beardie watching, too big!

[KahliLizard]

So I am watching a bearded dragon as well as my own. My problem is the owners said it was to small for sand when I asked. My beardie is 11inches, and has sand, and is more than 15 months old. They got their beardie 6 , months after I got mine. So I was thinking it was only 8 inches. I set up my beardies old 10 gallon for it, and he, kahli (my beardie), stayed in his 40 gallon. Well, they brought it over, and it was deffinitely not 8 inches. It is more than 16 inches. So I have a giant beardie in a little cage, and a little beardie in a giant cage. I dont want to switch because that is meanto kahli, but I also dont want cutie(the other beardie) to be so squished up. My mom says that its fine since its only till sunday, but i cant help but feel so mean! Any suggestions?

 

[CooperDragon]

10g is too small of a space for a dragon that size. I would try to get to Petco while they're having a dollar/gallon sale (I think it may still be running) and pick up something bigger (it can't hurt to have a nice spare). If that isn't possible, then I suggest providing as much time outside of the tank as possible. You'll still need to provide enough heat. A clamp lamp placed somewhere in the room as a basking spot may do the trick for a short time. You can also provide a good amount of UVB with outside time in the real sunlight. Try your best not to confine the dragon and to provide for it's basic needs of proper heat & lighting. I also recommend removing sand substrate and switching to a solid substrate. Sand is very difficult to keep sanitary and can cause impaction. I'm working through a sand impaction issue with my rescue dragon and it's not fun for either of us.

 

[KahliLizard]

Okay, thanks. I have been trying to keep it out of its cage yet still let it get lighting. I will take into consideration with the sand. Thanks again for the tip!