Fort Weyr

Newly hatched dragons grow quickly and must eat a great deal to keep up the pace. In their first few weeks, they’ll be eating three times a day, and during growth spurts they may even demand snacks between meals. You’ll need to cut meat to feed your dragon, as well as tend closely to make sure he or she doesn’t overeat or fail to chew.

Of course, what goes in must come out. Adult dragons excrete *between*, but until yours learn how, they’ll excrete in their couches (at first) and in the weyrling field (when they have better control). You’re responsible for mucking out their waste from the barracks.

Overeating or a diet consisting of too little fat (when meat is lean) can cause thicktail, or constipation. Supplies for purging the condition are available, and you will be instructed on the diagnosis and purging process in the first sevenday of your dragon’s life.

The dragons’ hides must be oiled regularly; due to the fast growth, dragon “skin” becomes tight and itchy. Failure to keep it supple with oil can cause dry or thin patches and eventual discoloration on the beast, while scratching at itchy spots by rubbing against rocks and walls can cause injury and infection. Weyrlings need to do the work of scratching when necessary, and oil their beasts regularly.