New beardie owner~~

[militarybratforlife]

I just picked out a bearded dragon yesterday...he looked very small, and was a little lathargic. Yah I know, why pick a small one? I felt sorry for him...I brought him home, set up his UVA light at one end, his UVB on the other end. I have him in a 10 gal tank right now, and will move him to his bigger one later.

He seemed to perk up last night, after I put him in a little bit of water. I can't see if he has eaten; however, I did noticed some poop in his cage this morning.

My question..yesterday as I looked at his underneath..he was white with grey lines on his stomach and neck. Today when I got him out it was white...then tonight I noticed the lines..is this normal? What does this mean? Is he dehydrated? Cold? Hot????

 

[carmdac]

You might want to re-ask that same question under behavior topic. I am new myself, but to my knowledge it is normal having to do w/ its mood. I beilieve the darker the lines and beard get the more aggitated your beardie might be.

 

[cadjockey]

I have noticed lately that Harold has been having the dark lines appear on his belly. I pick him up and perch him on my shoulder for a bit and the lines disappear and his belly is white again.

I think it is like a mood indicator...its like wearing a beardie mood ring. :lol:

 

[jthmdepp]

I'm a new owner as well, but those marks on their bellies are what you call beardie "stress marks". You're totally right about it sort of being a mood indicator. New beardies often have them while they are readjusting to their new environment supposedly. It's a good sign they go away when you bring your beardie out to handle him, that means he likes you! n.n