My beardie climbs VERY close to the UVB. Is this bad?

[PhillyStang92]

Hey all, I just finished up my new 40 Gal enclosure and have my ReptiSun mounted inside on the back wall. With the fake rock walls I have in there that I made, he can easily climb the sides and back of the setup which is cool being that it gives him something to do. But every now and then he climbs the back wall and almost tries to get on top of the UVB bulb...he kinda scratches at it but can't get on top of it because of the lack of grip. So every now and then he'll just hangout right under it. I'm posting a picture below to show how close I mean.

His basking spot where he spends most of the day, is about 10" from the UVB bulb, I know it's kind of far...I'm just worried that him being so close to the bulb will cause some issues? He's there maybe 2-5 minutes at a time until he runs off and climbs on something else. I am just concerned because of how close he gets can this cause eye issues or anything? If so how can I prevent this?! ):

 

[NikTait]

Hi there,

My beardie is 4 years old and it is physically impossible for him to get close to his UVB - but boy does he try! So don't worry, it's not unusual. Mine will properly launch himself at it.
Your only real concern is a) if the UVB gets too hot (most don't - so maybe just have a feel of yours when it's been on for most of the day and make sure) and b) if your beardie was to spend all its time that close.
If he's there that short a time, I really can't see it causing him problems. In fact, if it was annoying him, he'd very likely be trying to avoid it and hiding away from it in the shade.
So I think he is just playful and active
As long as it's not hot, and he's not that close for a really extended period of time, I don't think there's a problem!

 

[PhillyStang92]

First off thanks for such a quick reply, that's why I love this forum everyone is always so helpful!

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has experienced this. I've never seen this behavior before because I had him in a small 20 gallon tank where he didnt have much room to explore. He's still dealing with some relocation stress (he turned almost black underneath especially his beard!), but whenever I see him running around exploring he lightens up a bit. Hopefully within another week or so he will be fully comfortable with his new home so I can start handling again.

The ReptiSun doesn't get hot at all, that's actually the first thing I checked since he practically has his head sitting on it! So I'm glad I got this all cleared up a bit. Thanks again for your help!

 

[NikTait]

No problem! I was really worried when I saw Dexter doing it - i'm not sure what's so attractive about the UVB light! But my biggest concern is him hurting himself trying to jump at it, not the effects of the UVB light.
They're smart enough to know when something is bothering them, so your beardie would be hiding away from the light if his eyes were getting sore from it and you'd notice him shutting them a lot. So the fact he is choosing to go up to it should comfort you that he's not finding it irritating. And as long as it's not hot, then it won't be doing any harm!

I'm sure he'll settle in with his new tank soon and love it! Happy to help - especially when someone is just being concerned and caring for their beardie

 

[PhillyStang92]

That's too funny my beardie's name is Dexter too! lol.

Ill definitely keep an eye out for any strange behavior but so far so good he's loving the new setup! He's been doing nothing but exploring no hiding out or anything

 

[NikTait]

Amazing! Do you have a blog or photo thread so I could keep up with Dexter junior's activities?

 

[PhillyStang92]

I don't but I take pictures daily and keep them on my phone to keep track of his growth progress which is going well! I have a thread over in the "Enclosures" section showing off my new setup. I did a whole custom rock wall theme with built in dig box etc if you wanna check it out!