I had recently bought him at petmart last week on friday (An impulse buy with no research HORRIBLE IDEA I know) But I really like him. His story so far.
I had originally bought the Kit the had there http://www.zilla-rules.com/products/deluxe-xl-bearded-dragon-kit.htm that came with everything out of ease and talked to the lady for an hour on care and raising I thought I was set I'd get him home and take care of him and look online for tips and it would all go smoothly... I was wrong. When i got home both thermometers were broken and it was a PAIN to get at him every time. I let it slide for now. I set up the cage for him I bought some climbing basking spots for him and put down the carpet and let him run free for the day. The next day the socialization was started. I tried to put my hand in to touch him from the side not from the top but every time he backs up and hisses at me and I don't know why, When I do touch him he seems unsure and if i try to pick him up he scoots away frantically. I didn't know if I was doing something wrong or he wasn't friendly. I went to my local pet store I never knew existed till a quick google search reavealed it to me. I went in and they sold bearded dragons too ( for a fraction of what I paid) and they NEVER scooted away they let you touch them and hold them I though for sure something was wrong with gus. The owner of the store reccomended I bring him in to here and she can see if there is something wrong with him so I did. He scooted from her and hissed as well but she held him just fine so I don't know if this is a phase and will pass or permanent? I am being dedicated to feeding him by hand and trying to handle him often as well. This morning i noticed the 200$ kit i purchased had something ELSE wrong with it now... it was melting. So I did some research and found a terrarium at petsmart that I heard was good and a decent size too, http://www.petsmart.com/product/ind...ats+&+Accessories&f=PAD/psNotAvailInCA/No I called and complained that it was full of problems and wanted a refund sure enough (after 20 minutes of complaining and sweet talking) I got them to match the price and i kept everything in the original kit.
My questions are:
for starters sorry if i tend to run on I'm not the greatest with grammar, and a little tip about me is I overthink and over react a lot so all my research online has scared the *%* out of me.
1. is loose substrate 100% out if I care for the safety of Gus?
2. this tanks down fall is the plastic cross across the top preventing me from using the lighting i had before on my tank, has anyone had experience with http://www.petsmart.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12462455&f=PAD/psNotAvailInCA/No ? It would be perfect for the size for my basking area if it preforms well.
3. will this be big enough for gus? I am a welder by trade and am able to construct something but It wont ever be as nice looking as store bought.
4. is he always going to be aggressive? I nearly had a panic attack today from worry wondering if I should take him back because he was aggressive but I couldn't because he is part of the family now and I'd feel horrible I just can't deal with him being mean for his whole life and I'd love to be able to handle him and love him.
5. what are some alternative lighting/heating solutions? Exo terra makes a nice canopy that's made for this unit but I can't justify the 250$ price tag plus bulbs. I want something that will ensure his health while still appealing to the eye.
Again I apologize for the slew of typos and poor grammar I'm sure is in this post and I appreciate any help.
Gus basking
His Old setup
Gus sleeping