New baby won’t leave basking areas

[Blitzlightning]

Hi! I got my first bearded dragon 3 days ago and he has not left his basking platform on his own since I got him. The basking platform is at 105 desgees fahrenheit at the warmest spot, and the cool side of the tank is around 78 degrees. I took these temperatures with a temp gun. He has eaten about 8 crickets a day and some cilantro and Romane lettuce, and she looks bright and alert. The tank is a 40 gallon breeder and the platform is a 12 X 12 slate tile on stilts 6 inches from the floor of the tank and about 8 inches from the lamp which has a 100 watt zoomed basking bulb and a zoomed uvb bulb. I have a branch that is securely propped up on the platform that he could use to climb up and down (don’t worry, it can’t fall over). Is it possible that he does not realize that he can use the branch to get down or does he just not want to come down? Should I be worried about him not leaving the basking platform?

Thanks in advance for any help

 

[kingofnobbys]

How are you measuring these temperatures ?

If using a gun, are you compensating for the emissivity ? and ensuring you are not seeing the reflection of the globe ?

 

[Blitzlightning]

I’m using a temp gun. I just hold it 2 inches away from the surface of whatever I am taking the temperature of and pushing the button and holding it there for a couple of seconds. Is there something else I am supposed to do with it?

There is also a dial Thermometer/Hydrometer the basking area that reads around 95 degrees. but I know those are unreliable and don’t really trust it. The hydrometer reads 25% humidity.

 

[CooperDragon]

It sounds like he's just enjoying his basking time which is good. I'd let him be if all else is well. Your temp gun is probably giving pretty accurate surface readings so I'd rely on it. Do you have a good UVB light in place for him? How far is it above his basking area?

 

[Blitzlightning]

I have a zoomed reptisun 10.0 bulb. It is 8 inches above from the basking area.

Update: my dragon has ventured onto the top part of his branch, but has not climbed down to explore the rest of his tank. He is still eating normally and is alert.

 

[CooperDragon]

It's good that he is alert. Is your ReptiSun a compact, T8 tube, or a T5 tube? 8 inches is at the outer limit of a T8 tube with a reflector or compact, while a T5 should sit about 12'' above the basking area.

 

[Blitzlightning]

It is a compact bulb in one of those double mini dome lamps from zoomed. Should I set something on top of the platform that is already there so he can get closer if he wants to or do you think it would get too hot?

 

[CooperDragon]

It would be good to offer a branch or something so he can get closer if he wants to. Is your compact bulb a 13w or a 26w? The 26w is OK for now at 6-8'' but the 13w version isn't strong enough for bearded dragons and should be replaced.