearded Dragon Habitat
The pagona vitticeps can be found in a broad range of habitats through out central and eastern Australia, from the coastal dunes and lush forests in the east, to rocky outcrops and hot desert country in the interior northern territories.
Australia has very little sandy desert country. Most of the dry country is low scrub brush and hard baked earth, or rocky plains of laterite, limestone or sandstone.
====================================================
2) Dr. Bruce Bogoslavsky, Vitamins and Minerals
====================================================
Animal Veterinary Hospital of Orlando
(407) 855-PETS (407) 855-7387 1320
Oak Ridge Road, Orlando Fl 32809
Written by: Dr. Bruce Bogoslavsky
Central Florida Herp Society
Vitamin and mineral supplements are often added to many reptile diets. However, as with many other products, too much can be as dangerous as not enough. Preparations should contain both fat and water soluble vitamins and minerals essential for proper nutrition. Adding any supplement to your reptiles water may increase the decomposition of the product as well as decrease the reptiles water consumption. Adding supplements to salads may effect their palatability. Commercial supplements should be stored in a cool, dark place and products without expiration dates should be avoided.
Vitamin A deficiency is rare in herbivorous reptiles. Beta carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, is present in green leafy plants, yellow and orange vegetables, and fruit. Yolk remaining at the time of hatching will usually provide adequate vitamin A levels for approximately six months. Vitamin A is stored in the liver; diets heavy in animal protein can deplete these stores. Vitamin A deficiency is most commonly observed in young chelonians fed improper diets. Hypovitaminosis A is the most common cause of nonspecific, inflammatory, periocular disease in reptiles. The disease is usually evident within the ocular, genitourinary, and respiratory systems. Affected animals will exhibit swollen or reddened eyelids and mucous membranes, nasal discharge, or respiratory distress (dyspnea). Hyperkeratosis of the skin and mouth parts may also be observed. In herbivorous reptiles, any vitamin A deficiency should be thoroughly investigated prior to the use of supplemental vitamin A.
Vitamin A overdosage may occur secondary to excessive supplementation. This will occur when a single, intramuscular injection, greater than 10,000U/kg is administered. Liver failure, ictrus, jaundice, depression, and anorexia may all be observed in an animal with a vitamin A overdose. Tissue sloughing can be observed at the injection site when injectable vitamin A is used. The exposed tissue will then become susceptible to bacterial infections. Glucocorticoids will prolong the overdose effect and therefore should not be used in affected animals. There is no evidence that vitamin A can be used to stimulate appetite in anorexic reptiles.
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) deficiency is caused by feeding items that contain the enzyme thiaminase rather than by feeding a thiamin deficient diet. Thiaminase breaks down the animals stored supply of thiamine. Herbivorous reptiles may acquire this disease because thiaminase is found in ferns and ornamental house plants, and by feeding large amounts of frozen vegetables. Freezing decreases vitamin levels and increases thiaminase activity. Carnivorous reptiles may acquire a deficiency because thiaminase is found in fish. Thiamine is necessary for the proper development and function of nervous tissues. A thiamine deficiency is characterized by nervous disorders such as: twitching, spasms, blindness, abnormal posture, and an inability to use specific muscle groups. In snakes, inability to accurately strike their prey can be observed. Thiamin deficiency can also lead to dystocia, egg-retention, and other reproductive disorders. These signs may also be seen with other vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin E or selenium and they may also be related to other disease processes. Treatment with a thiamine supplement usually will correct the problem. Adding a small amount of Brewer's yeast to any frozen food item prior to feeding will also help. When fish is used as a food item, make sure it is either fresh or fresh-frozen. Boiling fish prior to its being fed will denature the thiaminase.
The other B complex vitamins are synthesized by the bacteria and protozoa with the intestinal tract of normal reptiles. Raw egg whites contain avidin, which prevents biotin from being processed within the animal. A deficiency may occur in feeding egg-eating reptiles a diet of exclusively whole raw eggs. Egg-eating reptiles in nature rarely acquire a biotin deficiency because most eggs eaten are fertile and embryonic tissue contains biotin. Occasionally, especially following any antimicrobial therapy, the normal flora will die off, allowing a deficiency to occur. By using vitamin B complex supplementation as well as intestinal culture inoculation, the situation is easily correctable.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is produced within the kidney and gastrointestinal tract of reptiles. A herbivorous diet, rich in green, leafy vegetables and citrus fruits is sufficient to prevent this deficiency from occurring. Affected reptiles will exhibit signs of bruising, bleeding gums, separation and tearing of the skin, and occasionally diarrhea. Administration of Vitamin C, is recommended as part of the medical treatment of infectious stomatitis.
Vitamin D levels will have a direct role on the reptiles calcium level. In carnivorous reptiles, this will occur when the animals are fed skeletal muscle and viscera without the bones. In herbivorous reptiles, this will occur when the animals are fed diets containing oxalates or from low or no exposure to ultraviolet stimulation either from direct, unfiltered sunlight or from full-spectrum reptile lights. Vitamin D deficiency will result in a decrease in the calcium absorption from the large intestine and a subsequent decrease in the quality of bone growth and development. These changes will be more obvious in young, rapidly growing reptiles.
Vitamin D overdosage will cause an excess amount of calcium to be absorbed, resulting in calcium deposits within soft tissues, including the heart. This may occur secondary to oversupplementation or following ingestion of rodentacides containing cholecalciferol.
Vitamin E deficiency is usually related to appalling husbandry practice pertaining to the reptiles diet, such as feeding rancid or spoiled food. Carnivorous reptiles may develop a deficiency because fish is high in saturated fats, resulting in this condition. If fish is fed to a reptile, you need to make sure it is either fresh or fresh-frozen and avoid fatty fish such as goldfish. Signs of vitamin E deficiency include anorexia, steatitis, and swollen nodules under the skin. These nodules are actually abnormal fat deposits, the skin covering these areas is usually discolored yellow or orange. Occasionally, cardiac muscle abnormalities similar to "white muscle disease" in mammals, have been diagnosed in reptiles with a vitamin E deficiency. This myopathy is caused by a decrease in the membrane integrity of the muscle cells, due to a decrease in the antioxidant effect of vitamin E.
Vitamin K is synthesized by the normal intestinal flora of reptiles. Vitamin K deficiency may occur following long-term use of oral antibiotics, or following consumption of animals poisoned with warfarin, strychnine, or other coumadin derivatives. Feeding fresh yogurt, Lactobacillus, or fecal cultures will help replenish the reptiles normal intestinal flora.
When treating sick reptiles, administration of vitamins should be performed with some caution. Most vitamins work as enzymes with other nutrients and this process requires fuel to occur. Administering vitamins to anorexic animals without also administering food, may result in an overdose of the vitamin. There are varied doses of most vitamins for reptiles. Because of this, specific doses should be calculated for each patient prior to their use.
References
1.)Mader, Douglas: Reptile Medicine and Surgery, W.B. Saunders Company, 1996.
2.) Frye, Fredric: Reptile Care; An Atlas of Diseases and Treatments, Volume 1. T.F.H. Publications. New Jersey, 1991.
3.) Frye, Fredric: A Practical Guide for Feeding Captive Reptiles, Krieger Publishing Company, 1993.
====================================================
4) Tips, Tricks and Secrets of the day.
====================================================
Non-Adhesive Self Liner for baby bearded dragon substrate.
By Jeff Stewart http://DiaMondBusterDragons.com
When raising baby bearded dragons I found the safest, fastest, easiest and least expensive substrate to use is non-adhesive shelf liner.
While I used to use paper toweling which is my second best choice for baby bearded dragons I have found it more feasible to use the non-adhesive shelf liner.
Pros and cons...
Pros...
1. The safest substrate you can use for babies in my opinion. No impaction risk!
2. Save money. Buy a roll once, cut pieces to size and use them over and over again. (I started using self liner last year and still using the same pieces today)
3. Easy to sanitize. Just wash with hot 10% bleach water and air dry.
You can pick it up at Wal Mart, Home Depot, Lowe’s just to name a few.
The cost is usually around $5 - $6 a roll.
Cons…
1. The only drawback I have found is it is not absorbent like paper towels. If you don’t keep up on your poop patrol (i.e. spot clean poop piles) and let the let it build up, dragons run thru it and spread it all around their cage.
To see a picture of what a roll looks like go here:
http://DragonNiche.com/selfliner.htm
====================================================
5) Dragon news
====================================================
The big ten year anniversary Florida International Reptile show is almost here!
October 1 - 2
http://www.reptilebreedersexpo.com
If you are going, drop me a line and maybe we can hook up.
See you there!
====================================================
6) Please do tell!
====================================================
Please do tell us if you have a great bearded dragon story you would like to share with all of us!
Or maybe you have a great article you wrote or found on the internet that you think would benefit all of us dragon lovers!
Also, please give us you’re your feedback on what you think of the Dragon Niche Newsletter. Good or bad.
What can we do to improve it? Or just tell us what you would like to see in the upcoming issues.
The sole purpose of this publication is for you and your dragons.
So we want to here from you! Tell Us What You Want!
To submit your questions, bearded dragon stories, articles, feedback and anything else you might think of, just shoot me an email to:
DoTell (AT) DragonNiche.com
For articles
articles (AT) DragonNiche.com
Well this concludes the first of many newsletters to come. I hope you found it to be a breath of fresh air and very informative.
I look forward to hearing from all of you!
Happy Herping =^}
Jeff Stewart
Jeff (AT) DragonNiche.com
Ph. 239.784.9507
http://DiaMondBusterDragons.com
http://DiaMondBusterDragonsBlog.com
http://DragonNiche.com
http://ReptileNiche.com
Dragon Niche Publications Newsletter - Issue 1
====================================================
In This Issue:
* Origin and Habitat of the Inland Bearded Dragon. Part 1
* Dr. Bruce Bogoslavsky, Vitamins and Minerals
* Tips, Tricks and Secrets of the day
* Dragon News
* Please do tell!
=============== FEATURE EDITORIAL ===============
1) Origin and Habitat of the Inland Bearded Dragon. Part 1
=================================================
By Jeff Stewart – http://DiaMondBusterDragonS.com
I thought it would be beneficial if bearded dragon owners had a better understanding about the origin, habitat and characteristics of the wild bearded dragon. This way you can better simulate his natural habitat in captivity and enjoy a happy healthy dragon for years to come.
Historical Origin
For thousands of years, the life forms in Australia lived in isolation from the rest of the world. Surrounded by ocean, the animal life developed attributes all of their own; as a result a remarkable variety of lizards and snakes came to be… and so began the discovery of the Inland Bearded Dragon.
In 1963 herpetoculture was barely beginning, researchers began to recognize the extraordinary habits of this sector of Australian wildlife. They began observing and documenting their findings for the rest of the world to appreciate.
Around the same time, the Australian government began tightening down on the collection, keeping, and exporting of native wildlife, as a result the number of animals available to collectors, exporters, breeders and researchers was severely restricted.
Despite the restriction of exportation, several bearded dragons were smuggled out of Australia and bread in Germany in the mid 1980’s. After numerous articles were published about the bearded dragon in Germany and America, many American herpetologists took interest and bearded dragons were effectively imported into America.
As a result of these pioneers, bearded dragons have roared through the herpetology community, and are to this day one of the most popularly kept reptiles in US.
The Pagona Species
Bearded dragons are agamid lizards belonging to the genus Pogona.
The word pogona comes from the Greek word "pogon" meaning beard.
The scientific name refers to the dark beard-like throat with its conical scales, which when inflated resembles a beard.
There are seven recognized species of bearded dragons, of which the most common and widely available is the Pagona Vitticeps, also called the Australian Bearded Dragon, Inland Bearded Dragon or the Central Bearded Dragon.
In smaller numbers, the common bearded (P. barbata) and the Rankin's (P. henrylawsoni) have become more widely available. The other Pogona dragon species include the western (P. minima), the dwarf (P. minor), the Northwest bearded (P. mitchelli), the Nullarbor (P. nullarbor), and the (P. microlepitoda).
Indigenous Bearded Dragon Habitat
The pagona vitticeps can be found in a broad range of habitats through out central and eastern Australia, from the coastal dunes and lush forests in the east, to rocky outcrops and hot desert country in the interior northern territories.
Australia has very little sandy desert country. Most of the dry country is low scrub brush and hard baked earth, or rocky plains of laterite, limestone or sandstone.
====================================================
2) Dr. Bruce Bogoslavsky, Vitamins and Minerals
====================================================
Animal Veterinary Hospital of Orlando
(407) 855-PETS (407) 855-7387 1320
Oak Ridge Road, Orlando Fl 32809
Written by: Dr. Bruce Bogoslavsky
Central Florida Herp Society
Vitamin and mineral supplements are often added to many reptile diets. However, as with many other products, too much can be as dangerous as not enough. Preparations should contain both fat and water soluble vitamins and minerals essential for proper nutrition. Adding any supplement to your reptiles water may increase the decomposition of the product as well as decrease the reptiles water consumption. Adding supplements to salads may effect their palatability. Commercial supplements should be stored in a cool, dark place and products without expiration dates should be avoided.
Vitamin A deficiency is rare in herbivorous reptiles. Beta carotene, the precursor of vitamin A, is present in green leafy plants, yellow and orange vegetables, and fruit. Yolk remaining at the time of hatching will usually provide adequate vitamin A levels for approximately six months. Vitamin A is stored in the liver; diets heavy in animal protein can deplete these stores. Vitamin A deficiency is most commonly observed in young chelonians fed improper diets. Hypovitaminosis A is the most common cause of nonspecific, inflammatory, periocular disease in reptiles. The disease is usually evident within the ocular, genitourinary, and respiratory systems. Affected animals will exhibit swollen or reddened eyelids and mucous membranes, nasal discharge, or respiratory distress (dyspnea). Hyperkeratosis of the skin and mouth parts may also be observed. In herbivorous reptiles, any vitamin A deficiency should be thoroughly investigated prior to the use of supplemental vitamin A.
Vitamin A overdosage may occur secondary to excessive supplementation. This will occur when a single, intramuscular injection, greater than 10,000U/kg is administered. Liver failure, ictrus, jaundice, depression, and anorexia may all be observed in an animal with a vitamin A overdose. Tissue sloughing can be observed at the injection site when injectable vitamin A is used. The exposed tissue will then become susceptible to bacterial infections. Glucocorticoids will prolong the overdose effect and therefore should not be used in affected animals. There is no evidence that vitamin A can be used to stimulate appetite in anorexic reptiles.
Thiamin (Vitamin B1) deficiency is caused by feeding items that contain the enzyme thiaminase rather than by feeding a thiamin deficient diet. Thiaminase breaks down the animals stored supply of thiamine. Herbivorous reptiles may acquire this disease because thiaminase is found in ferns and ornamental house plants, and by feeding large amounts of frozen vegetables. Freezing decreases vitamin levels and increases thiaminase activity. Carnivorous reptiles may acquire a deficiency because thiaminase is found in fish. Thiamine is necessary for the proper development and function of nervous tissues. A thiamine deficiency is characterized by nervous disorders such as: twitching, spasms, blindness, abnormal posture, and an inability to use specific muscle groups. In snakes, inability to accurately strike their prey can be observed. Thiamin deficiency can also lead to dystocia, egg-retention, and other reproductive disorders. These signs may also be seen with other vitamin deficiencies such as vitamin E or selenium and they may also be related to other disease processes. Treatment with a thiamine supplement usually will correct the problem. Adding a small amount of Brewer's yeast to any frozen food item prior to feeding will also help. When fish is used as a food item, make sure it is either fresh or fresh-frozen. Boiling fish prior to its being fed will denature the thiaminase.
The other B complex vitamins are synthesized by the bacteria and protozoa with the intestinal tract of normal reptiles. Raw egg whites contain avidin, which prevents biotin from being processed within the animal. A deficiency may occur in feeding egg-eating reptiles a diet of exclusively whole raw eggs. Egg-eating reptiles in nature rarely acquire a biotin deficiency because most eggs eaten are fertile and embryonic tissue contains biotin. Occasionally, especially following any antimicrobial therapy, the normal flora will die off, allowing a deficiency to occur. By using vitamin B complex supplementation as well as intestinal culture inoculation, the situation is easily correctable.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is produced within the kidney and gastrointestinal tract of reptiles. A herbivorous diet, rich in green, leafy vegetables and citrus fruits is sufficient to prevent this deficiency from occurring. Affected reptiles will exhibit signs of bruising, bleeding gums, separation and tearing of the skin, and occasionally diarrhea. Administration of Vitamin C, is recommended as part of the medical treatment of infectious stomatitis.
Vitamin D levels will have a direct role on the reptiles calcium level. In carnivorous reptiles, this will occur when the animals are fed skeletal muscle and viscera without the bones. In herbivorous reptiles, this will occur when the animals are fed diets containing oxalates or from low or no exposure to ultraviolet stimulation either from direct, unfiltered sunlight or from full-spectrum reptile lights. Vitamin D deficiency will result in a decrease in the calcium absorption from the large intestine and a subsequent decrease in the quality of bone growth and development. These changes will be more obvious in young, rapidly growing reptiles.
Vitamin D overdosage will cause an excess amount of calcium to be absorbed, resulting in calcium deposits within soft tissues, including the heart. This may occur secondary to oversupplementation or following ingestion of rodentacides containing cholecalciferol.
Vitamin E deficiency is usually related to appalling husbandry practice pertaining to the reptiles diet, such as feeding rancid or spoiled food. Carnivorous reptiles may develop a deficiency because fish is high in saturated fats, resulting in this condition. If fish is fed to a reptile, you need to make sure it is either fresh or fresh-frozen and avoid fatty fish such as goldfish. Signs of vitamin E deficiency include anorexia, steatitis, and swollen nodules under the skin. These nodules are actually abnormal fat deposits, the skin covering these areas is usually discolored yellow or orange. Occasionally, cardiac muscle abnormalities similar to "white muscle disease" in mammals, have been diagnosed in reptiles with a vitamin E deficiency. This myopathy is caused by a decrease in the membrane integrity of the muscle cells, due to a decrease in the antioxidant effect of vitamin E.
Vitamin K is synthesized by the normal intestinal flora of reptiles. Vitamin K deficiency may occur following long-term use of oral antibiotics, or following consumption of animals poisoned with warfarin, strychnine, or other coumadin derivatives. Feeding fresh yogurt, Lactobacillus, or fecal cultures will help replenish the reptiles normal intestinal flora.
When treating sick reptiles, administration of vitamins should be performed with some caution. Most vitamins work as enzymes with other nutrients and this process requires fuel to occur. Administering vitamins to anorexic animals without also administering food, may result in an overdose of the vitamin. There are varied doses of most vitamins for reptiles. Because of this, specific doses should be calculated for each patient prior to their use.
References
1.)Mader, Douglas: Reptile Medicine and Surgery, W.B. Saunders Company, 1996.
2.) Frye, Fredric: Reptile Care; An Atlas of Diseases and Treatments, Volume 1. T.F.H. Publications. New Jersey, 1991.
3.) Frye, Fredric: A Practical Guide for Feeding Captive Reptiles, Krieger Publishing Company, 1993.
====================================================
4) Tips, Tricks and Secrets of the day.
====================================================
Non-Adhesive Self Liner for baby bearded dragon substrate.
By Jeff Stewart http://DiaMondBusterDragons.com
When raising baby bearded dragons I found the safest, fastest, easiest and least expensive substrate to use is non-adhesive shelf liner.
While I used to use paper toweling which is my second best choice for baby bearded dragons I have found it more feasible to use the non-adhesive shelf liner.
Pros and cons...
Pros...
1. The safest substrate you can use for babies in my opinion. No impaction risk!
2. Save money. Buy a roll once, cut pieces to size and use them over and over again. (I started using self liner last year and still using the same pieces today)
3. Easy to sanitize. Just wash with hot 10% bleach water and air dry.
You can pick it up at Wal Mart, Home Depot, Lowe’s just to name a few.
The cost is usually around $5 - $6 a roll.
Cons…
1. The only drawback I have found is it is not absorbent like paper towels. If you don’t keep up on your poop patrol (i.e. spot clean poop piles) and let the let it build up, dragons run thru it and spread it all around their cage.
To see a picture of what a roll looks like go here:
http://DragonNiche.com/selfliner.htm
====================================================
5) Dragon news
====================================================
The big ten year anniversary Florida International Reptile show is almost here!
October 1 - 2
http://www.reptilebreedersexpo.com
If you are going, drop me a line and maybe we can hook up.
See you there!
====================================================
6) Please do tell!
====================================================
Please do tell us if you have a great bearded dragon story you would like to share with all of us!
Or maybe you have a great article you wrote or found on the internet that you think would benefit all of us dragon lovers!
Also, please give us you’re your feedback on what you think of the Dragon Niche Newsletter. Good or bad.
What can we do to improve it? Or just tell us what you would like to see in the upcoming issues.
The sole purpose of this publication is for you and your dragons.
So we want to here from you! Tell Us What You Want!
To submit your questions, bearded dragon stories, articles, feedback and anything else you might think of, just shoot me an email to:
DoTell (AT) DragonNiche.com
For articles
articles (AT) DragonNiche.com
Well this concludes the first of many newsletters to come. I hope you found it to be a breath of fresh air and very informative.
I look forward to hearing from all of you!
Happy Herping =^}
Jeff Stewart
Jeff (AT) DragonNiche.com
Ph. 239.784.9507
http://DiaMondBusterDragons.com
http://DiaMondBusterDragonsBlog.com
http://DragonNiche.com
http://ReptileNiche.com
posted by Jeff Stewart at 1:22 PM
