Complete Newb Rescues Beardie Needs Help

[KimInKy]

We were given a bearded dragon. I think she is at least 2-3 yrs old. They only feed her crickets and only 7 a day. We got her a uvb light and when she is under it she turned black. I have no idea if this is normal or not. I am doing research and she has calcium sand under tank heater heat rock. Should I keep all these or not? She is now eating like 30 crickets a day and we are giving her veggies. She is active now. Just wanted to introduce and welcome any and all help ps reptiles give me the creeps but she was so mistreated so I told the kids they could have her lol

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. Thank you for taking her. Id definitely get rid of that calci sand as that will definitely cause impaction as it basically turns in to cement in the intestines. I use ceremic tile it looks nice easy to clean and keeps the nails filed. You can also use paper towels, newspapers, non adhesive shelf liner. I'd also get rid of the heat rock as those can malfunction and burn her as beardies don't feel heat very well on their bellies. Same with the heat mat. As for her turning black mine do that when they are basking too. Its how they absorb heat. What kind of basking light does she have? What kind of uvb?

 

[beardie parents]

Welcome! I'm glad you rescued her and are willing to get information to best take care of her. I agree with the calcium sand. Get rid of it. I read a letter (still have a copy of it somewhere) written to another reptile lover from the maker of the calci-sand that basically said 'yes, the calcisand can cause problems when-if- the beardies eat it, but, according to him, it's the fault of the beardie eating it - not the sand.' It also can stain the skin of the beardies the color of the sand you use. I saw that personally several years ago where a store put baby beardies on the sand (bright green). I went into said store just to look at beardies (can't help myself) and saw these several baby beardies in a green color and was told that they had been put on green sand and that those that did it didn't realize that it would stain them so they had been taken off of it. Ask any other questions. Once your beardie gets used to you and realizes she's loved, you will get hooked. I did.

 

[ilovereptiles90]

Welcome!

 

[mushuandcricket]

I am glad you rescued the bearded dragon!