Interesting problem.. ?

[BeardedBeardieLover]

I got a 30 gal tank last week, which is a huge upgrade from a 10 gal tank that i originally had, however, I'm having the strangest problem with my beardie. I took him out about an hour ago and I've tried putting him back in his cage, but he clings to my hand even when my hand is on the ground of the cage and after I set him on his basking rock, his color gets very dark. He changes from a light tan skin color to a very dark, almost grey brown color and dark stress marks appear. I don't think it's the cage because I'd say that it's pretty well off. Even after I set him down and let him sit for about 10 minutes, the dark stress marks are still there. But within seconds of me picking him up and putting him on my shoulder, he goes back to his light tan color and the stress marks disappear.

Tank:
30 Gal (20 Long turtle tank)
Basking rock 6 - 8" from lamp on day/warm side
Spot lamp
CHE
Reptisun 10.0 UVB w/ Fixture
Salad + Salad dish
Smaller basking rock w/ cave on night/cool side
Reptile hammock
Night time heat lamp
Humidity is low, around 20 - 30%
cool side = 75F
warm side = 85 - 90F

Does he just like being with me? Or is there something wrong with his tank?

 

[daner923]

Even though you know that it is a better tank for him, it is still all new to him. He is probably just going through some relocation stress! Keep an eye on him to see if he begins any other abnormal behaviors or appears sick, but I bet it is just relocation stress, and he should be perfectly happy in just a few days! Best of luck!

 

[bunnyrut]

Even though you know that it is a better tank for him, it is still all new to him. He is probably just going through some relocation stress! Keep an eye on him to see if he begins any other abnormal behaviors or appears sick, but I bet it is just relocation stress, and he should be perfectly happy in just a few days! Best of luck!

^ yup!

Tasty Treat just stared at everything when her tank was upgraded. But when I tried moving the tank to another room she was frozen in place and stressed out (i had to move her back, lol).

They all react differently to change.

 

[idcouple]

It's too bad you beardie doesn't like the new cage I upgraded my Bonnie from a 30 gal to a 55 gal and she just loves it. She never stressed out or anything

 

[patrickmb21]

You should of gotten him a 40 gallon he would of been much happier

 

[snazzyglasses]

Smaller tanks are fine while they're young and still growing though! But yeah, adults need at least a 40g breeder size. I think the dimensions of a 40gb are 36"L x 18"W x 18"H. The width is especially important for an adult to be able to turn around comfortably.
And I agree that your beardie is probably just going through relocation stress. But he'll get used to it soon!

 

[BeardedBeardieLover]

He's doing much better now. He was just freaking me out earlier because I've never seen him get that dark before!

You should of gotten him a 40 gallon he would of been much happier

I got this tank at the local pet shop for $7... Originally $75. The only problem with it is that there's a slot that's been carved out on one side for a filter because it was originally a turtle tank... But for $7, I couldn't pass it up. I'm a broke college student :lol:

 

[patrickmb21]

Oh thats a good deal. i understand about the money thats why im still living with my mom. lol it sucks

 

[snazzyglasses]

Yep, I understand too lol. Still living at my dad's house

 

[Jenren]

yep we feel you we are broke part time workers lol . but our berdie gets spoiled either way

 

[Oki05]

yep we feel you we are broke part time workers lol . but our berdie gets spoiled either way

lol ur post is awesome because i plan on getting a beardie in May and im a full time college student/part time worker still living with his dad until May when I move to my moms

 

[Jayson745]

sometimes they go dark when they bask too. It could be that after being out of the tank a while he gets cold, so holds onto your hand cause its warm, and goes dark when he gets under his light to soak up the rays. Its hard to say whats going on in their little heads sometimes, but thats another possible explanation.

 

[Oki05]

i have a suggestion u said his warm side temps are 85-90 why not it up alittle to 100-105 maybe its to cold for him

 

[Jenren]

yep we feel you we are broke part time workers lol . but our berdie gets spoiled either way

lol ur post is awesome because i plan on getting a beardie in May and im a full time college student/part time worker still living with his dad until May when I move to my moms

Lol whatever works right!?

 

[Goonie]

[Moved from General to Behavior]

*************************

I used to have two males who were total opposites of one another. One hated change no matter how small, while the other couldn't care less what happened as long as there's food and snuggles.
The worst and funniest change story was when we switched from calci-sand (before I knew any better) to shelf liner. Oscar refused to move from his platform, which sat about ¾ of the way up from the bottom, for nearly an entire week. Of course, during that time, he also got very upset with Felix for liking the change and running around in their house. It was hysterical to watch Oscar be so scared of the change.

So, in a nutshell, it all depends on the beardie. Some don't mind the change to a bigger viv or more/less furniture, while others would be terrified.