Basking temp and new beardie questions

[newbeardieboi]

Hello, I just got a juvenile bearded dragon today. The cool side of his tank ranges from 79-85 and his basking spot is about 105-120. I think the 120 ish may be too hot. Also, he has just sat on his basking log all day and has not moved very much. Earlier today I gave him about 15 crix his size(much more the pet store he was at was giving him), but now when I offer more he refuses. Is all this normal, and if necesarry how can I lower the basking temp?

 

[CooperDragon]

I suggest lowering the temps using a lamp dimmer or by changing the height with an adjustable stand. You want to shoot for 100-110 in the basking area and 75-80 or so on the cool side. Offer as many bugs as he wants in a 10 min window twice per day. Sometimes he will eat more sometimes less. When he loses interest stop offering, that's fine. What kind of UVB light are you using?

 

[newbeardieboi]

A zoomed reptisun 10.0 24" on my 40 breeder. I am using the zoomed fixture with it. It is a T8. Any Ideas on how to mount it inside, and how can i get a dimmer. I was just a little worried because earlier today he ate and pooped twice, and also explored. Later he refused and basked non-stop Is all this normal acclimation to a new habitat?

 

[CooperDragon]

I'm not sure with the full hoods maybe try some chain or wire and hooks.some of the grow light fixtures are easier tk hang because they have built in hooks. A T8 should be 6-8" above the basking site. A dimmer applies to the basking bulb. A lamp dimmer from the hardware store will help you cut it a bit to get proper temps.

 

[newbeardieboi]

I moved the basking log a little bit out of the direct path of the basking bulb, it appeared to do the trick. Now im at 100-110. I tried feeding again but he still refused it, he tried to avoid my hand when I was trying to feed crix. I left the 5-10 small crickets that I attempted to give him in his cage with him so that if he is hungry he will eat. I have not seen him do much, in fact all he has done is bask. He has not even begun to explore his cool side and hide. Is this behavior normal for a new beardie? Last night he even slept on his basking log. He did poop this morning and it seemed normal.

 

[CooperDragon]

Staying on the basking area is common. As far as feeding I don't suggest leaving crickets in the tank after meals because they can hide and then come out and bite. I would remove crickets after meals and instead leave a salad and maybe some phoenix worms in a bowl for him to eat on his own.

 

[newbeardieboi]

Got a lamp stand to permanently fix heat situation today. For UVB strip could I cut a strip out of my screen lid where it goes instead of mounting? If I order phoenix worms by the time they come he may have starved. When I attempt to feed him crix with tongs, he backs away and runs. Earlier he was waving at the crix... could he be scared of them? Also, could his lethargy so far be due to dehydration? Also, what should my coolside be?

 

[Taralachelle]

Got a lamp stand to permanently fix heat situation today. For UVB strip could I cut a strip out of my screen lid where it goes instead of mounting? If I order phoenix worms by the time they come he may have starved. When I attempt to feed him crix with tongs, he backs away and runs. Earlier he was waving at the crix... could he be scared of them? Also, could his lethargy so far be due to dehydration? Also, what should my coolside be?

It's possible that he's scared of the crickets. Mine was. Everytime I tried to feed them to him he would run away and if they crawled on him he would stay perfectly still and just close his eyes...Phoenix worms and wax worms are now his favorite. I would order them and just keep offering salad and crickets until they arrive

 

[Drache613]

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