Combating Boredom

[EmpNortonII]

I think my little guy is bored.

Croaker's about 9 inches long- I've had him for maybe 6 weeks now. We've fallen into a schedule that goes a bit like this... 7 AM, I wake up. Sometimes he is out, sometimes not, but I get the light on and he'll soon be out and basking. 7:30-45 Croaker is done basking, and is generally looking at me in my bed (creamy white underside), impatient. I then feed him. He'll usually then spent maybe 30-45 minutes basking, and then be clawing at the enclosure, or if I wait longer, dark and stress-marked. I let him out, and he's crawling around my room like a madman, tail upturned and bright as can be. But he does this at least 3-4 times a day. I've thought about getting him a fish tank- do BDs like watching fish? I just don't like the guy being uncomfortable, and he seems not fond of being in his enclosure for anywhere longer than an hour or two.

I have a Reptisun 10.0, basking is 103-108, and the cool side is high 70s to low 80s. He has two hides, which he only uses for sleeping.

 

[fresnowitte]

Hello!

Reading the behavior your little one is displaying it tells me that there could be something just not quite right about lighting, temps, or distance. So if you don't mind I'm going to ask you just a few questions to elimate my thoughts. :wink:

Okay great that you have a Reptisun 10.0, but what is the distance from your beardies basking spot to the Reptisun? Should be 6 to 8 inches.

I'm taking it that it was a new bulb when you put it on his enclosure correct? Just omitting the possiblity of it being over 6 months old...your bulb that is not your beardie. :wink: Asking because just last night I was selling a beardie and the people thought they had a good bulb that some gave them used therefore they have no idea how old the bulb is...Reptisuns need to be changed every 6 months.

Your temps don't sound bad however may I ask where exactly are you taking your basking temp? Directly on the basking spot where your beardie sits?

What type of thermometer are you using?

However he could just be getting spoiled. I'm not sure about if they like watching fish or not as I don't have any fish, but they do enjoy watching TV.

 

[EmpNortonII]

The distance is about 6 inches and the bulb was new when I purchased it. I take the temperatures with an infared temp gun, which works like a charm. He eats and poops just fine (if by pooping fine, you mean on my floor or chair or books).

He'll sometimes climb back onto his basking spot (after being out), especially if he's been out for an hour or so, but generally he'll cling onto my arm or try to crawl back up it.

 

[fresnowitte]

Sounds like you have a spoiled beardie that likes to spend time out with his human.