New Bearded Dragon

[Phosphate]

Hi! I just got my bearded dragon today and just got him in his home. He ( I say he but I do not know the sex) is just on the glass wall looking out and going back and fourth. Is this normal for a new home? Thanks!

EDIT: He is eating crickets though. How can I reduce the amount of sand he eats? I don't want to take out the sand though.

 

[midmichicer]

Why would you not want to take the sand out if he is eating it? This can cause compaction and seriously injure him/her or even kill them.

 

[Phosphate]

There is a TON of it. With the meal-worms I have a nice bowl so that is not a problem, but he doesn't seem interested in them at the moment, just some crickets and mostly looking out the glass.

 

[Kate221]

I know you don't want to take the sand out...it's your choice but it's probably the best thing you can do for your new beardie. You say he is eating crickets...there's a possibility he is picking sand up while eating them, this can cause impaction. Do what you want, but there are safer, better looking things you can put in your viv!

 

[Phosphate]

Could I maybe ( it's a large viv) move half of it out until it gets older, and when it eats make sure he's on the non sand side?

 

[dylanravenj]

Could I maybe ( it's a large viv) move half of it out until it gets older, and when it eats make sure he's on the non sand side?

The sand can still give him eye infections, respiratory infections, stain his scales, not to mention it makes a mess. Why even bother with it? Reptile carpet, tile, or paper towel are much better choices for a substrate

 

[randommonks]

You can try feeding him in another tank or bin. That way you minimize the amount of sand that he does eat. Mealworms are not a staple that you should feed regularly. Stick with the crickets. Training him to eat in another tank could take a while though. You could try putting a smaller tank in his larger enclosure and feed him that way until he gets used to eating there.

I'm with the others here, and have seen firsthand the damage that sand can do. You can try to vacuum out the sand (it's a hassle to clean) if that's a possibility. Playsand that has been sifted can be used with adult dragons. How old is your new beardie?

 

[MommiesBoyX]

ok, so if this is a new dragon...why wont you take the advice of people who have had dragons for years and remove the sand.

can you afford a 300$ vet bill for impactation or an eye infection? the dust from the sand can also cause a respatory infection.

sand is not healthy nor is it safe to use. i have told so many people this over the many years that ive had reptiles. after I KILLED MY LEOPARD GECKO WITH SAND...i refuse to use it.

please dont make my mistake...remove the sand and get the reptile carpet. if you want the natural look, then get the brown carpet. dont risk your dragons life.

 

[Phosphate]

Ok, thanks for all the reply's I will figure something out. But uh back to my other question is it OK that he is still going back and forth on the wall? It's like he is trying to get out. Is it just because of it's new environment?

 

[MommiesBoyX]

do you have backing on his tank? it normally helps to cover the back and sides. some people will put a strip along the bottom front to stop snout rubbing. you may need to move his tank to a quieter place till he calms down.

 

[Phosphate]

do you have backing on his tank? it normally helps to cover the back and sides. some people will put a strip along the bottom front to stop snout rubbing. you may need to move his tank to a quieter place till he calms down.

Thanks for the information, I think it is quite enough but covering the sides is a nice idea. Thanks!

 

[blue11]

i use slate/tile in Blue Belles viv. I DID start out with sand for the first two months of her life, and man am i glad i switched. Sheis 5 months old now and all her sand stains are gone and no worries of impaction. I know that sand is visually appealing to alot of people, but like the rest of the dudes and dudettes said, once you got to tile or stone, you and your sweet beardie will be so much healthier and happer. Seems like she is just exploring right now, it can take weeks for a beardie to adapt to its new home. She may want to take a little adventure out in and on your hand, just be careful, the little ones are jumpers!!! But once she does settle in, it will be her (or his) castle...then again, your arms and shoulders and chest will be. ha! GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING!!!!
Em and Blue Belle

 

[Phosphate]

i use slate/tile in Blue Belles viv. I DID start out with sand for the first two months of her life, and man am i glad i switched. Sheis 5 months old now and all her sand stains are gone and no worries of impaction. I know that sand is visually appealing to alot of people, but like the rest of the dudes and dudettes said, once you got to tile or stone, you and your sweet beardie will be so much healthier and happer. Seems like she is just exploring right now, it can take weeks for a beardie to adapt to its new home. She may want to take a little adventure out in and on your hand, just be careful, the little ones are jumpers!!! But once she does settle in, it will be her (or his) castle...then again, your arms and shoulders and chest will be. ha! GOOD LUCK WITH EVERYTHING!!!!
Em and Blue Belle

Hey thanks for all your input! Appreciate it very much. What type of slate/tile did you use though if you don't mind me asking?

 

[midmichicer]

Ive got ceramic tile from Home depot. Very cheap...

Old pic, but you get the point...

 

[Phosphate]

Ive got ceramic tile from Home depot. Very cheap...

Old pic, but you get the point...

Good idea, thanks!