Just Making Sure

[ChiliDragon]

I'm a new owner and just got my dragon two days ago, and he (or she) just started shedding. He's running around the tank a little bit more now than when I first got him, as well as he's a little more skittish to when I take out his food bowl to clean/refill it. I read elsewhere (and on this site) that skittish is normal, and the concept of partial shedding. My dude seems to be shedding on his back feet and the base of his tail only. He ate three crickets and some veggies before I noticed, so I just want to make sure that it's all good.

Also, when he's comfortable, how many crickets should he be eating in one day? Yesterday he noticed/ate four, today so far three. Size is right, no bigger than space between eyes, and calcium powered. Just wondering the amount, since I've seen mixed opinions.

 

[SukiLove]

They seem to shed in patches rather than completely all at once. When he is comfortable he should be allowed to eat as much as he wants in 10-15 minutes. Most eat around 20 crickets (and some more or less) each meal while growing, some can eat 50+ it's really going to depend on him/her.

 

[ChiliDragon]

Thank you, I put a bunch of crickets in, he only ate about four each time is what I meant. I also read that he/she might just be stressed because of the new environment.

 

[SukiLove]

Some of them do experience relocation stress, which is normal and understandable. The fact that he already ate is really good! Some don't eat at all the first few days.

 

[ChiliDragon]

Yay! Pretty sure he'll start to eat more then soon, as well as have an easier time eating, for the substrate (reptile carpet) is getting completely taped down so those little sneaky crickets can't get under it.

 

[SukiLove]

They do love to hide from the dragons, not that I blame them! Just be sure to take any uneaten ones out of his tank so they don't bother or even nibble on Chili when he's sleeping.

 

[ChiliDragon]

Mhm, read that up as well. Found a nice way to catch them, so they get out pretty quick.

 

[coffeebutt]

You can always feed your beardie in a separate bin too, that's what I did and it was soo much easier. And yeah after a few days your little guys' appetite will surely increase. Mine did the same, and then she was eating about 50 a day haha.

 

[ChiliDragon]

That's what I was thinking of doing, as such I got another container. Though, I have to get the little dude used to being handled before I can even try that.

 

[coffeebutt]

Yeah of course. It took mine awhile to get used to eating in the separate container in addition to the handling too...crickets are just so annoying and jump and hide everywhere otherwise.

good luck

 

[ChiliDragon]

Ahah thank ya ^^ The crickets are annoying, so until I get him used to handling, I take everything out when I feed him

 

[coffeebutt]

yup yup that's what I did, really annoying but you gotta do what you gotta do.

 

[ChiliDragon]

Would you have any advice for getting dragons used to handling? Little dude, if I go slowly, will let me put my hand near him, but after that, nope.

 

[coffeebutt]

I was pretty lucky with Sasha she warmed up quickly...obviously give them their space for about a week, you can still handle them for baths and feeding but that's it. Then just be persistent with handling so they get used to you. If they are really freaking out when you go to handle them, stop for a bit and try back later. Try to show them taht YOUR hands bring their food, like salad and stuff. You can try seeing if they'll eat it from your fingers...

Another trick ppl swear by is to put a piece of your clothing in the viv with them so they start to recognize your smell. I personally never did this but a lot of ppl said they had success with this.

Oh one more thing you can do is take them out later, when lights are off and they are ready for bed as they'll be a lot calmer and you can just hold them for a bit.

Start with short handling sessions and progress to longer ones it can be frustrating but with patience they'll start to behave