New Beardie Owner concerned

[raegsmith]

Starting sometime last night our little bearded dragon (approx 6-7 weeks old) started closing one eye. He will open every now and then and it looks fine, but he will not keep it opened. This morning when we offered him some dubia roaches he didn't seem interested, but he ate ok yesterday. I've read a lot of posts on this site about the UVB light maybe hurting the dragons eyes. I have a reptisun 10.0 on the inside of his encloure. It hangs from the back side wall and it hangs down just enough that he likes to climb up and lay and lay on top of the light fixture. Could this be the issue?

 

[TheAnimalLover]

Is the top of the light fixture hot? He may have touched it with his eye. I'd check if he is getting a good amount of Uv rays. Can't say for sure.

 

[raegsmith]

the fixture isn't even warm to the touch and the light itself isn't hot at all. I'm not sure how to check to see if he' getting enough uv rays. I have the reptisun 10.0 and the the Zoo med basking light on at least 12 hours a day. I also have a normal 60 watt light bulb on the cool side during the day time.

 

[TheAnimalLover]

the fixture isn't even warm to the touch and the light itself isn't hot at all. I'm not sure how to check to see if he' getting enough uv rays. I have the reptisun 10.0 and the the Zoo med basking light on at least 12 hours a day. I also have a normal 60 watt light bulb on the cool side during the day time.

What type of substrate do you use? If it's shavings or sand, he could have gotten some in his eye. Is he trying to rub it out? Try to spot anything in his eye.

 

[raegsmith]

No substrate at all. The enclosure has a ceramic tile floor.

https://www.facebook.com/BeardedDragonCaesar

 

[Momomo]

on the package of the Reptisun 10.0 there is a clear warning that reptiles should NOT be closer than 6 inches to the bulb or it will hurt their eyes. My guess is this is where the problem is. You need to make sure the bulb is at least 6 inches away from your dragon and he can't climb on it.

 

[raegsmith]

I'll fix it now. Thx for the reply!

 

[TheAnimalLover]

Yes, that would be the best conclusion. Maybe try hanging it above the cage.

 

[Momomo]

I'll fix it now. Thx for the reply!

no problem I hope your dragon will feel better with the change

 

[raegsmith]

thx for the input. I've did some remodeling in the last hour or so. I removed the fixture from hanging in the top-back corner. I've attached it to the top of the screened enclosure using some fishing line. I don't think there is anyway possible the beardie can get close to it now. I've also measured all around the enclosure and made sure the closest he can get to the light is no less than six inches.

We did try feeding him again a little while ago. He ate about 15 baby dubia. He still keeps his eye closed, will open for second or so, then close again.

I have posted a picture of Caesar (eye closed..the other is opened).

https://www.facebook.com/BeardedDragonCaesar

 

[raegsmith]

I now have the uvb inside the enclosure and it's about 10-12 inches from the dragons basking site. Is this still to close? He is still keeping one I closed almost all of the time..starting doing it yesterday afternoon and has continued today?

 

[kcarello]

Your dragon should be able to get within 6 - 8 inches of the uvb light. You need a bright white lite for basking placed right next to the uvb light. By the way, your dragon is adorable.

 

[raegsmith]

I'm a little confused. When you say 'bright white light' what exactly do you mean? I'm using the zoo med 100w. I have it dimmed just a little so that the maximum basking temp is right at 105. This light right next to the uvb light.