Basking Skin Question

[Stolas]

So I've noticed that while I'm handling my beardie or he sees me near him, he's a very pleasant light tan color. While he's basking, however, he goes to a darker, spotted on belly shade. Should I be worried about this?

 

[Beardednoob]

What is the basking temperature and how are you measuring it? What do you use for a UV source? How long have you had your dragon?
There are a few reasons as to why a bearded dragon may darken in color and display stress marks. Please answer the above questions :wink:

 

[Stolas]

Basking temperature sits between 90-95 degrees, uv source is a basking lamp and length uvb flourescent source. I've had the guy for almost a week now.

 

[scubasteve25]

you need to bring your temp up a few degrees, also what brand is your UVB and is it coil or tube?

 

[Stolas]

i've brought the temp to around 100+, and he still has his grumpy skin on, trying to figure this out I think he just enjoys making me worry on purpose.

It was a coil uvb at first, but promptly switched to tube for better uvb.

 

[Trogdorpheus]

They darken themselves up to better absorb the heat, they're not necessarily stressed or grumpy if they're dark while basking. It just means that they're tryin to warm up more.