A Bit Worried About New Girl

[riker515]

On Tuesday I got my baby girl and brought her home. The people who had her before me weren't meant to be Bearded owners. She didn't have the right lights, heating, feeding schedule, tank set up, or even water! D: But once I got her to my house I went out and bought her lamps, bulbs, dishes, repticarpet and a new climbing post. However, I am a bit worried about her; and it could possibly be because I am a paranoid newb, but just to be sure, I'd like some imput. She has eaten twice in one day for me in the two days I've had her, about 25 crickets in both 15 minute feeding intervals. I offered her a variety of fruits/veggies and she only had the carrots. She had a bowl movement today when I went to give her a quick bath, and that has been the first one. She is about 1 ft. in length give or take a few inches, and was born in July. I've offered her crickets many times, and she turns her nose up at them. I have her warm side of the tank at about 80 on the ground and a climbing post right under the lamp(about 8 inches under), a 60 watt day bulb. Should I up the wattage because it's winter? Her cool side stays at a constant 71 degrees. Is that ideal for her cool side? She is also sleeping a ton, she is only awake in the afternoon for a few hours, the rest of the day she is passed out, hiding behind her bush. Is this normal for this time of year? Her light schedule is: on at 5:30 a.m. and off at 7 p.m. I also have a reptisun 10.0 about 1 ft away from her climbing post, is this okay for her? I'm sorry if I am being such a newbie, just worried about her is all. I've done my research but there are sooo many different opinions. Would really love some imput..thanks!

 

[HeatherSullivan]

Sounds like you're doing a great job so far. Do go slow with the feeding. You dont want to do it too fast if shes not used to correct feeding. She may just be getting used to her new surroundings. I would definentely take in a stool sample to a vet to test for parasites just to be sure. Then maybe just a general dewormer like panacur FROM THE VET. Don't go trying to save money at the CO-OP. The vet can give you proper dosing, answer andy questions you may have later, etc. Good luck. Keep us posted.

 

[riker515]

I hope so Yes, my boyfriend and I are planning on taking a sample in the next time we get a bowl movement. I convieniently live near an office so it will be super simple. But awesome, thanks I definately will keep any updates/pics updated!

 

[AtlasStrike]

You need to measure the temperature on her basking spot with a digital probe thermometer or a temperature gun. It should be between 100-110F for a dragon that size. The not eating much and lethargy could be because she is cold. The wattage of the bulb doesn't really do much in terms of predicting temperatures. The only good way to tell is to use an accurate thermometer.

 

[riker515]

Okay, I'll put a thermometer on her basking spot and check the temp. But she never goes up there, she is constantly on the cool side of her tank. I've never seen her on her driftwood. And I've tried 2 different structures.

 

[AtlasStrike]

Staying on the cool side constantly is not a good sign, since they need heat to digest. Make sure you get an accurate thermometer ASAP. The dial ones are often off by +/- 20F, which can be fatal to babies. Maybe bump the cool side temps up to 75-80, and the warm side to about 95F with a basking spot of 105-110F. I have three digital probe thermometers in my beardies viv. Two would be the minimum I would recommend.

 

[riker515]

I did that, and she is still sleeping like a baby on her cool side. Still hasn't touched any food offered, and the temps have increased quite a lot. Her basking spot is at a pretty low 100's range, and the cool side remains at 75. Not quite sure what's up with the constant sleeping; but I don't want to force her to do anything (eat, bask, etc.) Ideas?

 

[riker515]

Very happy to report that my new girl ate this morning after her lights had been on for an hour. At 6:00a.m. she ate 27 crickets in 15 minutes, 2 mealworms and turned her nose up at her collard greens and mango I had chopped up for her. But, I'm still very happy to see her wide awake and basking on her driftwood with a full tummy, and an open mouth