can you correct problems too quickly?

[wzlqwen]

Can you overcorrect problems on a beardie too quickly? I just rescued a 2 yr old beardie. He has been housed and taken care of very badly. No UV for at least part of his life, then a mini compact fluorescent bulb "sometimes", a red heat bulb, mealworms, pelleted food and crickets occasionally dusted w/ calcium. When I got him the fish tank thermometer read 76.

I got rid of the red bulb, and added a small floodlight, popping the basking spot to 95......usually I have it a b it higher....this is a work in progress, bulb can go closer. BUT he was basking for warmth under the red bulb now with the white bulb and warmer temp he moved to the cool side, just laying on the rock. He was active more before I warmed the tank up.
He seems stressed now that it is warmer.....should I cool it down and gradually get him used to the warmer temps or leave it alone?

BTW, proper UV on the way, reptiworms & hornworms coming too.

 

[Claudiusx]

Hi there,

Good on you for rescuing this dragon.

I would actually bump the temp up another degree or two if you can. Get it at a minimum of 96 degrees.

Remember, even adults can go through relocation stress. You can't really expect him to act normal until he's had a chance to settle into his new environment. Just take it day by day and see how things go from there.

-Brandon

 

[wzlqwen]

Thanks for the reply Brandon, easy enough to bump the temp, it was a little warmer I think, I raised the bulb a bit higher from his basking spot when I was afraid he was too hot.