Hey everyone, I just recently purchased a bearded dragon from my local pet store and he isn't eating the morning after. Additionally, he's fairly complacent and isn't moving. I'm really worried about him, but I know a lot of this can just be the stress of moving into a new environment. He's in a 40 gallon tank, is really small (maybe 6 inches), the adhesive thermometer says that the temp is a bit above 90 degrees, and his UVB light is working fine. I really want him to have a good home, and i'm totally willing to get him the right things that he needs, I just need to know what they are. He has plenty of hides and the temperature gradient seems fine, but I just don't know what/if i'm doing wrong
I'm a beginner and need help!
- Thread starter tyleal
- Start date
- Status
VeritessaLee
Member
Hello! If you've only had your beardie for one day, he/she may be stressed at the change of location. You should still offer food, but don't stress out too much if he/she doesn't have much of an appetite at first. After your beardie gets used to their new home, their appetite should increase. If you think your beardie seems lethargic or has difficulty moving around, that might be a separate issue and could merit a vet visit. Here's a guide I wrote with some basics about caring for bearded dragons: https://mantarayideas.blogspot.com/2017/07/how-to-care-for-bearded-dragons.html
It's quite important to have accurate readings of surface temperatures to adjust your basking light properly. The stick on thermometer won't give you a good enough reading. I suggest either using an IR temp gun like this https://www.amazon.com/Nubee-Temperature-Non-contact-Infrared-Thermometer/dp/B00CVHIJDK or using a couple of digital thermometers with probes (one for the basking surface and one for the cool side surface) like these https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0017N8W90/
Once you have accurate readings, adjust your basking light so the basking surface is between about 100-110 and there is a gradient down to about 75-80 on the cool side.
Which UVB light are you using? How far is it above the basking area?
Once the lighting is all fine tuned it should help with appetite and overall health.
Once you have accurate readings, adjust your basking light so the basking surface is between about 100-110 and there is a gradient down to about 75-80 on the cool side.
Which UVB light are you using? How far is it above the basking area?
Once the lighting is all fine tuned it should help with appetite and overall health.
- Status
Staff online
-
ClaudiusxBD.org Sicko
Latest resources
-
General Care Practical tips: A healthy brumating bearded dragonPractical tips to help keep your bearded dragon healthy during brumation
- Shinryu
- Updated:
-
-
Lighting Beginner Guide to Bearded Dragon LightingA basic lighting setup for any bearded dragon.
- Shinryu
- Updated:
-
Lighting Introduction to UV LightingMake a more educated purchase on your next UVB light.
- Shinryu
- Updated:
-
General Care Bearded Dragons - Care SheetAn all-in-one guide to caring for your bearded dragons.
- Shinryu
- Updated:
Latest profile posts
I just walked into my room and instead of looking at me, Swordtail's eyes darted directly to the ice cream drumstick I'm holding
