Advice needed to new owner.

[Staz]

Hello,

I am new to this site as well as being a new owner to a bearded dragon called Jade. I was told the dragon was female when I bought it but have since found out it is a male - but got used to calling him Jade so gonna keep the name. I am looking for some advice, I have noticed a change in colouring to his scales on his side and thigh -I have attached pictures below - not sure if this is something to be worried about?? Also I am not sure what consistency his poo should be. At the moment he is going daily and it is in between being liquid and solid - is this normal? I have answered the list of questions below where possible and would appreciate any words of wisdom.

Thanks

Staz and Jade x

How old is your dragon? - Was told 18months but I think he may be a little younger due to problems sexing him.
How long have you had your dragon? - 4 weeks
How long is your dragon? 46cm
What is the sex of your dragon? Male
What size enclosure do you have your dragon in? 4ft x 2ft x 1.5ft glass tank converted
What type substrate do you have on the bottom of your tank? Sand
Do you use UVB lights? - Yes
If so, Is it a coil, compact, fluorescent tube, or Mercury Vapor bulb? - Tube
What is the brand name and number of your bulb? Wattage (if MVB)? Exo Terra Reptile Glo10.0 UVB 25W
How old is your UVB bulb? 3 Weeks
How close can your dragon get to the UVB? When on his log he is under 1ft away from it.
Do you use a separate basking bulb? What kind and what is the wattage? Have a spot bulb 60W
What are the basking temps? 100 - 110
What is the cool side temp? 85 ish
What do you feed your dragon? Please be specific. Locusts and greens inc pak choi, various cabbages, green beans, brussel sprouts.
How often do you feed and what time do you feed (morning, afternoon, night)? Greens in his tank all day. Locuts in the morning and late afternoon.
Do you gutload (feed) your crickets, worms, etc? Yes with bug grub and greens
Do you use vitamin or calcium supplements? What brand(s)? How many days a week do you use each of them? Yes, every second day I coat the locusts with the calcium powder.
Is your dragon having regular bowel movements (poops)? Yes daily.
Do you bath your dragon? How often? every 2nd or third day
Do you mist your dragon or offer water other than in the bath? Both Daily.
Does your dragon share an enclosure with another dragon? No
Have you gotten a vet check and fecal done? Not yet.

 

[Ethelia]

Hi there,
Im no expert but Im happy to help out.

The picture isnt very clear.
Are you talking about the dark short markings on his underside?
If you are these are called stress marks, and are an indicator that your beardie isnt as happy as she could be.
This could be due to a number of reasons, such as the temperatures being off or an improper diet.
Your temperatures seem to be fine, as does your diet so it may be a personal stress.
Does she enjoy being handled or does it upset her?

 

[Staz]

Hello,

Thanks for your reply. Yes he loves being handled and appears very happy so these stress marks are causing some confusion. They seem to fade and then come back again. I am thinking he might be starting to go into brumation - could this be connected to the stress marks?

Staz

 

[Ethelia]

Im not sure that stress marks are linked to brumation.
Theres a wonderful article on the website here about brumation. Perhaps take a peak at that?
Beardies are known for showing stressmarks all the time when shedding. Its not very comfortable for them at all!
Is your little one showing signs of shed?

I wouldnt worry too much about the stress marks coming and going. I believe that Its if they stay for long periods that you have a problem.
Dexter gets stress marks when I try to put her back in her viv when she doesnt want to go back home yet.
They fade within an hour or so.

 

[Staz]

Funny you should say that, I am half way through reading it right now - it is fantastic. So much to learn about these wonderful creatures. I am such a worrier!! Ha ha. Jade had just shed when we got him last month - but I will take your advice and try not to worry about the marks and I will just keep an eye on them.

Many thanks.

Staz