Help!

[TiffanyLeigh]

So I have had this little guy almost 2 weeks. His appetite is almost nothing at this point. Maybe 2-3 crix a day. I'm offering greens everyday as well. His eyes are puffy and he keeps stress marks on his belly. He's basking but not opening his eyes much. I have temp at 100 relatively and cool side 75ish. Uvb is reptisun 10 18in. Bedding is paper towels. I check temp with gun. This is my first beardie and unfortun I bought him from petsmart(I didn't know it was a no no!!) I'm not sure the little guy is gonna make it. Oh I also have ordered dubia roaches and silkworms that will be here in a few days. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
<iframe width="480" height="360" src="http://s359.photobucket.com/user/Tiffany_Gollotte_Burge/embed/slideshow/"></iframe>

 

[CooperDragon]

I'm unable to see the photo. Can you try uploading it here https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ and then use the XIMG button to post?

How far above the basking area is your uvb light? Does it have a plastic covering over the bulb?

 

[TiffanyLeigh]

Uvb is about 12in away and yes it has a cover. I'm trying to upload the pics now but for some reason won't let me

 

[TiffanyLeigh]

 

[CooperDragon]

In the photos his head looks gray like he's about to shed. That could affect his appetite. You should also remove the clear plastic cover that is over the bulb as that intercepts all of the UVB output and renders the bulb useless.

 

[AHBD]

He's a cute fellow, and visibly in good condition. Like Cooper said though, you need to remove the plastic that is covering the UVB bulb ASAP . One more question, how are you hydrating him ? If he's dehydrated you can drip water on his snout to give him a drink.

 

[TiffanyLeigh]

You're right I just noticed the shed! Thank you so much. I'm new to reptiles and I'm learning so much. I think I'm just being paranoid, but I want to make sure that I'm doing what I'm supposed to. Oh and it's a mesh cover over the bulb. Does that matter? And I'm dripping water on him and giving a bath every other day. He poops everyday and it looks good and normal.

 

[CooperDragon]

Can you post a photo of the bulb and fixture? Mesh won't completely block the UVB but it will intercept a significant amount so it's best to not have anything between the bulb and the basking area for optimal output. I also recommend mounting the T8 bulbs like what you have at 6-8'' above the basking site for best results. It's good that he's pooping regularly and it looks normal.

 

[TiffanyLeigh]

So my husband said he would mount the uvb inside on some brackets if need be. And I also have two miniature schnauzers. They like to stand up on their back legs and look at him. He starts running back and forth looking back at them. Could they be stressing him? He's on a table up high so they can't get close enough to him. He's in a 40 gallon tank but I put cardboard in it to about half so his crickets wouldn't get away.

 

[CooperDragon]

I would mount it inside the mesh top if you can. Some people use command hooks which work well if there are holes in the side of the fixture. You may also be able to suspend it from the top with wire or something similar. As mentioned, the optimal output from those is from about 6-8'' up. If you switch to a T5 style bulb, they are higher output and have an optimal range at about 12-14'' and can be mounted right on top of the screen. It's possible the dogs are stressing him out. Does he look back at them in a curious way or does he appear upset by them? For cricket feeding, I found that offering them in small batches of maybe 5 or so at a time helps him to be able to track them and also helped me be able to track them so none got away. I'd just repeat offering the small batches for about 10 minutes a couple of times per day.

 

[TiffanyLeigh]

ok good to know on the uvb. As far as the dogs go, he just cocks his head to the side and looks at them for a few then jumps back to his rock. Oh and the crix I drop one or two at a time bc he doesn't like to chase them, which is why I ordered dubia roaches and silkworms.

 

[CooperDragon]

OK. That all sounds pretty good then. Please let me know how he is after adjusting his light and allowing him to finish his shed.

 

[TiffanyLeigh]

I will! Thank you so very much for your help! Again, I think I'm just being paranoid but I've been worrying myself sick. You put my mind at ease. Thanks again!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Great looking youngster there, he has great colors!
He is most definitely going to shed on his head/eyes area which is one reason he is puffier than usual around those areas. Is he basking a good deal of time?
I agree, mounting it on the underneath side of the screen will maximize his UVB exposure & help with overall health. It is right beside the basking light so that is exactly perfect for him.
Your set up sounds great, paper towels are very easy & quick to clean up also! I am sure he is very happy with his new home & will love his new feeders, also.
Let us know how he is doing & how the lighting changes help out.

Tracie

 

[TiffanyLeigh]

Yes he's basking during the day. Also, is there any way u could tell me how and where to mount the uvb on the inside? Thanks!