Animal Of The Week - "Hovis The Bearded Dragon"

Meet Hovis who arrived as what we thought was a female on 27/9/12 and was bought from Strictly Reptiles as a baby.

About a month ago Hovis became ill and appeared to have some form of prolapse. When she was taken to the vets it became apparent that she is actually a he and his hemipenis (paired reproductive organ in male Snakes and Lizards) had been affected and the prolapse had died. This now means that Hovis only has one penis left but has fully recovered and is doing well.

"Whoever thought I was a girl? - Do I look like one?"

We have two beardies at "MKC", Hovis and Stump and as we now know both male. When I first started we had a great Beardie called "Monty" and he had been with us over 10 years when he finally died. Lizards lifespan varies from species to species but Bearded Dragons usually live anywhere between 7 - 10 years and sometimes as much as 12 years. Shows how well Monty did. Hovis will be two in September so is still quite young and can be hormonal. When he is upset or stressed his beard turns a dark colour and there is a lot of head bobbing going on. I usually take this as a sign that he should be put back in the enclosure.

Bearded Dragons are native to Australia and therefore like hot and arid conditions. It is essential that they have the right accommodation that is set to the correct temperature. They are omnivores so eat both plant and insects, however they can go a day or so without food but should have access to water at all times. Cold blooded creatures have lower metabolisms so do not need to eat as much as warm blooded species.

"This is my macho look"