Adjustment period?

[ZiggysMommy]

I just got a baby beardie four days ago. He doesn't have much of an appetite (eats a few crickets) and he doesn't seem very active. I was looking up stuff about it and most sites said it's relocation stress. I was just wanting to see if someone could back this up for me. About how long should I wait before I get too worried? I'm a first time beardie mom so I'm very paranoid and nervous T.T


He is in a 20 gal tank and the temperature reads about 90. He only stays to the basking side of the tank. He has the "stress marks" that I saw reading a few things. Will eat maybe 3-5 crickets and usually waits until they come to him (he did chase them this morning though). He has a plate of greens and squash but only eats it on accident if he eats a cricket that is on it. (or if you hand feed him a piece of squash). I guess my overall question is: What is normal baby bearded dragon behavior?

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. He probably has relocation stress. That can last up to 2 weeks. Also his basking temps need to be 105 to 110. 95 is way to cold even for an adult.

 

[ZiggysMommy]

Ok thanks. And how do I get the temp higher? Different bulb?

 

[destiny1998]

Yes, what kind of basking bulb do you have?

 

[ZiggysMommy]

75 W Reptibasking Spot Lamp and the UVB is 13 W Reptisun 10.0 UVB

 

[destiny1998]

You may want to raise his basking spot. Also is his uvb a tube, coil or compact?

 

[ZiggysMommy]

It's compact.

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. You need to get rid of the uvb it causes eye problems in beardies. He needs a reptisun 10.0 Tube. That light is probably affecting his appetite.

 

[Claudiusx]

You also want to make sure you are measuring your temperatures with an accurate device, not a dial stick on thermometer.

-Brandon

 

[ZiggysMommy]

Okay, next pay check I'll be sure to get a different bulb. And I do need get a different thermometer, I am currently using a stick on; I understand those aren't the best but the shop I went to only had those in stock at the time. So new thermometer and new uvb bulb? Otherwise, just let him adjust?

 

[destiny1998]

Yes new thermometer a digital with a probe or temp gun. Definitely a new uvb.