Because silkback bearded dragons lack the scales that normal bearded dragons do, many keepers are concerned that they cannot safely tolerate the same UV light intensity that normal bearded dragons can. Accordingly, while most keepers still provide silkback bearded dragons with full-spectrum lighting that includes UVB rays, most opt for lights that produce a more moderate amount of UVB.
Additionally, it is especially important to provide silkback dragons with a shaded area, which blocks the light and provides the animal with a sheltered retreat this is typically wise to do with any animal provided with UVB lighting, but it is especially important in the case of silkback bearded dragons.
Accordingly, it is a good idea to provide silkback bearded dragons with more drinking water than usual whether you do so by providing a dish of drinking water or via misting. It is also smart to provide them with more water-rich fruits and vegetables.
In addition to being more susceptible to dehydration, silkback bearded dragons also exhibit shedding difficulties. For starters, silkback bearded dragons tend to shed very poorly, with large portions of their skin failing to fall away easily. In some cases, large patches of skin will remain stuck to the lizard. Additionally, silkback bearded dragons tend to shed more frequently than normal bearded dragons do. To help deal with these issues, many keepers maintain their silkback dragons at higher humidity levels than normal bearded dragons.
They also mist the habitat more frequently, and some keepers employ a regular soaking routine to help prevent these types of problems.
Lacking the scales that cover normal bearded dragons, silkback bearded dragons can become wounded very easily. This means that you should take care to eliminate any potential hazards from the habitat, but it also means that great care is required during breeding trials.
Normally, female dragons take these bites in stride, but silkback dragons may suffer from severe lacerations. The reason for their exotic colors is explained by the lack of scales and tubercles rough scales in the dorsal and ventral surfaces of their bodies.
This is the product of a gene mutation introduced and maintained into a community of beardies. They are considered a type of bearded dragon morph. Genetic abnormalities usually cause the different colors of different bearded dragon morphs.
The first time it happened, it was an unintentional genetic defect, which was later replicated and maintained by some breeders for its singularity.
The cost of maintaining such exotic traits compared to regular bearded dragons is quite high: silkbacks tend to be much smaller than their wild counterparts and they can present many health conditions throughout their life. Since they are born without scales, the skin of silkback bearded dragons is extremely sensitive and soft to the touch. Taking care of silkback bearded dragons presents many challenges and it is very difficult to provide them with a fully happy and healthy life.
Their fragility limits many activities which would be normal for regular bearded dragons, such as breeding or shedding. Silkback bearded dragons are selectively bred in captivity to maintain the recessive genetic mutation responsible for their exotic appearance. In the wild, this trait would not be successfully expressed or maintained through reproduction because it is recessive. Silkback bearded dragons are bred from mating two leatherback bearded dragons.
Leatherback bearded dragons already present some of the characteristics silkies have. They have smoother skin than regular bearded dragons and only have spikes on their head and sides, with none on their backs. Breeding two leatherback bearded dragons together led to some beardies with a genetic mutation expressed as a very unusual appearance: the silkback bearded dragon.
However, two leatherback bearded dragons often produce a minority silkback clutch so repeated breedings are practiced and are a brutal process for females. Silkies caught the attention of breeders around the world and now silkbacks can be obtained from breeders all across North America and Europe. Selective breeding often leads to thinning of the gene pool and the expression of weak characteristics because of possible inbreeding.
This can lead to future generations of silkbacks becoming progressively weaker and sickly. Mating two silkback dragons produce more silkbacks but the process is particularly difficult for females. There are many downfalls to the exotic appearance of silkback bearded dragons because their mutation affects the scales of their skin, which is a primary protection of beardies against the elements.
Aside from aesthetics, this mutation does not provide any real advantage for the animal. This is why in nature, silkback bearded dragons are extremely rare. The act of breeding for normal bearded dragons is already quite exhaustive in itself, especially for the females, and this becomes even more painful for silkbacks because of their condition.
Egg-laying can also be agony for female silkbacks because of the more fragile bodies of these special morphs. Silkback bearded dragons are selectively bred to help express the recessive trait of the absence of dorsal and ventral scales. These difficulties then pose a question on the ethics of breeding these types of dragons. Because of their rarity, they fetch a very steep price on the market.
The skin of silkback bearded dragons is quite vulnerable because of the absence of scales. They become dehydrated quite easily so more frequent baths are needed to promote healthy circulation and aid in shedding. Silkbacks should always be housed alone as well since keeping them with other animals, even non-aggressive lizards could cause accidents that can harm their skin.
Below is a list of some of the ways in which you can do so. Pure Aloe Vera is an excellent product you can use to keep your silkback bearded dragons skin healthy. You can either buy it online or your local organic grocery store. However, be sure to get pure and organic Aloe Vera with nothing else added. You can also find it at your local organic grocery store. In terms of application, you can either directly apply it to your bearded dragons skin or you can put it in a spray bottle mixed with water.
However, we usually use both of these methods in combination. A lesser known way of caring for a silkie bearded dragon is by investing in a Seagrass hammock for their enclosure.
Seagrass hammocks are a rough texture. Hence, when a silkie lays on the hammock, it will assist it during its sheds. The rough texture essentially mimics the natural elements they come into contact with in the wild. Keep in mind, there are various other products you can use as well. Note: You should always check with a veterinarian before giving your bearded dragon any type of new product!
You can either use water or you can create a mixture of aloe vera and water. Put a little bit of pure aloe vera in your spray bottle and shake it for a few seconds. Give your bearded dragon a single spray and rub it in with your finger. This will help to soothe the skin and allow the aloe vera to penetrate the skin. If you implement this method, limit spraying your silkie bearded dragon to once a day.
This should be more than enough to keep its skin hydrated! Another important thing to keep in mind is your bearded dragons diet! Silkback bearded dragons, like all bearded dragons, require calcium and other nutrients in order to stay healthy.
Unsurprisingly, these vitamins and nutrients play a vital role in the shedding process. Whenever your silkie bearded dragon does begin to shed, giving them a bath can make a major difference in the shedding process.
When giving your bearded dragon a bath , we highly recommend using a little bit of Zilla Shed Ease and mixing it in with the bath water. This is a product specifically designed to help reptiles shed — and it can do wonders for your bearded dragon! It contains aloe vera and several other emollients that promote shedding. You can pick some up at your local PetSmart or pet store! This can cause permanent scarring on your beardie. As we mentioned previously, silkback bearded dragons tend to shed a bit more often than your average beardie.
As they get older, they will shed a bit less often. When they are around 12 months old, you can expect them to shed around once every month. After 18 months, they will start shedding once every month to two months. Leatherback bearded dragons are similar to silkback bearded dragons in the way they look. They share the same smooth looking skin that silkback bearded dragons possess.
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