Baby doesn't like heat?

[dreshany]

I have a 4mo old baby who is about 7" in length. I just got him on Thursday and is doing really well. I am curious though because he does not seem to like his basking spot. Generally he hangs out on top of his hide or on top of the bricks I use to section off his cage. Both are on opposite sides of his basking spot, which is a large rock elevated by small bricks. I have a temp gun and have checked and re-checked the temps and even used different thermometers. The basking spot is 103 degrees on the high side and 98 degrees on the low end. Where he hangs out most of the time is 83 degrees on top of his hide and 85 on top of the bricks. I thought that would be too cool for him to hang out most of the time. He does bask in the morning, after we have had him out of his cage for a while and sometimes after he has eaten, but does not stay there very long. I use the powersun 160W mercury vapor flood lamp (brand new) which provides his UVA/UVB and heat. His tank is 48" x 18" x 13" (height) that is sectioned in half by bricks. The light is directly above the part he is currently living in and hangs about 4" above the screen. There is no basking lamp since the lamp provides the right temps.
Could the basking rock be retaining too much heat? Are the UVA/UVB rays too strong? Am I just worrying too much? I also noticed that he likes his baths on the cool side, nothing above 95 degrees or he tries to jump out and breathes heavy.

 

[LQDragons]

if you've only had him a couple days, he could be stressing from the new home. I'd give him some more time to adjust to his new home, could take 5-6 days. Dragons are really very smart, after he's adjusted, I bet he'll love it & bask a lot

welcome to BD.org , I'm sure others will post there thoughts soon

 

[NegativeCreep]

I agree with LQ, he's probably just going through relocation stress. Anyways, if he is cold, he will move closer to the heat. He knows where it is. Does he have somewhere in a toasty part of the viv to hide?

 

[diamc]

Hi, how far is the MVB from the basking area? With a 160 watt MVB, it should be a minimum of 18" from him in the basking area. Just wanted to double check that with you. You also might want to put your hand on the rock to see if it feels too hot to you.

I've noticed when they are getting ready to shed, they also tend to avoid it. Could he be getting ready to shed? How long have you had the MVB?

 

[dreshany]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions and support. I have been bathing him 1-2 x per day to make sure he stays hydrated. Thanks for the advice about the distance of the UV bulb, it was closer than 18" so I have moved it. The rock does seem warm but since I am using a temp gun it still reads within a good range. I guess I'll just let him go where he wants, he knows what he needs
I have no idea if he is about to shed, I haven't had him very long and he is my first beardie. I love him to bits! and am a very anxious new mom. Thanks for all the help! This is such an awesome board!