14year old Jabba

[JabbaSlave]

This is Jabba, I adopted him last week.
My friend contacted me because her boss has a bearded dragon so give away. Immediately I said yes, as I've been thinking of having one and I've been doing research.
I didn't expect for the guy to tell me he's 14 years old.
He's got a few issues, like a growth on his leg and what seems to be a respiratory infection.
Tomorrow he's got a vet appointment.
I've still got to buy him things like a uvb bulb and a bigger enclosure (it seems he's lived in a 20 gal his whole life)
But I love him! He's so cute. I didn't think I could really love a reptile but I do. He's my baby :3

 

[Gormagon]

Welcome to the wonderful world of bearded dragons a land of mystery, enchantment, cuddles and, worry! A magical realm where things always seem to change in an instant and, the moment you think you have it all figured out, the rules change! You think you own your dragon?, guess again.....welcome to slavery, lol!

At his age relocation stress could be hard on him, so go easy on him for a while.

 

[CooperDragon]

Wow a 20g is way too small for an adult. I'm shocked he has made it so far. Sounds like a fighter =). Which enclosure are you planning on getting him? I'll be glad to help you find all of the appropriate lighting and get everything fine tuned so everything is just right for your new buddy =)

 

[JabbaSlave]

We're thinking of doing a DIY enclosure but I'm seeing if there's a cheap 40 gal tank that we can get sooner.
I do need help looking for lighting ! I was going to order it today but I'm not sure on what to get.
I wasn't expecting to get a beardie so soon and I'm on a short budget.
Right now all we have is that 20 gal. A 100watt basking bulb, a big log, bowls, calcium with v.d. and the multivitamin that contains beta carotene (I think that's what it's called ).
He doesn't want to eat veggies but has eaten the superwoman that the past owner gave us.

 

[CooperDragon]

Ultimately, I highly recommend getting a good T5 UVB light like this http://www.lightyourreptiles.com/22-t-5-ho-fixture-high-output-with-arcadia-d3-12-ho-bulb/ which will work very well in a larger tank.

In the meantime with the 20g tank you will need a UVB light (unless your current bulb is a mercury vapor lamp) I'd just get a second dome and use an Exo Terra UVB200 26w and set it about 6'' above the basking area. That isn't great but it will be OK for a temporary solution.