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If you have a female bearded dragon, you may be surprised to find eggs in her enclosure one day. These eggs may or may not be fertilized, depending on whether she has mated with a male or not. Unfertilized eggs will not hatch into baby dragons, but they still need proper care and disposal. In this article, we will explain what causes unfertilized eggs, how to identify them, and what to do with them.
Causes of unfertilized bearded dragon eggs
Unfertilized bearded dragon eggs are eggs that have not been fertilized by a male bearded dragon. They will not hatch into baby bearded dragons and are essentially useless. Unfertilized eggs can occur for several reasons, such as:
- The female bearded dragon has never mated with a male.
- The male bearded dragon is infertile or has poor sperm quality.
- The mating was not successful or timed correctly.
- The environmental conditions were not optimal for fertilization.
How to identify unfertilized bearded dragon eggs?
Unfertilized bearded dragon eggs can be hard to tell apart from fertilized ones, especially in the early stages of development. However, some signs can help you identify them, such as:
- Unfertilized eggs are usually smaller and have a softer shell than fertilized ones.
- Unfertilized eggs may appear cloudy or translucent, while fertilized ones are more opaque and white.
- Unfertilized eggs will not show any signs of development, such as an embryo or blood vessels when candled (holding a bright light up to the egg).
What to do with unfertilized bearded dragon eggs?
Once you have confirmed that the eggs are unfertilized, you have four main options for what to do with them:
1. Discard them
The simplest thing to do with unfertilized bearded dragon eggs is to dispose of them. You can throw them away in the trash or bury them in the ground. However, make sure you do this as soon as possible after you notice that the eggs are infertile. If you leave them for too long, they may rot and smell bad.
2. Feed them to other animals
This option is more for ethical reasons than anything else. You can feed the eggs to other animals that would eat them in nature, such as birds, snakes, or other lizards. This can be a way to reduce waste and provide a natural food source for your other pets.
3. Donate them
Another option is to donate the unfertilized bearded dragon eggs to a reptile rescue or a school. This way, you can help educate others about bearded dragons and their reproduction. You can also support the reptile rescue by providing them with some supplies or donations. However, make sure you contact the rescue or the school first and ask if they are interested in receiving the eggs.
4. Use them for crafts or art projects
If you are feeling creative, you can use the unfertilized bearded dragon eggs for crafts or art projects. You can paint them, decorate them, or turn them into jewelry or ornaments. You can also use them for educational purposes, such as making a model of a bearded dragon’s life cycle or anatomy. However, make sure you clean and sanitize the eggs before using them.
