Dragons are naturally protective of their eggs. If you go near them during hatching, the dragon mother may burn you. They love their young and they leave the babies after 5 years of living with them. Then, the babies go off to explore and be free in the world. the young learn to breathe fire at age 3, and can withstand any heat above 80 degrees. The young may vary in color depending on their mother. Mothers do not need to find a mate for babies, although they can if they wish. Growing up, male dragons learn to hunt, and female dragons learn to take care of eggs.