As a bearded dragon owner, you may occasionally find unfertilized eggs in your female dragon’s enclosure. While it’s exciting to see signs of breeding, unfertilized eggs present their own unique challenges.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through all your options for dealing with unexpected dragon eggs.
If you’re short on time, here’s the quick answer: Remove unfertilized eggs after 1-2 weeks. Discard in trash or freeze then thaw to offer as treats. Leaving infertile eggs risks egg binding or parasite growth.
Identifying Unfertilized Bearded Dragon Eggs
Appearance and Texture
Unfertilized bearded dragon eggs can be identified by their appearance and texture. They tend to be smaller and more elongated than fertilized eggs. The shell also appears thinner and papery, lacking the chalky white coating of healthy eggs.
When candled, unfertilized eggs look clear inside instead of showing the spiderweb veins of developing embryos.
The inside of unfertilized eggs feels fluid and watery when gently pressed between two fingers. As the egg contents degrade over time, the shells may dent and collapse. Unhealthy eggs also give off a foul rotten odor, especially as gases build up inside them.
So pay close attention to any changes in an egg’s size, shape, shell texture, and smell.
Lack of Embryo Development
The defining trait of an unfertilized bearded dragon egg is that no embryo develops inside it. A fertilized egg will show signs of cell growth within 2-3 weeks of being laid. Tiny blood vessels become visible, extending in vein-like patterns as the embryo forms.
Unfertilized eggs remain perfectly clear well past this 2-3 week mark. Candling them reveals only empty space and fluid rather than a developing dragon. As the contents break down, the egg may turn partially opaque. But you will never see an actual embryo inside an unfertilzied egg.
Tracking each clutch from laying to hatching is the only foolproof way to identify bad eggs. But looking for visual indicators like shell oddities, no veins when candled, odor, etc. can also help signal likely unfertilized eggs.
Leaving Eggs in the Enclosure
Risk of Egg Binding
Leaving unfertilized bearded dragon eggs in the enclosure can pose some risks. One major concern is the potential for egg binding. This occurs when a female dragon has trouble passing her eggs, which can lead to serious health complications.
Some signs of egg binding include straining, weakness, loss of appetite, and swelling in the abdomen. If left untreated, it can be fatal. The unfertilized eggs left behind may encourage her to keep producing and trying to lay eggs.
This continual cycle places extra strain on her body and makes her more prone to binding.
To avoid this, it’s recommended to remove any eggs laid. This stops the female from obsessively guarding them and prompts her end egg production. Once the eggs are gone, her body can fully recover. Some owners may choose to collapse unfertilized eggs once laid to trick the female.
However, removing them completely is the safest option. You want to disrupt the egg laying process as much as possible.
Parasite and Bacteria Growth
Another consideration with leaving bearded dragon eggs is that they can harbor bacteria and parasites. As the eggs decay, they become ideal breeding grounds for potentially dangerous microorganisms. Salmonella and other bacteria can multiply and pose a contamination risk to your dragon and entire terrarium habitat.
Mold is also likely to grow. Your pet could easily contract illnesses by coming in contact with old eggs.
In addition, any parasite eggs in your bearded dragon could develop within an unfertilized egg. Roundworms are particularly concerning, as they can infect other cage mates and humans. To avoid exposure, removing old eggs quickly is crucial.
You also will want to sterilize the enclosure to eliminate any lingering risks. Frequent deep cleanings after egg laying is advised as well. Letting eggs remain is never recommended if you want to keep your habitat and pet healthy.
Removing and Discarding Eggs
Trash or Compost
When a female bearded dragon lays infertile or sluggish eggs, the best and most humane option is to remove and discard them properly. Here are some tips for safe egg removal and disposal:
- Use gloves and gently remove the eggs from the laying site. Infertile eggs may be soft or deflated in appearance.
- Place the eggs in a plastic bag or air-tight container. This prevents them from drying out or exploding.
- The eggs can be thrown away in the regular household trash. Make sure the bag is fully sealed.
- Alternatively, the eggs can be buried in a compost pile or garden soil. This allows them to decompose naturally.
- Be sure to wash your hands after handling reptile eggs to prevent the spread of bacteria like salmonella.
According to reptile care websites like The Spruce Pets, it’s typically safe to remove and discard sluggish bearded dragon eggs. Healthy females will simply reabsorb calcium from infertile eggs. Removing them prevents accidental egg cracking and contamination in the tank.
Freezing Then Thawing as Treats
Another option for unfertilized bearded dragon eggs is freezing them for later use as nutritious treats!
- Carefully remove eggs from the tank and place in an airtight container or bag.
- Freeze the eggs for at least 24 hours to ensure any bacteria is killed.
- Thaw the frozen eggs in the refrigerator until completely defrosted.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces to feed to your dragon. Make sure no sharp egg shell pieces are present.
Reptile experts say unfertilized eggs can make a great source of protein, calcium, and other nutrients for bearded dragons. Just be sure to freeze first for safety. Only feed thawed egg treats occasionally as too much protein can cause gut issues.
According to one bearded dragon nutritional guide, egg treats should not make up more than 10% of their diet. Feed in moderation along with greens, veggies, and insects.
Preventing Unwanted Egg Laying
Proper Diet
Providing a balanced diet is key to preventing problematic egg production in female dragons. Their food should contain optimal levels of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D3 to support bone and reproductive health (https://reptifiles.com/bearded-dragon-care/).
The ideal calcium to phosphorus ratio is 2:1. Vegetables high in oxalates like spinach should be avoided as excess oxalates prevent proper calcium absorption.
It’s also important not to overfeed breeding age females, as excess weight and fat stores can trigger more frequent egg production. Lean protein sources like insects and limited vegetable matter is best.
Reduce Stressors
Bearded dragons are easily stressed by improper husbandry and housing issues. Stress leads to increased hormone production which can induce unwanted egg laying. Ways to minimize stress include:
- Provide proper heat and UVB lighting on a consistent daily cycle
- Give access to a suitable nesting/hide area
- Use a large enough enclosure for healthy activity levels
- House dragons singly after reaching adulthood
Eliminating stressors goes a long way toward curbing problematic reproductive behavior in pet bearded dragon females.
Adjust Lighting Schedules
Finally, adjusting the day/night cycle of UVB and heat lamp lighting can also help control egg production. Shortening the daily photoperiod to 8-10 hours can trick a female’s body into thinking winter is coming, thereby slowing ovarian function and ovulation.
Slowly reducing day length over time avoids shocking the dragon. Continually monitoring appetites, energy levels and behavior for signs of lethargy or illness is important too. Some decreased activity is expected but excess sleepiness could indicate the lighting change is too severe.
Normal daylight hours | 14 hours |
Recommended reduced lighting | 8-10 hours |
With small adjustments to diet, environment and lighting – managing egg production in captivity is very achievable. Consulting an exotic veterinarian for guidance is suggested if issues persist despite preventative care.
Conclusion
Unfertilized bearded dragon eggs are a common occurrence, especially with mature, solitary females. While it may be tempting to let the eggs remain in the habitat, removal within 1-2 weeks is recommended. Discarded eggs can go in the trash or be frozen as nutritious treats.
With a few husbandry tweaks, keepers can reduce the frequency of unwanted egg laying as well.