Chinese Water Dragon Care Guide

LIFE SPAN

 Approximately 15 years

AVERAGE SIZE

 Females are approximately 2 feet long while males are approximately 3 feet long.

NORMAL BEHAVIOR & INTERACTION

Water Dragons are generally docile and intelligent lizards that will tolerate some handling when tamed. They may be aggressive to one another, and care must be taken to introduce cage mates slowly and with apprehension. There is no guarantee they will get along well.

CAGE TEMPERATURE

Day Temps: 84°-88°F

Basking Temps: 90°F

Night Temps: 75°-80°F

HUMIDITY

80% humidity levels 

FEEDING

Water Dragons are omnivorous; which means they eat both meat and vegetables. About 10%-15% of an adult’s diet should be made up of plant matter, the remaining percentage being protein.

VEGETABLES

Dark leafy vegetables like collard and mustard greens, kale and red tip leaf lettuce are good for a dragon, as are clover, parsley, and broccoli, green beans, peas, squash, grated carrots and sweet potatoes. Fruits such as figs, kiwi, apples, raspberries, strawberries and melons can also be fed, but should not be given as often. 

PROTEIN

Protein sources such as: gut-loaded crickets, mealworms, cockroaches, superworms, waxworms, and frozen pinky mice dusted with a supplement should also be part of the diet. 

SUPPLEMENTS

Dust food with calcium and vitamin supplements. As a rule, a growing juvenile’s food should be dusted more often than an adults. 

WATER

All water given to lizards for bathing, swimming or drinking, as well as water used for misting, must be 100% free of chlorine and heavy metals. Fresh water for soaking and drinking should be offered daily.

ENCLOSURE SIZE

Water Dragons need a good amount of space to climb and explore. An enclosure sized 5’L x 2’W x 4’H at minimum is needed. Solid sideslike glass or plexiglass are recommended to keep humidity at appropriate levels.  

SUBSTRATE

We recommend a loose coconut fiber substrate or forest floor mulch substrate for your Water Dragon. 

BRANCHES & PLANTS

Dragons love to climb, and additionally must have a basking area on the warm side of the tank. If you have more than one Dragon, be sure to create more than one basking area. Choose branches that your Dragon can climb on safely and lie on comfortably. The basking area can consist of branches and a platform positioned under the basking light so the dragon sits about six inches under the lamp. Grape vines and Mopani wood are great options. Live plants can help increase the humidity in your Dragon enclosure. Be sure to include only reptile-safe plants. 

UVB LIGHT

Water Dragons MUST be exposed to UVB lighting 8-12 hours a day. This exposure is CRITICAL in allowing the animal to synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium. 

DAY/NIGHT CYCLES & HEATING

All lizards must have distinct day and night periods in their enclosure to maintain their biological rhythms. Chinese Water Dragons need 8-12 hours of daytime and 8-12 hours of nighttime.  

HABITAT MAINTENANCE

Daily maintenance should consist of spot cleaning by removing soiled substrate, cleaning water bowl thoroughly and wiping glass clean. The entire tank should be cleaned thoroughly at least once every month.

RECOMMENDED SUPPLIES

• 5’L x 2’W x 4’H terrarium with secure mesh top at minimum, smaller enclosures are acceptable for babies
• Large dome & appropriately sized heat light
• UVB Bulb & housing
• Temperature/humidity gauge
• Coco fiber or forest floor mulch bedding
• Multiple live or artificial plants, branches, wood perches & vines (reptile-safe)
• Large water bowl – big enough to soak in
• Food bowl
• Live food
• Calcium & vitamin supplements
• Water dechlorinate drops
• Spray bottle for misting 

Vet Approved

Our Care Guides are designed to assist in general knowledge and requirements for the care of your new family member. We strongly encourage further research and consultation with your veterinarian on the complete and proper care of any new pet.

For more information visit petsuppliesplus.com, cdc.gov/healthypets or contact your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands before and after handling your pet or cleaning its habitat, and remember that any pet can scratch, bite or transmit disease to humans.

For pregnant women, persons with compromised immune systems, or if you have children under the age of 5, we strongly recommend contacting your physician prior to purchasing or caring for a new pet.

Please see the Centers for Disease Control website at www.cdc.gov/healthypets for more information.