My apologies if there was a discussion board that applies to this more, as I could not identify one!
I recently acquired one of my dream pets- A lovely little beardie named Tiamat. I've only had her for about 3 days, but already she's causing me a great deal of stress, and she isn't even doing anything! I'm obsessing over if I'm doing everything correctly, as I feel as if I have no margin for error with her. I had been told by a long-time keeper that a beardie would be a lovely introduction into keeping reptiles, and while I adore my new baby with a passion and am doing my best to ensure everything is right with her, she could be basking and enjoying the light and I'm over here stressing out about her, lol! We're still in the process of fixing aspects of her tank that we had been misinformed about (aka fixing all lighting issues as early as possible and grabbing a probe), but other than that, she's been doing fine. Loves being handled and has taken well to soaking due to her having a large "shirt" of shed. The only thing really off is her lack of an appetite, which I've attributed to the awkward shed+ relocation and possible lighting, though hopefully all of that is sorted out this weekend. She still eats a tiny bit and has pooped every day so far.
It probably doesn't help I have severe GAD, and I imagine a lot of new owners with the same issue had some troubles as well- even without it, I'm sure it's absolutely nervewracking. And I miggghhhtttt have perused the beardie ER section a bit too long. LMAO.
Long-time owners, what are some things you might suggest to alleviate owner stress- AND beardie stress? I think I'm more stressed out than my new baby haha! Things I can do to make it easier for both of us- the happier she is, the happier I am! I'd love to make this as good of a life for her as I possibly can.
I recently acquired one of my dream pets- A lovely little beardie named Tiamat. I've only had her for about 3 days, but already she's causing me a great deal of stress, and she isn't even doing anything! I'm obsessing over if I'm doing everything correctly, as I feel as if I have no margin for error with her. I had been told by a long-time keeper that a beardie would be a lovely introduction into keeping reptiles, and while I adore my new baby with a passion and am doing my best to ensure everything is right with her, she could be basking and enjoying the light and I'm over here stressing out about her, lol! We're still in the process of fixing aspects of her tank that we had been misinformed about (aka fixing all lighting issues as early as possible and grabbing a probe), but other than that, she's been doing fine. Loves being handled and has taken well to soaking due to her having a large "shirt" of shed. The only thing really off is her lack of an appetite, which I've attributed to the awkward shed+ relocation and possible lighting, though hopefully all of that is sorted out this weekend. She still eats a tiny bit and has pooped every day so far.
It probably doesn't help I have severe GAD, and I imagine a lot of new owners with the same issue had some troubles as well- even without it, I'm sure it's absolutely nervewracking. And I miggghhhtttt have perused the beardie ER section a bit too long. LMAO.
Long-time owners, what are some things you might suggest to alleviate owner stress- AND beardie stress? I think I'm more stressed out than my new baby haha! Things I can do to make it easier for both of us- the happier she is, the happier I am! I'd love to make this as good of a life for her as I possibly can.