9 1/2 inch beardie not eating, Somone tell me if its me

[Hoxy]

i have a new beardie (got it last friday the 16th) and he is about 9 1/2 inches long, don't know how old. Ever since i brought him home i havent seen him eat or poo once. He is under a reptisun 10.0 about 17 inches away from him, zoo med basking bulbs with temp right around 110 in basking, around 75 cool side. I hold him about once a day for around 10-20 min, and give him a bath as part of that time. sometimes i just reach in the tank and stroke his back 3-4 times. he is in aa 48"Lx20"Hx12"W 55 gallon tank. Hasn't touched a cricket or meal worm. Drinks occasionally in bath. Am i doing anything wrong or do you know why he's not eating? Any advice would be great, i'm pretty worried about Spike. Thanks

 

[haleygirl272]

I'd say he is probably around 3 months. Zinger was that size then. They usually grow about 2 inches a month.

 

[Hoxy]

did you normally hold your beardie when it was that young?

 

[haleygirl272]

Of course! Just be gentle and don't let them run. Close the door and make sure there are no cracks to get into. Maybe consider a pen if you are nervous.

 

[msmaui]

The ReptiSun 10 UVB bulb is a very good one but he should be able to get about 6-8 inches from it. It should be right next to his basking light so that he can benefit from both at the same time. You should raise his basking area so that he'll be closer to the UVB. It usually takes them about a week to adjust to their new home. Have you offered him a little bite of fruit, maybe a piece of green grapes or mango? Possibly that would begin to boost his appetite.

 

[Hoxy]

His basking spot is curretnly 11" from the light but i could raise is. No i haven't offered him any fruits. I thought they didn't really take to that at a young age. will do tonight though. Are oranges ok? and haleygirl, sounds good. It hard for me not to get him out and let him run aroud in my bathroom

 

[msmaui]

To get his ReptiSun lamp closer to him you will probably have to adjust where his basking lamp is. Just be sure to check the temperatures afterward to be sure it's not too hot. He really does need to be a lot closer than 17" to his UVB though.

The oranges should be fine. Here is a great site for you to determine what's good for them to eat:


http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtreme.com/Nutrition.html


Nancy

 

[Hoxy]

thanks for all the advice. Any suggestions on how to fit my dome lamp and flourescent hood sid by side in a 12" wide tank?

 

[msmaui]

I just put the heat lamp toward the back and the UVB toward the front, but I angle the UVB.