I am a 1st time Beardie Mom... Q's

[Angiecountrygirl]

Hello... I just got a new Beardie today. I'm really excited- and I have asked my friend may questions (she's been very helpful, she has a beardie that's a few yrs old now). I forgot to ask her- how do they get water? I hear talks of the baths, etc... But didn't see a waterbowl in the store where I purchased my little guy (actually- I don't even know if it's a "guy", lol). So, can anyone tell me- do I need to put water in the tank or not?
Thanks

 

[Jiffy]

Hi and welcome to the world of beardies!
Some people do put in water bowls, but some advise against it. If you do put one in, dont keep it in all the time, it could raise the humidity too much, and dont make it very deep at all. Beardies will sometimes tend to sleep in the water, and they sleep so heavily that they could drown.

Most of us bathe their beardies in a tub. Babies some people do once a day or maybe 2 times. Adults, some people do once a day, some once a week. You need a tub with baby temp water aprrox 90-95 F, and only up to beardie armpit level. You may want to put a rag or something in th bottom, so that the beardie has something to grip onto. And dont leave them unattended. Most beardies get their water this way.

 

[Sqooky]

My beardie is a juvenile and I was advised to bathe him everyday for about 15minutes. I always do this first thing in the morning, and he tends to relieve himself in the bath so that saves me a bit of cage cleaning. I also try to mist him periodically throughout the day. It gives him a chance to cool off a bit and he drinks the water from his nose (and sometimes other places too).

 

[TheWolfmanTom]

Hi there and welcome aboard.
I am on the other side of the spectum. I use water bowels in the tank. I tend to bathe my poopers 1 time a week because they soak themselves in the waterbowl. Whne picking one out pic one they will fit in. If they go to sleep just take them out.

 

[Angiecountrygirl]

Thank you all very much- I may try to bathe him today.
Does anyone know why when he's basking in the light- he opens his mouth sometimes?

 

[TheWolfmanTom]

Its called gaping and they do it to regulate temps.

 

[Angiecountrygirl]

Is that ok- or does it mean I'm doing something wrong (too hot or cold)?

 

[haleygirl272]

Is that ok- or does it mean I'm doing something wrong (too hot or cold)?

You can use a syringe or dropper to drop water on his nose, he will instinctively lick it off.

Beardies gape often, your temps may be too high. Since you have a baby, the cool side should be about 80 degrees and the basking side should be about 100-110. Good luck! I'm sure you are doing great.

 

[Angiecountrygirl]

Ok... Here's another Question- Does anyone elses Beardie sleep standing up? This is night 2 of him falling asleep standing. Infact it was so weird because this am when I got up he was in the same spot kinda fallen over on his side still sleeping (almost like he slid down in his sleep). Tonight, the same thing just in a different part of his tank, Lol. Am I alone- Is my little Falkor the only CRAZY beardie??? Lol...

 

[Jiffy]

LOL, yeah, they like to sleep standing up. I dont know why they do it, but it is adorable!!

 

[Aznrainbowdime]

pssst.... hello and welcome ! but when they sleep standing up.. it means you the slave, need to take him/her out and start cuddling your baby before bed time !!!!! Lots of kisses, hugs and snuggles will help !

lol

 

[ajkry2]

Theres a thread about sleeping beardies and pics thereof. It's viewtopic.php?f=5&t=111310&p=887879&hilit=sleep#p887879 although I'm sure there are more... Beardies sleep in odd positions -- I'm sure its fine

 

[Angiecountrygirl]

Thanks for the imput... I'm not as worried anymore. Ok, maybe it's alittle strange- but atleast he's not the only beardie who does it...
And yes, I'll have to cuddle more (I get nervous sometimes (I've only had him 4 days)- and I'm afraid if I let him chill out on the couch w/ me one of my 2 kitties will find him to be a little appitizer
So, until he gets bigger- I have my guesr up, lol!