If you want to get an Albino Bearded Dragon, you are getting into tricky business.
No kidding. Taking care of these sensitive creatures is tricky. But I must admit that growing an albino reptile, such as a bearded dragon, is a rewarding process. The aesthetics of these pets are unmatched.
However, due to their lack of melanin and inbreeding issues, Albino Bearded Dragons are often really fragile. Fortunately, there’s nothing a bit of love can’t fix.
With proper care, you can bring home and grow a white bearded dragon in a healthy way. But what’s that proper care? Well, to ensure that, you have to know a few things and learn a few stuffs.
Yes, the internet has all the answers, but you don’t want to jump from site to site for answers to your different questions. This is why this article is here. Here, you’ll find all you need to know about taking care of Albino Bearded Dragons.
What are Albino Bearded Dragons and Why Are They So Rare?
Pogona vitticeps, or, as commonly known, Albino Bearded Dragons, are one of the rarest morphs of bearded dragon.
Biologists found that this phenotype is caused by an autosomal recessive mutation, which disrupts melanin synthesis. Unlike partial pigment loss or reduced melanin morphs, true Albino Bearded Dragons lack photoprotective melanin, resulting in their unique white look.
Why is this breed so rare? Well, to know that, we have to go deeper into the scientific jargon.
Albino Bearded Dragons come due to TYR allele frequencies, which require very specific mating between two very specific heterozygotes.
In simple terms, two particular types of breeds must be involved in mating for albinism to be produced naturally. It’s so rare that the occurrence rate of this is less than 0.1%. Even those that are born don’t survive long. Yes, in an enclosed space, they can have prolonged sustenance. But in the wild, they are always at risk.
Firstly, the unique white color of these dragons makes them stand out in the dry landscape of Australian habitats. It’s really difficult for them to camouflage.
As a result, they are often caught by predators like birds and monitor lizards. The lack of natural UV-reflecting colors makes them more visible.
They have their own physiological complications as well. The absence of protective pigment makes their eyes extremely sensitive to light. Even basic UV rays can cause heavy damage to them. Their skin is extremely prone to sunburns and skin cancers. This means they don’t get to bathe in sunlight enough.
This, in turn, leads to weaker bones and vitamin D3 deficiency. The wilderness, overall, is a boiling pot for Albino Bearded Dragons, where survival of the fittest is the rule.
But what about the albinos in captivity?
Well, you might think the Albino Bearded Dragons in captivity must have healthy and frequent breeding. So, they shouldn’t be rare. Well, this is where you are wrong.
As albinism is a rare genetic anomaly, in order to deliberately achieve albinism, two albinos have to mate. This often demands inbreeding.
Inbreeding weakens the immune system of the new generation and causes birth defects such as crooked spines or organ problems.
In other words, along with the birthing rate being close to zero, the survival rate of Albino Bearded Dragons is very low.
So, when you hear that an Albino Bearded Dragon is extremely rare, there’s not a bit of confusion in that. However, with proper care, an Albino Bearded Dragon can live up to a good 10 to 15 years.
How to Acquire an Albino Bearded Dragon?
If the rarity of the breed intrigues you and makes you want to get one for your collection, you are welcome to do so. But while you do so, make sure you are not making a mistake.
Otherwise, you can get stuck with an unhealthy pet that will only become a pain in the neck. The first and foremost thing to do is to avoid chain pet stores such as PetSmart and PetCo. Look, I have nothing against their business.
But it’s a truth no one can deny that such corporate facilities focus on capitalist gain. They source bearded dragons from mass-breeding facilities. As a result of such breeding, the dragons often suffer from health issues, genetic risks, and behavioral problems.
The products of mass breeding often have stress-induced parasites like coccidia, pinworms, etc. Metabolic bone diseases, congenital defects, weakened immunity, and respiratory infections are also common.
So, when you pick up an Albino Bearded Dragon, look out for sunken eyes, stuck shed, or signs of lethargy. But where do you get these rare dragons from? Opt for local sources rather than big names.
Local reptile expos are good options, as such specialized breeders prioritize genetics and health. It also gives you the chance to closely inspect the few options at hand before making a choice.
And if you are too worried, you can also request records of fecal exams or vet checks to rule out any kind of disease.Local pet stores should give you the same benefit. But what if you don’t have any near you? Well, look for online reptile breeders them.
Widely known platforms like MorphMarket, FaunaClassified, or even reptile forums like Bearded Dragon Forum can get you in touch with reputable and ethical breeders. However, in such cases too ask for certified documents from vets.
What You Need to Know About the Mating Habits of Albino Bearded Dragons?
If you are reading this point then it is safe to assume that you have decided to go with an Albino Bearded Dragon. Be warned that it requires intensive care and delicate treatment.
Before getting into all the other stuff, lets learn a bit more about their mating habits and reproduction. You eventually have to know these anyway to ensure proper care.
Mating Habits
In the wilderness, bearded dragons mate in spring. But in captivity, the mating season is all year round.
The mating habit starts with a courtship display. The male usually exhibits head bobbing, waving its arm, and even darkening its beard to grab the attention of the female.
In such situations, the males get quite territorial and display aggression toward other males. A male might even end up attacking you if it sees you as a threat to mating.
As for the mating practice, it’s basically the male nudging or gently biting the female while getting on top of her back to initiate mating.
Reproduction
As you know, bearded dragons are oviparous. In other words, they lay eggs. A female can lay a clutch of around 20 to 30 eggs.
After the eggs are laid, they are incubated in a moist and warm atmosphere. This incubation period lasts about 55 to 75 days. The duration of the incubation period depends on the temperature of the atmosphere where the eggs are laid.
Baby bearded dragons emerge from the eggs in a fully developed form. They are independent from birth, as they immediately start eating small insects and vegetation. In other words, taking care of infants is not much of a hassle.
Environmental Factors
As already mentioned, temperature plays a significant role in determining the incubation period for the eggs. Thus, maintaining not only the temperature but also UVB lighting is crucial to ensure successful mating and the development of healthy eggs.
For breeding, the ideal temperature during prep time is around 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 60 degrees Fahrenheit during the night. They should be in light for 10 hours and the remaining 14 in darkness. This environment will prep the dragons for mating.
Once the breeding is done, facilitate a nesting site. The female prefers to lay eggs in soft, sandy substrate, where they can easily dig and bury their eggs safely.
As Albino Bearded Dragons tend to be very sensitive, make sure the light and temperature are never too much for them.
What’s the Right Way of Taking Care of Albino Bearded Dragons?
Now comes the part you need to know most.
Albino Bearded Dragons, being overly sensitive, demand intensive care. Just casual care won’t do it for these albino morphs. You have to keep in mind that these creatures are different. A subtle change in lighting can cause drastic damage to their overall health.
So, if you are set to bring a bearded dragon home, let’s take you through all the nuances you should take mental note of.
Creating and Maintaining the Perfect Habitat
Having different melanin levels causes the Albino Bearded Dragons to be susceptible to easy damage and diseases. A proper habitat is the first thing that can ensure a healthy condition for these delicate creatures.
So, let’s create the perfect habitat for these creatures first.
It all starts with the Enclosure.
For an adult Albino Bearded Dragon, bring home at least a 75-gallon-sized tank. But for juveniles, 20 or 40 gallons would do. However, in this case, you’ll have to increase the size as your pet grows.
In my opinion, the best deal would be to get a 120-gallon enclosure from Zen Habitats. It’ll keep your bearded dragon happy for life and you free from worrying. In case it seems too pricey, I always recommend Marty Made for customized enclosures at an affordable price.
As already mentioned, temperature is a crucial factor for bearded dragons, especially for the sensitive ones like the albino breeds. To ensure a properly healthy atmosphere, maintain a basking spot with around 110–120°F.
In addition, the tank should have a warm side and a cool side. The warm side should be around 90–95°F, and the cool side should not be below 80°F.
Along with this temperature gradient, maintain a humidity of 30 to 40% in the tank. Use a temp gun and a digital probe to keep all the factors within measurement.
Lighting and heating keep the environment of the enclosure healthy for the inhibiting reptile. But how do you maintain the proper heat and humidity?
Humidity is maintained by placing a water dish while heating requires positioning heat lamp in proper manner. In the basking area, use a basking bulb of around 100 to 150W halogen or reptile-specific bulb.
Repti Home produces some amazing options that you can check out. No matter what you pick, don’t choose any colored bulbs. Otherwise it’ll cause heavy damage to your color sensitive Albino Bearded Dragon.
In addition, consider using ceramic heat emitters to maintain a comfortable atmosphere during the nighttime.
For UVB lighting, go for strip UVB (T5 is highly recommended) or mercury vapor bulbs. Such UVB lighting is critical to facilitate the calcium metabolism of the reptile. It prevents metabolic bone disease.
Lastly, make sure to set an automatic timer for the light to be turned off after being on for 12 to 14 hours every day. It’s a very crucial point, as you can’t have excessive heat in the enclosure with your Albino Bearded Dragon in it.
Another very crucial item for all kind of bearded dragon habitats is substrate. It ensures proper health and habit of the creatures.
While picking up a substrate for your Albino Bearded Dragon, always go for the loosest one. Topsoil play sand mixes work best as far as loose substrate is concerned.
It’s basically 50% play sand mixed with 50% organic soil with bioactive mixes. It is overall safe for bearded dragons, even those younger than 6 months old.
However, in all circumstances, avoid using calcium sand, as it can get into their eyes and tympanums, causing health hazards.
But if you want a loose substrate alternative, you can always use tile, paper towels, or non-adhesive shelf liner.
And of course, you can always enrich your pets’ habitat with accessories.
You should decorate your bearded dragon habitat with live plants. Not only does it add to the aesthetics of the entire enclosure, but it also helps the pet sustain a healthier life.
Aloe vera, Dwarf jade, haworthia succulents, and echeveria succulents are some of the most popular options for bearded dragon enclosures.
My personal favorite is prickly pear cactus because not only does it make the habitat look fresh, but it also provides nutrition to the bearded dragons.
Apart from trees, keep climbing rocks, cork wood, grapevine, and hides to make sure the reptiles can go about their natural activities. It keeps them healthy and saves them from depression and lethargy.
Finally, cleaning and maintenance is an intrinsic part of ensuring the perfect habitat for the bearded dragon. This is especially true for the sensitive ones like the albino breeds.
The basic cleaning practices include spot-cleaning feces as soon as possible. Just don’t let it get messy, and you’ll save yourself from a bunch of trouble.
Regular bearded dragon poop is usually brown and firm with yellow or white urates. Though it has a strong consistency, the breakage of it can cause a heap of trouble for you. So yes, clean up the feces before it becomes messy.
While cleaning the enclosure, always use diluted vinegar or reptile-safe cleaners. If you ask me, I recommend using vinegar diluted in water over any other product.
It takes the water marks off really easily. As for the cage furniture, use 10% bleach solution. But if you really want a product, this cleaner from Miracle Care works magic and it’s 100% safe.
Creating the Perfect Diet Plan
Bearded dragons are omnivores. This means they eat everything. In the wilderness, they get access to a diverse palette, keeping them healthy.
They also move around a lot to access food. As a result, they naturally avoid obesity in the wilderness. But that’s not the case when they’re your pet. In this case, you have to be careful about the diet.
In the diet of your Albino Bearded Dragon, keep a mixture of fruits, vegetables, and insects. For an adult, 80% plants and 20% insects work perfectly.
But this ratio is completely opposite in the case of a juvenile dragon. For younger ones, the diet should include 80% insects and 20% plants.
So, what exactly to feed them? Let’s take a quick look at the menu your Albino Bearded Dragon is sure to enjoy.
The chart here is filled with common everyday items. But if you want to get deeper and want to explore more nuanced items, checkout this exhaustive list and find out what to feed and not to feed your Albino Bearded Dragon.
Maintaining Safe and Secured Interaction
Interacting with Albino Bearded Dragons require special consideration. Can you guess why?
Yes. Their uniquely sensitive skin demands intensive care and delicate handling. Here are a few things to keep in mind.
Light Sensitivity
Don’t expose your Albino Bearded Dragon to unfiltered natural sunlight. Think of them as vampires because natural sunlight can literally burn their skin and cause damage to their eyes. So, if you’re thinking of taking your Albino Bearded Dragon pet outside, say goodbye to that idea.
Handle Technically
Sudden movements can startle these delicate creatures, as Albino Bearded Dragons often come with potential vision impairment. So, move your hand very slowly and delicately. Gently scoop them up from below and try not to put any pressure on their limbs and tail. Most importantly, don’t have them in your hand or lap for more than 5 to 10 minutes a day. Keep it slow and steady to gain trust.
Pat Gently
I get it. Controlling the urge to pet your pet is really tough. And when you get too excited, you just want to shower your pet with endless affection. But refrain from doing so in the case of an Albino Bearded Dragon because their sensitive skin can get easily damaged from any sort of rough handling, even if your intention is pure love.
Ensure Environmental Comfort
You already know all about creating the ideal habitat for your bearded dragon. If implemented accordingly, the previously discussed practices can help you create the right habitat to help your pet access all the hides and shaded areas accordingly. Along with this, make sure you place the tank in a calm surrounding. Reduce any kind of loud noises, such as that of your PC, so as not to trigger anxiety in your delicate albino pet.
Maintain Feeding Practices
There are certain manners of feeding bearded dragons. It’s especially significant when you are dealing with Albino Bearded Dragons because they need to be carefully managed. What you need to do is use feeding tongs. Wiggle insects or greens gently to allow their poor sight to detect food. However, stick to a balanced diet according to their age. Overfeeding can cause obesity in these creatures (yes, you read that right).
Maintain Self Hygiene
The sensitive skin of Albino Bearded Dragons can get easily infected or damaged if your hands are not entirely clean. This is why it is recommended to use unscented soap before handling these exotic animals. This way, you won’t transfer chemicals to their sensitive skin. And as they are exotic, it is expected that you won’t handle them as frequently.
Now a few quick tips to keep in mind;
- Do not force your reptile to interact with you. Let them approach you first or respond to your call.
- UVB is extremely crucial. Don’t overlook the issue of sensitivity and other aspects of the UVB.
- Keep your eyes wide open and make sure your pet isn’t going through any stress as stress weakens their immune system. Always look out of symptoms of stress.
Health Concerns and Common Issues Albino Bearded Dragons Face
If you are in a bearded dragon forum, you’ll see tons of posts from owners about their pets suffering from different diseases, and it all sounds horrible.
Unfortunately, if you are not careful enough, your Albino Bearded Dragon can easily fall ill. Their overall sensitive structure and vulnerable genetics make them susceptible to such perils.
So, what to do? Again, be careful. Knowing about the common diseases, their causes, cures, and prevention methods can save you from a bunch of trouble. Here’s a quick look at those details that are sure to come in handy.
| Health Concern | Cause | Cure | Prevention |
|---|---|---|---|
| UVB Sensitivity & Metabolic Bone Disease (MBD) | Albinos avoid basking due to light sensitivity, leading to low calcium and weak bones. | Vet-prescribed calcium injections & UVB adjustments. | Use 5-7% UVB tube bulbs, placed 12-18 inches away. Provide calcium-rich diets (dust insects with calcium + D3). |
| Ocular Abnormalities & Vision Deficits | Their eyes are underdeveloped, making bright light painful and vision weak. | Use soft, diffused lighting; hand-feed if needed. | Avoid bright lights-use low-intensity UVA bulbs and provide shaded areas. |
| Skin Cancer & Dermatological Damage | Without melanin, their skin has no natural protection from UV light. | Surgery or topical treatments for early-stage lesions. | Limit UVB exposure to 2-4 hours daily. Create UVB-free zones in the enclosure. |
| Genetic Health Risks from Inbreeding | Breeding closely related albinos increases the risk of defects and organ failure. | No cure for genetic defects—supportive care only. | Buy from breeders who DNA-test dragons to avoid inbreeding. |
| Thermoregulation Challenges | Since bright light hurts their eyes, they avoid basking and don’t get enough heat. | Adjust basking spots to be warm (95-100°F) but shaded. | Use ceramic heat emitters (no light) for warmth. Monitor temps with digital thermometers. |
| Increased Stress & Immune Suppression | Stress raises cortisol levels, making them more prone to illness. | Reduce stress with hiding spots & quiet environments. | Keep enclosures in low-traffic areas. Avoid handling during acclimation. |
FAQ
Albinism is reported to cause several vision issues in bearded dragons. Problems such as photophobia (sensitivity to light) and impaired depth perception are common. This is caused by the lack of melanin in their eyes. Lack of melanin is a marking feature of any albino breed.
As Albino Bearded Dragons are often the result of inbreeding, they are prone to genetic issues. The most common genetic disorders Albino Bearded Dragons face are metabolic bone disease (MBD), weakened immune system, stunted growth, dehydration issues, etc.
Well, Albino Bearded Dragons have a somewhat similar diet to regular bearded dragons, consisting of insects, veggies, and fruits. However, as Albino Bearded Dragons can’t get into direct sunlight, they may need a vitamin D3 supplement to compensate for that and retain better bone health.
Albino Bearded Dragons tend to be sensitive, thus cautious. They are less active during the day when bright light is out. This trait makes them prone to hiding and seeking shelter all the time. Overall, it contributes to their introverted nature.
To Wrap Up
Albino Bearded Dragons are exotic animals and they demand to be treated as such. When you are getting this reptile as your pet, you should be totally aware of what you are getting into. These rare and amazing creatures won’t be on display 24/7, nor can you hope for it to be on your lap whenever you want them to be.
They are extremely sensitive and somewhat fragile. If you want their majestic aesthetics in your house, you have to respect and maintain the natural boundary they set. Don’t try to force them to meet your needs.
If you want an extroverted one, you have tons of other options like the Central Bearded Dragons. Opt for them instead.
Always be aware of ethical considerations. Only then will you have a satisfying and rewarding experience with your reptile pet.
