CARE OF DRAGONS

(Draconis occidentalis, Draconis orientalis )

 
Photo by Sylphe_7/iStock / Getty Images
 

Feeding

        Eastern/Wvyrn:

  • Carp
  • Swordfish
  • Beluga
  • Tuna
  • Manatee
  • Seal
  • Salmon
  • Sea Lion
  • Human (Wvyrn)            

Be cautious with high mercury levels in fish-eating species (predator species monthly at most)

 Live feeding of humans is controversial and illegal in most areas

Feeding frequency:

Juveniles- all species: Daily (meat must be pre-cooked for firebreathing species)

Western/Wvyrn adult: 1-2 times per week when not in hibernation.

Eastern adult: Every 5-10 years

Western:             

  • Elk
  • Deer
  • Cow
  • Sheep
  • Moose
  • Human
  • Rabbit
  • Goat
  • Horse
“Here’s a tip: Provide a large shallow pool of water that your dragon can fit most of their body into. Soak your dragon in chest-deep lukewarm water 45-60 minutes 1-2 times per week. ”
— Dr. Lyssa Alexander DVM
 

Housing

  • Minimum enclosure size is 50 x 50 x 20 feet with a 10 x 15 foot entrance
  • High humidity is necessary and can be accomplished with misters or waterfall
    • A hygrometer should be used to ensure ambient humidity of 50-75%
  • Western and Wyvern species require a treasure hoard to sleep on
    • Allow your dragon to select its own treasure items to ensure acceptance
  • Substrate- large rocks should be provided at all times- no heating element is required
  • We recommend solo housing of dragons or housing in bonded pairs
  • A  named river or body of water must be provided within 50 feet of the main dwelling
  • Generous supplies of phosphate minerals must be kept in western dragon enclosures
    • Lazulite, turquoise, struvite, autunite, hydroxylapatite, bromapatite, fluorapatite

 

 

Lighting and Temperatures

  • Ambient daytime temperature should be 45-65 degrees F for most species
  • For non-firebreathing species, a ventral heat source of 130-150 degrees should be provided
  • Natural sunlight exposure is necessary on a daily basis when not in hibernation

 

Behavior and Enrichment

  • As highly intelligent and long-lived species, providing enrichment is vital to overall health
    • Suggested activities: Higher education, Metal smithing, Writing, Aquaculture, Rampaging (Western), Etymology, Heraldic arts, Genealogy (Eastern)
  • Eastern species should be afforded spiritual enrichment: mediation, worship rituals, prayer
  • All bodies of water associated with your dragon must be kept in immaculate condition
Photo by retrofutur/iStock / Getty Images

 

Medical

  • We recommend physical examination every 5 years
    • Mercury screening should be performed on pescivorous species every 5-10 years
    • Yearly fecal examination is recommended for Western/Wvyrn species
  • Do not disturb your dragon during hibernation- provide large stores of food upon emergence
  • Live feeding of humans can attract potentially lethal predators: heroes, saints, minor deities
  • Common signs of illness include: weight loss, not eating, darkened scale color, oral ulceration, loss of fire-production, respiratory or ocular discharge, depression, poor egg quality or lack of hatching, scale rot and scale loss- call for immediate veterinary assistance if you are concerned
  • Replacing damaged or missing scales through "imping" can be life-saving
  • Wing injuries are common and require immediate surgical attention for good outcomes
  • Pet insurance is not available for dragons

 

Human Health Risks

  • Extreme caution should be taken with all new introductions- severe injury or death can occur
  • We strongly recommend home insurance that includes fire, flood and earthquake coverage
  • In case of injury, avoid contact with your dragon's blood



 

Resources

All Creatures Animal Clinic: Your Dragon Vet Specialists! 734-973-1884

Mineral and Gem Sources: The Rock Warehouse

Treasure sources: Sedwick Coins, Princess Jewelry

Home Insurance: Nationwide

Housing: Caves for Sale