Big Bertha, the Bedded Dragon

Yes, you read that right. The Bedded Dragon. Yesterday was really hot here (106) so I stayed in and looked for a project. I decided to make Bert a bed like the ones sold by Lizard Luxuries. I had a piece of pink polar-tec fleece that I'd bought to make blankies for her, so that was what I decided to use. A Queen sized girl needs a Queen sized bed, and I didn't have a basket like Lizard Luxuries, not to mention that it might not have been large enough, so I took a low square bowl that I'd bought for a center piece and used it as the base. Made a small lizard quilt with the fleece on the outsides and quilted a piece of a thick old terry cloth robe into the center and then closed it up. 2 matching pillows completed the ensemble. Took the whole thing in and assembled it in her play yard and put her in it.

I figured she'd crawl out of it an never give it another glance. Wrong! I put her in the bed around 6:00 pm last nite and she is STILL in bed! She can leave it anytime she wants, but she doesn't seem to want to. Lights came on at 09:00 this morning and I thought for sure she'd get up. Nope. She stayed in bed all day and would watch us as we walked in and out if the room, but made no effort to get out of the bed! Since the sides of the bowl angle upward, she really didn't have to use her pillows, the sides of the bed acted as built in pillows. Usually, she gets up, basks for awhile, climbs up on her stand, walks around the pen, goes in her cave, maybe climbs on top of the cave for more basking and generally acts somewhat ambitious. Not today. Still in bed, just like Brian Wilson, at 5:00 pm. Do I need to put her UVB right over the bed so Brian, *cough* I mean Bertha- can soak up her rays while still in bed?

She didnt even get out of bed to eat or go potty!

 

[Lauram63110]

So OK. I didn't want to do it, but I was starting to get a little worried about her. She hadn't gotten out of bed,or eaten or gone potty all day. I took some Flukers dessicated insects (Trio Medley I think it was called) and put a little into a bowl, softened it up with water and but the bowl in front of her bed to see if she could be persuaded to eat. Yes! Breakfast in bed was what the Queen wanted! After she ate, she went for a bath and then I put her on the basking platform. Maybe she just wanted a late start on the day!

 

[beardie parents]

She's adorable! she's like our Rosie. When Rosie isn't hormonal you almost have to get her out of her hide in the am or she just may sleep all day. When she's hormonal (usually in the spring) she will sometimes be up before her lights go on. They go on at 6:30 am and one day last year she was up and ready to bask by 6am, usually she won't get out of her bed until 10:30 AM.

 

[Irwinshealth]

Very cute story! I don't blame her for not wanting to get out of bed. The bed turned out great. She is one spoiled beardie

 

[morphmom]

just like Brian Wilson

LOL! :lol: That may be the best line I've heard on this site! :mrgreen: I blame you for her behavior! If you hadn't done such an amazing job, this wouldn't have happened! I love the fabric, btw, it really shows off Bertha's colors :wink:

 

[Lauram63110]

Thanks everyone! She is such a funny creature!We were in and out of that room all day, and we kept checking on her. Her eyes were open and bright, and she was not restricted in any way. She looked like she wanted a lazy day. But she sure came alive when I brought the little bowl of insects! I added more 3 times before she quit eating! I swear she is so spoiled!

 

[Gymgirlx]

She looks so great!!!!! Made my night.

 

[Dooter]

HAHAHAHA!!! This post made my night!

I think beardies really DO enjoy being pampered with soft cuddly stuff.

The "Brian Wilson" comment still has me giggling... :laughing6:

 

[Mummapinkham]

LOL - you just made my day with that story!!! I am trying to make a bed for my Harry but he is so stubborn - he loves the pillow, but he wants it on his rock not his bed. I am going to keep trying. Bertha is gorgeous, BTW. Also love the colors you used!! She is one lucky beardie!!