hi, new beardie owner question about bulbs

[puffersfamily]

I have been reading posts about lights and finding out that my set up may not be healthy? I have a coil Zilla bulb like thishttp://www.zilla-rules.com/products/tropical-series-uvb-flourescent-bulbs.htm
I have noticed my BD closes his eyes frequently but thought it was normal?
I thought this set up was ok because its the same one he was in at the pet store... just brought him home in it.
heres a pic of Puffer.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4335068&l=2d928&id=640460719
with his eyes closed of course.
am i hurting him?

 

[MIssAnn]

Hello & welcome!

You really need to get rid of the coil bulb. They have been known to cause eye damage.
This is the one most everyone on here uses.
http://www.petmountain.com/product/fluorescent/501566/exo-terra-repti-glo-10.0-uvb-desert-terrarium-lamp.html

You have a beautiful baby. Good luck with him!

 

[puffersfamily]

thanks for the info, will go out tomorrow and find one... holiday here today so nothing is open.
also the pet store said he was about 4 months old... can u tell from the picture how old he/she is?
we gave him a bath today in the tub (luke warm water up tp 1st knuckle), he just sat in the water with his eyes closed and didnt move... the water was getting cold so i wrapped him in a towel and put him back in his viv. gave him a couple of crickets and he ate them and went to his rock to lay on under the heat... he does seem to like to be rubbed under his chin.. just sits there with his head raised up. but other than that we have not handled him much. Ive been reading that low doses are good and before bedtime. have any other suggestions to warm him up to us? my 10 year old son is eager to hold him but i dont wanna make puffer afraid of us any more than he already is.

 

[ilovepeanut]

Hi, congrats on your new beardie!

He's very cute! I would say he is probably around 3 months, but could be four months if he was underfed and/or didn't have the proper viv set-up in the pet store, which unfortunately happens a lot of the time.

As far as handling goes, sounds like you've mastered a great deal already if he is so calm in his baths. As long as he isn't continuously afraid of you and trying to run away then it should be just fine to handle him often throughout the day so he can get to know you. Keep in mind he may be feeling the relocation stress, so be patient. If he does try to squirm away, don't put him down. Make sure he's calm & relaxed when you're ready to place him back in his viv. Try to make him feel as though "coming out to play" is a positive experience.
The "beardie burrito" works wonders as a bonding technique, which is right before bedtime wrap him in a soft blanket and lay him on your chest. He should be the most calm at this time and will more than likely fall asleep on you as he trusts you more.

Best of luck to you! I'd love to see more pictures too!

 

[duke11]

Cute beardie! Like Miss Ann said, the reptisun 10 is a good bulb. Really cheap on petmountain too. I noticed your analog therm in your setup. You will have to get rid of that. You need a temp gun or a digital w/probe therm. Your basking spot should be in between 105-110 F for your guy. Good luck!

 

[puffersfamily]

ok is reptiglo 10.0 ok? thats the link that was posted here but isnt the recommended bulb the reptisun 10.0?

 

[zamboni]

http://www.petmountain.com/product/fluorescent/504983/zoo-med-reptisun-10.0-uvb-bulb.html
thats what your looking for

 

[BrownEyes87]

I have been reading posts about lights and finding out that my set up may not be healthy? I have a coil Zilla bulb like thishttp://www.zilla-rules.com/products/tropical-series-uvb-flourescent-bulbs.htm
I have noticed my BD closes his eyes frequently but thought it was normal?
I thought this set up was ok because its the same one he was in at the pet store... just brought him home in it.
heres a pic of Puffer.
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=4335068&l=2d928&id=640460719
with his eyes closed of course.
am i hurting him?

Looks almost identical to mine. I just got rid of my zilla crap bulb and ordered a mega ray :study: