New Beardie :)

[MHannaman]

Hey all !
I recently purchased my 2nd bearded dragon about 1 week ago. I had one in the past but only for a couple weeks and it eventually died literally the day after the return policy ended (long story with an upsetting ending :/ ). But anyway, I just finished her custom enclosure and got her all setup with the CORRECT lighting and temps. I do have one question though. It doesn't seem to be too hungry. I know it's about to shed due to the grey color and it rubbing against the basking log, but it hasn't touched any of the crickets or greens. It is a translucent and about 5.5 inches from nose to tip of tail. I'm concerned that she may be sick and even underweight for her size. Thoughts or advice ?

 

[Southpaw]

He/she may just need time to adjust to the new surroundings. It's pretty stressful for them so, as long as all the parameters are correct ie: basking temp., uvb, etc. just give him/her some time. And congrats. on the new family member.

 

[MHannaman]

As far as I know they are. Basking is at 109 and cool side is at 80 and humidity ranges from 16-30%. I'm using a 24" reptisun 10.0, but he/she is roughly around 5-5.5" away from it. Is that too close? I know they say 6-8 is ideal but will that .5" make a difference? I also ordered some phoenix worms and small dubia roache's which should be here tomorrow. Hopefully he/she will eat better. Thanks for the reply

 

[CooperDragon]

I agree that the lack of appetite may be due to relocation and/or the shed coming on. Your temps are in a good range and I wouldn't worry about the .5'' on the UVB, especially without a reflector. I'd just wait a bit, keep offering food, and wait for him to come around on his own after the shed is done.