Clementine the leatherback

Hi I just got my first beardie this past weekend!
My boyfriend has had them so luckily between searching online and asking him, I'm becoming more knowledgeable!
I found Clementine on Craigslist. I was searching for a red or orange beardie that was already known to be sociable. I saw the pics of her on her owners shoulder and was sold (or rather, she was sold!). I intend on taking her to many places and let her see the world! Okay maybe just pet stores and other stores.
She is about a year old. She loves collard greens, blueberries, crickets (havent tried any worms yet), and strawberries. She doesn't seem to like raspberries.
About me: as you can tell by my username, I ride Harley Davidsons (we have 3 between my bf and i), have a bunch of tattoos, a dog named Foxy, and now my beardie! Oh yeah we also have 13 snakes! We have corns/milks/kings.
Looking forward to seeing everyones cute beardies!

Welcome to the forum! I'm glad Clementine has found a happy home with you. I look forward to reading about her adventures =).

Welcome! That is a pretty girl!?
-Dee

Welcome --- the wood chips in the tank I would get rid of --- if she were to ingest one or piece it could cause internal imjuries - I would go w/ some textured NON adhesive shelf liner or slated ceramic tile nothing smooth and not too course --- you can get it at your local home improvement store cheap and its easy to clean w vinegar / water 50/50 in a spray bottle and insects cant get underneath - the tile would need to be cut w / a tile cutter so you dont get the jagged edges --- also I noticed shes clear to the top of the tank --- what are you using for a UVB? coil ? or tube?
Karrie

KarrieRee":1zsa3zc1 said:

Welcome --- the wood chips in the tank I would get rid of --- if she were to ingest one or piece it could cause internal imjuries - I would go w/ some textured NON adhesive shelf liner or slated ceramic tile nothing smooth and not too course --- you can get it at your local home improvement store cheap and its easy to clean w vinegar / water 50/50 in a spray bottle and insects cant get underneath - the tile would need to be cut w / a tile cutter so you dont get the jagged edges --- also I noticed shes clear to the top of the tank --- what are you using for a UVB? coil ? or tube?
Karrie

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Hi Karrie, we actually just bought reptile carpet at Petco tonight as we swapped out her rectangular aquarium for a more square front-opening Exoterra. So no more chips (I know I read how bad they were for possible impaction. Dont know if you watch Dr. K's Exotic Animal ER on Nat Geo channel but that practice is literally a mile down the street from me! So I'm relieved to have an exotic vet so close by.)
I got the lights from the previous owner. The non basking light (pure white one) looks like a tube. The lights are no longer sitting on top. We got the hanging bracket which now sits a couple of inches above the cage top.

DragonPete":3ds7b5g2 said:

Welcome! That is a pretty girl!?
-Dee

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Thanks, I may be partial but I think so! ?

What is the UVB Tube-- brand and bulb? I am glad you got rid of the wood chips
Karrie

Ceramic tile would be best or slate tile would cost less then 10bucks at your hardware store honedevit or lowes easier to clean and see when dirty nice and sturdy and keeps their nails trimmed. The carpets are harder to clean and eventually will need to buy another after such along time and if u wanna go with a loose substrate look into bioative setups and I think it's best to offer two substrates

KarrieRee":1w6z2kfe said:

What is the UVB Tube-- brand and bulb? I am glad you got rid of the wood chips
Karrie

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Hi Karrie, it's a Zoo Med 100watt. The other is a Reptisun 10.0 UVB.

And the Reptisun is a tube or the coil?
Karrie

KarrieRee":3mmf9ux5 said:

And the Reptisun is a tube or the coil?
Karrie

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I believe tube. Its dual, straight tubes. Item # FS-C10M.

Wickedpogana":22dt1mhe said:

Ceramic tile would be best or slate tile would cost less then 10bucks at your hardware store honedevit or lowes easier to clean and see when dirty nice and sturdy and keeps their nails trimmed. The carpets are harder to clean and eventually will need to buy another after such along time and if u wanna go with a loose substrate look into bioative setups and I think it's best to offer two substrates

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The bf likes the idea of slate. Her nails are very long and would benefit from the natural trim. Will definitely look into it very soon! We have moved her around a lot from one cage to another and I'd like to let her settle before we make more changes. We've had her less than a week. She is super chill and seems well adjusted but don't want to push her.

Tube goes into a long fixture-- coils go into a dome- if it's the dome one please tell me if it's a 13 watt or 26 watt
Karrie

KarrieRee":37mvagir said:

Tube goes into a long fixture-- coils go into a dome- if it's the dome one please tell me if it's a 13 watt or 26 watt
Karrie

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It's a coil then. (But its 2 short straight tubes, not like the circular bulbs I'm used to seeing in lamps.)

Please look on the bulb and see what wattage -- if its the 13 watt you need to get rid of it those are killer coils -- the 26 watt is ok I have not heard anything bad about the 26 so I am posting some info on both of those bulb
the 26 watt
The 26w version of the UVB150 is similar in output to a T8 tube when using a reflector. The beam isn't as wide (depending on the length of the tube) but the output strength is very similar. If it was sitting about 6-8'' above the main basking area then it was likely providing adequate UVB. It's the lower wattage (13w) versions that cause concern since they aren't strong enough to provide adequate UVB at a safe distance.
Here is info on UVB's
Which UVB light should I use?
The best UVB light is a ReptiSun 10.0 fluorescent tube HO (Or Arcardia 12% in the UK). Compact or coil bulbs do not emit the proper amount of UVB light for a bearded dragon, and should not be used. Other brands, such as the Zilla Desert Series and ReptiGlo have been known to cause eye problems and other health issues with bearded dragons, and should be avoided. The reason that some UVB lights (Zilla, ReptiGlo, coils/compacts, ect.) are considered dangerous is because the wavelength of UVB that they emit is shorter and more intense than the wavelength of the "safe" lights (ReptiSun, Arcadia). UVB lights should be replaced every 6 months. The T5’s are a strong bulb and only need to be replaced once a year – the T 8 every 6 months--- where as the T 8 are not as strong—they need to be placed inside the tank the T 5 10.0 bulb approx 12-15 inches from basking spot – the T 8 approx 8-10 inches from basking spot—the cover needs to be off the bulb for full effect of the UVB rays--
Please get rid of the 13 if that is what it is -- go from there on what you want to do myself I would go w/ the Tube they have proven to be the best
Karrie