New Beardie owner - stressed beardie??

[babieepinky]

Hellooo, I recently got a bearded dragon from a co worker of mine who said she didn't have enough time to care for him anymore, he's quite a big beardie and I believe that his enclosure is a bit too small for his size. I have fed him fresh greens with a mix of the dried beardie food mix and he seemed to LOVE the peas that were incorporated in the mix. I was feeding him live superworms as well until I read that they weren't that nutritious. I live in a small town with the closest exotic pet store about an hour away so when I run out of live worms I feed him moist crickets. Lately here I moved him downstairs into the living room, instead of my bedroom, so he could see more people activity and be more comfortable with the two dogs we have as well. I noticed that he hasn't been eating as he should be and he hasn't pooped in a few days as well. He rarely drinks his water unless i drip it onto his nose. Today I fed him romaine lettuce, sugar snap peas, moist crickets with adult bearded dragon trail mix pellets on top. He wouldn't touch it until I went and picked some dandelions and placed them on top. Once i did he climbed down off his hammock and started eating BUT ONLY ATE his dandelions. I've tried hand feeding him the rest of his food, but he doesn't budge. I know that he needs ALOT more hides and a bigger basking spot limb so i can move his hammock to the cool side. I have moved his hammock to the cool side before and i found out that't where he laid at most, was in his hammock, with a few exceptions of climbing onto his lil drift wood piece where his basking light was. I wasn't working for a while, so i've been limited on money but have been trying to make work with what i have/can get my hands on. I know i need a digital thermometer with a probe to get accurate readings as for temps, but for the time being i just have a digital thermometer which reads his basking temp as 72-75 degrees with humidity being 44%. I recently had to buy a 60 watt basking bulb from walmart because the one i got from petsense had blown after a month of having it, i do plan on going back to buy a better basking bulb as soon as possible, but I need SERIOUS guidance and help so he can stop being so tense, black bearded, and stop glass surfing his tank. I've attached some photos for a better view of how i have his tank setup, and as far as the substrate goes i do plan on changing it up to a mixture of the 50/50 coconut and sand substrate.

 

[KarrieRee]

Hellooo, I recently got a bearded dragon from a co worker of mine who said she didn't have enough time to care for him anymore, he's quite a big beardie and I believe that his enclosure is a bit too small for his size. I have fed him fresh greens with a mix of the dried beardie food mix and he seemed to LOVE the peas that were incorporated in the mix. I was feeding him live superworms as well until I read that they weren't that nutritious. I live in a small town with the closest exotic pet store about an hour away so when I run out of live worms I feed him moist crickets. Lately here I moved him downstairs into the living room, instead of my bedroom, so he could see more people activity and be more comfortable with the two dogs we have as well. I noticed that he hasn't been eating as he should be and he hasn't pooped in a few days as well. He rarely drinks his water unless i drip it onto his nose. Today I fed him romaine lettuce, sugar snap peas, moist crickets with adult bearded dragon trail mix pellets on top. He wouldn't touch it until I went and picked some dandelions and placed them on top. Once i did he climbed down off his hammock and started eating BUT ONLY ATE his dandelions. I've tried hand feeding him the rest of his food, but he doesn't budge. I know that he needs ALOT more hides and a bigger basking spot limb so i can move his hammock to the cool side. I have moved his hammock to the cool side before and i found out that't where he laid at most, was in his hammock, with a few exceptions of climbing onto his lil drift wood piece where his basking light was. I wasn't working for a while, so i've been limited on money but have been trying to make work with what i have/can get my hands on. I know i need a digital thermometer with a probe to get accurate readings as for temps, but for the time being i just have a digital thermometer which reads his basking temp as 72-75 degrees with humidity being 44%. I recently had to buy a 60 watt basking bulb from walmart because the one i got from petsense had blown after a month of having it, i do plan on going back to buy a better basking bulb as soon as possible, but I need SERIOUS guidance and help so he can stop being so tense, black bearded, and stop glass surfing his tank. I've attached some photos for a better view of how i have his tank setup, and as far as the substrate goes i do plan on changing it up to a mixture of the 50/50 coconut and sand substrate.

Please NO coconut substrate and recommend NO loose substrate --- it harbors bacteria -- you can get some textured NON adhesive shelf liner from Walmart or your local home improvement store --- clean w/ vinegar/ water 50/50 -- coconut is no good --- next you need two digital probe thermometers immediately you want surface basking temps of 95-100 or he will not be able to start his digestion process your pet store might have these -- https://www.petmountain.com/product/zoo-med-digital-thermometer-for-terrariums--- next I see NO UVB --- this is critical for a dragons health - he needs this to process the calcium hes ingesting and to keep MBD away amongst other illnesses -- including skin -- you also need a digital probe hygrometer for correct humidity readings in the tank -- optimal 40-50% nothing under 20 or over 70% -- but the first and foremost you need those temps in the tank correct and the UVB -- I am going to post 3 UVB's for you that are recommended please pick one your screen on the tank is going to determine where it should be placed -- for a tank you have now it looks like a 40 gallon? these are good for 40 + gallon tanks
24" Zoo Med this will come w/a 5.0 bulb please get this bulb a 22" Reptisun
Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO High Output Terrarium Hood this bulb

Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO High Output Fluorescent Bulb

Zoo Med Reptisun T5 HO 10.0 UVB High Output Bulbs offer increased UVB and brighter light output thats perfect for larger reptile habitats. This helps enhance vitamin D production to prevent or reverse metabolic bone problems in reptiles. High output UVB bulb thats perfect for larger reptile...

www.petmountain.com

or this one this can be found at Pet Smart you want a 24 watt / 12% bulb

Reptile Light Fixtures | PetSmart

Shop Reptile Light Fixtures at PetSmart online or in-store to see our amazing deals today!

www.petsmart.com

or this one you will need to change the bulb out to the one posted above - you want a 2 ft or 24"

https://hydrobuilder.com/sunblaster-nanotech-t5-ho-fixture-with-6400k-lamp.html?opts=eyJhdHRyaWJ1dGU5MDEiOiI2NjEwIn0=

this is imperative he has this -- this and incorrect basking temps and the small tank could all be reasons for the glass surfing and black bearding- the black beard is distress --- please get your tank husbandry fixed - the pellets I would stop feeding and the crickets are ok I recommend dubias roaches - they are a good staple feeder- he should be fed insects 2-3 times per week but he needs fresh salads every day Nutrition Content ignore the kale info it is outdated - hes going thru relocation stress which the eating will be off but w/ surface basking temps off and NO UVB I am surprised hes eating at all -- here are some websites to order insects from - the super worms are good for treats - 1-3 every other day but not a staple feeder - horn worms are also good treat worms - they grow fast so order small amounts and feed 1-2 every day they are a good hydrating worm -
I would get a 10 gallon aquarium and order like 200 roaches - he can eat large or extra large being he is an adult - large super worms - this website has the best super worms you will need to get meal worm food and feed carrots for hydration Fluker Farms - Order Live Crickets, Mealworms, Superworms they have the best super worms I have found so far -- I have been ordering the horn worms from these people they are nice worms -- you can get the hygrometer and the roaches from here www.dubiaroaches.com -- they have great roaches -- he should have the roaches dusted w/ calcium D3 once per week and calcium w/ out D3 no phosphorus 2 times per week -- has he ever had a UVB? What is in the silver dome? I would look at upgrading the tank as soon as you can -- we can help w/ what as well -- please let me know if you need more help others on here can help as well -- but please get the tank w/ the temps up to par and the UVB

 

[babieepinky]

Please NO coconut substrate and recommend NO loose substrate --- it harbors bacteria -- you can get some textured NON adhesive shelf liner from Walmart or your local home improvement store --- clean w/ vinegar/ water 50/50 -- coconut is no good --- next you need two digital probe thermometers immediately you want surface basking temps of 95-100 or he will not be able to start his digestion process your pet store might have these -- https://www.petmountain.com/product/zoo-med-digital-thermometer-for-terrariums--- next I see NO UVB --- this is critical for a dragons health - he needs this to process the calcium hes ingesting and to keep MBD away amongst other illnesses -- including skin -- you also need a digital probe hygrometer for correct humidity readings in the tank -- optimal 40-50% nothing under 20 or over 70% -- but the first and foremost you need those temps in the tank correct and the UVB -- I am going to post 3 UVB's for you that are recommended please pick one your screen on the tank is going to determine where it should be placed -- for a tank you have now it looks like a 40 gallon? these are good for 40 + gallon tanks
24" Zoo Med this will come w/a 5.0 bulb please get this bulb a 22" Reptisun
Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO High Output Terrarium Hood this bulb

Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO High Output Fluorescent Bulb

Zoo Med Reptisun T5 HO 10.0 UVB High Output Bulbs offer increased UVB and brighter light output thats perfect for larger reptile habitats. This helps enhance vitamin D production to prevent or reverse metabolic bone problems in reptiles. High output UVB bulb thats perfect for larger reptile...

www.petmountain.com

or this one this can be found at Pet Smart you want a 24 watt / 12% bulb

Reptile Light Fixtures | PetSmart

Shop Reptile Light Fixtures at PetSmart online or in-store to see our amazing deals today!

www.petsmart.com

or this one you will need to change the bulb out to the one posted above - you want a 2 ft or 24"

https://hydrobuilder.com/sunblaster-nanotech-t5-ho-fixture-with-6400k-lamp.html?opts=eyJhdHRyaWJ1dGU5MDEiOiI2NjEwIn0=

this is imperative he has this -- this and incorrect basking temps and the small tank could all be reasons for the glass surfing and black bearding- the black beard is distress --- please get your tank husbandry fixed - the pellets I would stop feeding and the crickets are ok I recommend dubias roaches - they are a good staple feeder- he should be fed insects 2-3 times per week but he needs fresh salads every day Nutrition Content ignore the kale info it is outdated - hes going thru relocation stress which the eating will be off but w/ surface basking temps off and NO UVB I am surprised hes eating at all -- here are some websites to order insects from - the super worms are good for treats - 1-3 every other day but not a staple feeder - horn worms are also good treat worms - they grow fast so order small amounts and feed 1-2 every day they are a good hydrating worm -
I would get a 10 gallon aquarium and order like 200 roaches - he can eat large or extra large being he is an adult - large super worms - this website has the best super worms you will need to get meal worm food and feed carrots for hydration Fluker Farms - Order Live Crickets, Mealworms, Superworms they have the best super worms I have found so far -- I have been ordering the horn worms from these people they are nice worms -- you can get the hygrometer and the roaches from here www.dubiaroaches.com -- they have great roaches -- he should have the roaches dusted w/ calcium D3 once per week and calcium w/ out D3 no phosphorus 2 times per week -- has he ever had a UVB? What is in the silver dome? I would look at upgrading the tank as soon as you can -- we can help w/ what as well -- please let me know if you need more help others on here can help as well -- but please get the tank w/ the temps up to par and the UVB

Thank you so much! i have been stressing about him ever since i got him and worried i’m not doing great, so thank you so much for the help! the silver dome is a Zoomed Reptisun 10.0 UVB 13 watt mini compact fluorescent light, i’ll post a screenshot of the one i purchased. For his size, how big of a tank do you recommend? I’ve heard 120 Gallons is best, but i’m really limited on money right now, so was wondering if there was a more funds sufficient way to either make the existing tank bigger or make/purchase a bigger tank in general. Another question, is it okay for his hammock to be under his basking light since that’s his favorite spot to lay. i’ve had it on the cooler side for a little bit, and he rarely basked.

 

[KarrieRee]

Thank you so much! i have been stressing about him ever since i got him and worried i’m not doing great, so thank you so much for the help! the silver dome is a Zoomed Reptisun 10.0 UVB 13 watt mini compact fluorescent light, i’ll post a screenshot of the one i purchased. For his size, how big of a tank do you recommend? I’ve heard 120 Gallons is best, but i’m really limited on money right now, so was wondering if there was a more funds sufficient way to either make the existing tank bigger or make/purchase a bigger tank in general. Another question, is it okay for his hammock to be under his basking light since that’s his favorite spot to lay. i’ve had it on the cooler side for a little bit, and he rarely basked.

Please get rid if the coil / take it back --- those are NO good and will cause all kinds of health issues --- Pet Smart is selling Zen Habitats and you can make payments to them or you can go to ZenHabitats.com and they will take Paypal -- or you can go to www.dubiaroaches.com and look at their tanks -- you want a 4x2x2 tank -- for now I would work on getting your lighting and temps correct that is the most critical at this time -- shut the coil off and get one of the UVB's I have posted for you -- right now getting him out of the tank for 2 hrs per day will help w/ the small tank --- you can take him outside for good UVB providing the temps is above 65 --- place him in the sun or sit w/ him in the sun for 15 min per day or longer if you can -- your tank looks really low how high is it?

 

[babieepinky]

okay, no coil! will take it back and get the right bulb/fixture ASAP. thank you so much for the help! his tank is about 20 inches off the ground since we don't quite have a stand long and tall enough for him to sit on. What is the appropriate height that he should be sitting off the ground (stand wise)?

 

[KarrieRee]

okay, no coil! will take it back and get the right bulb/fixture ASAP. thank you so much for the help! his tank is about 20 inches off the ground since we don't quite have a stand long and tall enough for him to sit on. What is the appropriate height that he should be sitting off the ground (stand wise)?

I don't think it matters but a old dresser not tall w/ drawers is good to have or a fish aquarium stand - I got one from a used / second hand furniture store w/ 4 drawers for $40 works great- sorry I meant tank height - what is the height of the tank?

 

[Hazel_Basil10]

It can be also he is stressed that he is in a new home as my Hazel was stressed and didn't eat much the first week.

 

[babieepinky]

I don't think it matters but a old dresser not tall w/ drawers is good to have or a fish aquarium stand - I got one from a used / second hand furniture store w/ 4 drawers for $40 works great- sorry I meant tank height - what is the height of the tank?

okay, and his tank height measures to be just a little past 17 in

 

[KarrieRee]

okay, and his tank height measures to be just a little past 17 in

Ok the screen on the tank is fine mesh like a screen door or a wide holed type?

 

[babieepinky]

Ok the screen on the tank is fine mesh like a screen door or a wide holed type?

it’s a wide hole mesh

 

[KarrieRee]

it’s a wide hole mesh

Ok uvb can go on top - put a piece of basking decor directly under it 8-10 inches

 

[babieepinky]

Hellooo, I recently got a bearded dragon from a co worker of mine who said she didn't have enough time to care for him anymore, he's quite a big beardie and I believe that his enclosure is a bit too small for his size. I have fed him fresh greens with a mix of the dried beardie food mix and he seemed to LOVE the peas that were incorporated in the mix. I was feeding him live superworms as well until I read that they weren't that nutritious. I live in a small town with the closest exotic pet store about an hour away so when I run out of live worms I feed him moist crickets. Lately here I moved him downstairs into the living room, instead of my bedroom, so he could see more people activity and be more comfortable with the two dogs we have as well. I noticed that he hasn't been eating as he should be and he hasn't pooped in a few days as well. He rarely drinks his water unless i drip it onto his nose. Today I fed him romaine lettuce, sugar snap peas, moist crickets with adult bearded dragon trail mix pellets on top. He wouldn't touch it until I went and picked some dandelions and placed them on top. Once i did he climbed down off his hammock and started eating BUT ONLY ATE his dandelions. I've tried hand feeding him the rest of his food, but he doesn't budge. I know that he needs ALOT more hides and a bigger basking spot limb so i can move his hammock to the cool side. I have moved his hammock to the cool side before and i found out that't where he laid at most, was in his hammock, with a few exceptions of climbing onto his lil drift wood piece where his basking light was. I wasn't working for a while, so i've been limited on money but have been trying to make work with what i have/can get my hands on. I know i need a digital thermometer with a probe to get accurate readings as for temps, but for the time being i just have a digital thermometer which reads his basking temp as 72-75 degrees with humidity being 44%. I recently had to buy a 60 watt basking bulb from walmart because the one i got from petsense had blown after a month of having it, i do plan on going back to buy a better basking bulb as soon as possible, but I need SERIOUS guidance and help so he can stop being so tense, black bearded, and stop glass surfing his tank. I've attached some photos for a better view of how i have his tank setup, and as far as the substrate goes i do plan on changing it up to a mixture of the 50/50 coconut and sand substrate.

Please NO coconut substrate and recommend NO loose substrate --- it harbors bacteria -- you can get some textured NON adhesive shelf liner from Walmart or your local home improvement store --- clean w/ vinegar/ water 50/50 -- coconut is no good --- next you need two digital probe thermometers immediately you want surface basking temps of 95-100 or he will not be able to start his digestion process your pet store might have these -- https://www.petmountain.com/product/zoo-med-digital-thermometer-for-terrariums--- next I see NO UVB --- this is critical for a dragons health - he needs this to process the calcium hes ingesting and to keep MBD away amongst other illnesses -- including skin -- you also need a digital probe hygrometer for correct humidity readings in the tank -- optimal 40-50% nothing under 20 or over 70% -- but the first and foremost you need those temps in the tank correct and the UVB -- I am going to post 3 UVB's for you that are recommended please pick one your screen on the tank is going to determine where it should be placed -- for a tank you have now it looks like a 40 gallon? these are good for 40 + gallon tanks
24" Zoo Med this will come w/a 5.0 bulb please get this bulb a 22" Reptisun
Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO High Output Terrarium Hood this bulb

Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO High Output Fluorescent Bulb

Zoo Med Reptisun T5 HO 10.0 UVB High Output Bulbs offer increased UVB and brighter light output thats perfect for larger reptile habitats. This helps enhance vitamin D production to prevent or reverse metabolic bone problems in reptiles. High output UVB bulb thats perfect for larger reptile...

www.petmountain.com

or this one this can be found at Pet Smart you want a 24 watt / 12% bulb

Reptile Light Fixtures | PetSmart

Shop Reptile Light Fixtures at PetSmart online or in-store to see our amazing deals today!

www.petsmart.com

or this one you will need to change the bulb out to the one posted above - you want a 2 ft or 24"

https://hydrobuilder.com/sunblaster-nanotech-t5-ho-fixture-with-6400k-lamp.html?opts=eyJhdHRyaWJ1dGU5MDEiOiI2NjEwIn0=

this is imperative he has this -- this and incorrect basking temps and the small tank could all be reasons for the glass surfing and black bearding- the black beard is distress --- please get your tank husbandry fixed - the pellets I would stop feeding and the crickets are ok I recommend dubias roaches - they are a good staple feeder- he should be fed insects 2-3 times per week but he needs fresh salads every day Nutrition Content ignore the kale info it is outdated - hes going thru relocation stress which the eating will be off but w/ surface basking temps off and NO UVB I am surprised hes eating at all -- here are some websites to order insects from - the super worms are good for treats - 1-3 every other day but not a staple feeder - horn worms are also good treat worms - they grow fast so order small amounts and feed 1-2 every day they are a good hydrating worm -
I would get a 10 gallon aquarium and order like 200 roaches - he can eat large or extra large being he is an adult - large super worms - this website has the best super worms you will need to get meal worm food and feed carrots for hydration Fluker Farms - Order Live Crickets, Mealworms, Superworms they have the best super worms I have found so far -- I have been ordering the horn worms from these people they are nice worms -- you can get the hygrometer and the roaches from here www.dubiaroaches.com -- they have great roaches -- he should have the roaches dusted w/ calcium D3 once per week and calcium w/ out D3 no phosphorus 2 times per week -- has he ever had a UVB? What is in the silver dome? I would look at upgrading the tank as soon as you can -- we can help w/ what as well -- please let me know if you need more help others on here can help as well -- but please get the tank w/ the temps up to par and the UVB

Update: I got the UVB you told me to get, got some dubia roaches, and even another basking bulb because the one i had wasn’t doing the basking spot justice, so now i have two. I even bought a digital probe thermometer and another thermometer with a hygrometer. He’s still not drinking water but I gave him a a bath before i cleaned his tank, and then again about an hour after i situated his tank and introduced him because he was scratching his face and body due to shedding. he pooped regularly today but also noticed that after the second bath he was only secreting clear liquid which he has done twice. he also was mouth wide open while basking earlier and i’ve never witnessed him do that before. i have included some photos of his tank after cleaning and situating it, photos of him mouth open while basking (for reference but also for enjoyment ) Please help with tips of trying to hydrate him, for i think he is dehydrated

 

[KarrieRee]

Update: I got the UVB you told me to get, got some dubia roaches, and even another basking bulb because the one i had wasn’t doing the basking spot justice, so now i have two. I even bought a digital probe thermometer and another thermometer with a hygrometer. He’s still not drinking water but I gave him a a bath before i cleaned his tank, and then again about an hour after i situated his tank and introduced him because he was scratching his face and body due to shedding. he pooped regularly today but also noticed that after the second bath he was only secreting clear liquid which he has done twice. he also was mouth wide open while basking earlier and i’ve never witnessed him do that before. i have included some photos of his tank after cleaning and situating it, photos of him mouth open while basking (for reference but also for enjoyment ) Please help with tips of trying to hydrate him, for i think he is dehydrated

Ok so get a piece of basking decor directly under your UVB 8-10 inches -- watch his behavior - the screen is a wide hole type so it can sit on top but I am wondering about the thickness of that screen that is why I said watch the behavior - his colors should pop and appetite should increase -- the opening of the mouth is him gaping which is adjusting his body temp thats a good thing ---the temps should be 95-100 so keep an eye on those surface basking temps -- dragons will drink when thirsty if he was offered water in the bath and didnt drink hes not thirsty and just water coming out means hes hydrated -- I would rinse the greens before serving and offer water on his nose every 10 days or so --- they dont need to be bathed so often and if hes shedding let it do its thing -- when it gets dry and crackly take and mist him then a soft baby toothbrush light brush the loose stuff off -- do not pick or peel please!!