new baby beardie not eating

[SkittlesK]

Hi all
So I ordered this bearded dragon online.
He is just running around a bunch and not basking like he's supposed to.
Not eating like he should be either.
Clawing at the glass like he wants out

I am using a reptisun 10.0 T8
And I was using a 60 watt clear bulb but the person I bought the dragon from said I should try a 40 W bulb and put an egg carton down for basking to see if that helps.

Any suggestions on what I should do to get him eating and basking?

 

[BriHope03]

How big is his terrarium?

 

[SkittlesK]

20 gallon long

 

[CooperDragon]

What are the surface temps that the basking light is producing? How far from the basking area is your T8 bulb? Does it have a reflector? If you take him out of the tank to run around (in a safe area) does he seem to enjoy that?

 

[BriHope03]

20 gallon long

He might not have enough space. I'm not an expert but everything I've read says that glass surfing (where they claw at the glass) is usually caused by lack of space and boredom. Also, what are you trying to feed him?

 

[SkittlesK]

Well the breeder wants the basking temp to read 98 exactly.
And the cool side 78-80
I'm pretty freaked out because I heard babies are supposed to bask at 110 degrees.
I don't know if I should take him out.

I also put in the 40W bulb see if that helps.


the repti-sun is 14 inches away.
Not sure if it has a reflector

He's only 10 grams.
And the breeder said he should be eating 40-50 small bugs a day.
He's not eating though.

 

[CooperDragon]

The temps are a general range and vary depending on individual preferences. It's not an exact thing by any means. If you have a good gradient and are near the ranges that should do. 14'' is much too far for a T8 so that needs to be mounted closer. 6-8'' is about right for those with a reflector. A T5 is a better fit if you need to reach 12-14''. Lack of proper UVB could certainly be playing a role in appetite and overall health. Try bringing him outside to sit on your lap in natural sunlight for a while until the UVB light can be resolved. That might help him perk up a bit.

 

[SkittlesK]

So with the fixture I can adjust it so I can get the T8 closer. Maybe around 8", I'll see what I can do.
It's a shop light.

I think he's way to skittish to be handled.
Are they always this skittish?
I can't even barely pick him up, he'll jolt away from me.

 

[CooperDragon]

Yeah the little guys are often skittish. It's partly their relative small size and fear and sometimes it's just curiosity.

 

[SkittlesK]

Okay.
So i got the T8 8" away.
Now I'm just trying to get the basking temp to 98.
So since the T8 is 8" away I'm just gonna leave him in there. he's too skittish to be held.

Can I see an example of a mounted uvb?

Again, I'm new with these lights I use an MVB for my girl.

 

[SkittlesK]

Anyone else with suggestions?
Right now, he's hiding under the egg crate piece I put in there.

Do you guys think this is improper lighting?

I don't know what to do.

 

[BriHope03]

Anyone else with suggestions?
Right now, he's hiding under the egg crate piece I put in there.

Do you guys think this is improper lighting?

I don't know what to do.

Has he not ate at all? Or is he only eating very little?

When did you get him? If he is brand new and you got him shipped to you, he is probably just really stressed out. Everything that I have read, says to leave them alone for the first week you get them and let them get acclimated to their new environment. Make sure to still try to feed him and fill his water bowl and clean his poop but don't try to touch him for now. Hopefully, you coming in and not bothering him but still taking care of him will get him used to you a little more. After about a week, I would try to touch him. Make sure you aren't coming at him from above his head if you can help it. They have a "third eye" on their head that senses light change and you coming at him from above can freak him out. Try to make sure you scoop him from under the belly.

Is he hiding at night? Mine does that so don't worry.

Can you post pictures of his set up?