9 month old bearded dragon

[KF5Mama]

Hello,

We bought a bearded dragon at our Petsmart. We were told he’s around 9 months. I think we may have been given some misinformation. We were told to feed him 3 times a week. I called and spoke to someone else who said to feed him one time a day. Can someone please help? How often should we feed him and how often should we use calcium? At this stage how many crickets should he be eating per feeding? Sorry, I’m just concerned that the information I was given was incorrect and I want to make sure we’re taking care of him properly. Any other advice is greatly appreciated.

Thanks so much.

 

[KF5Mama]

It's better to get the zoomed digital probe thermometers. The ir gun measures the surface you point it at and it isn't accurate on some materials. What you actually need to measure is the temperature of the light, the only really accurate way is with the probe type thermometers.
Babies need 105 to 110, adults need 95 to 100.
It's best if you can give them multiple heights under the basking. They will chose what they need that way. Also if you can set it up so the uvb and the basking overlap each other thats even better.

Thanks. I do have the uvb and the basking light overlapping.

Oh to answer your original question. The only way to get basking temp right is trial and error. Use which ever bulb first, put the probe from a digital probe thermometer in the area and give it a few minutes to stabilize. If it's to hot use a lower wattage, if it's to cool use a higher wattage.

 

[KF5Mama]

Thanks. I do have the uvb and the basking light overlapping.

Like this thermometer? Thanks

 

[xp29]

Like this thermometer? Thanks

Yup that will work just fine

 

[KF5Mama]

Yup that will work just fine

Thank you so much

 

[xp29]

Thank you so much

Your welcome

 

[KF5Mama]

We had kindda switched gears on ya we were talking about substrate, and getting rid of the crushed walnut.

 

[KF5Mama]

Okay. I changed it to the non-adhesive shelf liner while I wait for the reptisoil to be delivered. Got rid of sand and the crushed walnut shells.

 

[KarrieRee]

Okay. I changed it to the non-adhesive shelf liner while I wait for the reptisoil to be delivered. Got rid of sand and the crushed walnut shells.

Sounds good --- how is he doing? When you get the UVB please post on here and I will help you get it set up for the tank -- you should notice a difference in his behavior right away

 

[KF5Mama]

Sounds good --- how is he doing? When you get the UVB please post on here and I will help you get it set up for the tank -- you should notice a difference in his behavior right away

He seems okay. Pooped a big one Tuesday. We just fed him crickets and collard greens so he should poop shortly afterwards. He was taking a bit of time to get adjusted to the different texture but seems okay.

 

[xp29]

Okay. I changed it to the non-adhesive shelf liner while I wait for the reptisoil to be delivered. Got rid of sand and the crushed walnut shells.

When you put in the new loose substrate I recommend leaving the liner. It makes clean up a little easier if you decide to take it back out or switch it for new.

 

[KF5Mama]

When you put in the new loose substrate I recommend leaving the liner. It makes clean up a little easier if you decide to take it back out or switch it for new.

Me again. Sorry. I bought the 150W heat bulb but I’m having trouble getting the basking temp past 87. Any suggestions? Another heat lamp? It sits on top of the metal mesh on his terrarium.
Thanks.

 

[KarrieRee]

Me again. Sorry. I bought the 150W heat bulb but I’m having trouble getting the basking temp past 87. Any suggestions? Another heat lamp? It sits on top of the metal mesh on his terrarium.
Thanks.

Where is the digital probe sitting?

 

[KF5Mama]

Where is the digital probe sitting?

It has a little suction cup and I’ve put it on the terrarium glass directly behind his basking area.

 

[KarrieRee]

It has a little suction cup and I’ve put it on the terrarium glass directly behind his basking area.

Take the probe place it on that log directly under the basking light- where he is sitting get the temp after about 10 min or so - the probe is picking up ambient temps if its on the side of the glass

 

[KF5Mama]

Take the probe place it on that log directly under the basking light- where he is sitting get the temp after about 10 min or so - the probe is picking up ambient temps if its on the side of the glass

Okay thanks. Any concerns about him biting the probe/wire?