Chinese Water Dragons

[Hock3ymonk3y]

Hey guys,
I really like what everyone is saying about cwd's and they are so cute! Along with looking up caresheets, I was wondering if anyone had any good information about them, basic or advanced? So if you do please post here!
Thanks,

[Patrick Long]

I used to have one when I was in HS. They are amazing Lizards. So friendly so tame, just wonderful all around.

I let mine roam the room free-range style. He had a ladder to his cage that he would use to go poop.

They are extremely easy to care for and have a wide range of food that they can eat. I think you cant go wrong with one....especially if you've looked at the caresheets like you said.

[Hock3ymonk3y]

okay thanks! and actually (for anyone who is learning about them too) There was an article about them in Reptiles magazine in the april edition. Even though its about breeding it still gives a little bit of info.

[wafisherman]

I wouldn't call them easy. Moderate maybe...

They need lots of space. Practically iguanna type space. They LOVE to climb, jump, run, and swim. They do not do well in glass tanks.

They eat crickets (I hate dealing with them), dubia roaches (have my own colony - much better than crickets), super worms, etc. You can offer greens and fruit, but they probably won't touch it.

They need:
Good UVB - I use a 100 Watt SB Mega-ray
Proper temps
Proper humidity (they are from the jungles of SE asia)
Swimming pool - big plastic cat litter pans are perfect. I use a filter since they like to poo in it. You still need to change it daily or close...
ROOM to climb and real or fake plants to hide in, nap, etc.

You pretty much need to build a custom cage. A tank is NOT a good long term home for them. Those who live in tanks usually have nasty beat up noses from hitting the glass all the time.

Some can be quite aggressive. I have one that hates being held. He's always in a nasty mood. But I hold him anyway. He's never bit me, but thrashes and tail whips pretty good. The other is puppy dog tame and I can hold it on an open hand and stroke it's head and back with not even a flinch.

They can run on just their hind legs. We let ours swim in the tub then sprint down the hallway for some exercise.

Here is a pic of my set up. It is still kind of a work in progress, but you get the idea. Let me know if the pic works for you or not...

[wafisherman]

Oh, and THIS is a great site to read up on them:

http://www.triciaswaterdragon.com/faq.htm

[waltah!]

It's pretty cool to see them take off running on their back legs. Awesome lizards.