new beardie

[shaun]

Hes approx coming upto 2 yr old. Ive only had him 1 week .hes only just started eating again. The problem is ive cleaned his viv out, put a new heat mat in .Hes had a bath, gone back in the viv all ok . But seen him sitting on the cool end of the viv .his colour changed to speckly black and he seemed to be abit cold when i handled him .have i done anything wrong ??

 

[Taterbug]

Hi there, could you go over your setup with us? The behavior alone isn't always a problem, dragons naturally change their colors for lots of reasons, but we like to rule out husbandry first and for most. What lights do you use for heat and UVB? What are the temperatures in your cage and how do you measure them?

I notice you are using a heat mat, used properly they are safe but aren't the best way to heat dragons.

 

[shaun]

Hi .the set up is .. just over 3 foot long. Ive bought a new heat bulb(white) 50 watt. As advised. The uv is a strip light approx 18inches long.The heat mat is approx 11x11.14.5 watt.

 

[NattyB]

No to heat mats!! Think of being a dragon. You want the heat beating down on you.

 

[Taterbug]

Hi .the set up is .. just over 3 foot long. Ive bought a new heat bulb(white) 50 watt. As advised. The uv is a strip light approx 18inches long.The heat mat is approx 11x11.14.5 watt.

How is your dragon today?

What are the temps and how do you measure them? Temperature is super important for these guys, and if your dragon is to warm or too cool he might not feel well. You want a basking surface of about 100-110, and a cool side 75-80 or so. Heat mats are ok only if you provide appropriate ambient and radiant heat - they only heat what they touch so the dragon can't get properly warm with one. They should also be controlled by a thermostat for safety, otherwise they can malfunction or overheat and burn your dragon quite badly.

What brand and shape is your UVB? Some bulbs/brands are irritating to them and they may try to avoid it.

Dragons can also be moody after stressful changes, but it's important to rule out the setup. If you haven't check out the care sheet on this site to make sure your setup is right. https://www.beardeddragon.org/articles/caresheet/

 

[shaun]

Hi Im getting told loads of different things. Ive been to a couple of pet shops and they have said use a heat mat. I didnt want to but with the shops saying use them .naturally i have done. The temps are 90s to 100. Hot end 75-80 cool end. Heat bulb is brand new cant remember the name but will get it . I think i may need a bigger watt bulb. But was advised on gettin a 50 watt .I have got a digital thermometer and a round sticky back one .advice required and accepted .

 

[shaun]

Hi .just incase anyone reads these messages.ive been out and bought a new heat bulb . Komodo 100 watt. White .see how that goes. Hes only just eating and only very little .how long can he go without filling his belly. I think hes just very choosey what he eats. Hes also very active.

 

[AustinSestak]

Do not listen to pet stores. They may know a lot about beardies or not, but having a meat mat can be detrimental to the dragon, and cause burns on the beardies stomach. They can not feel when there stomach is getting too hot and will remain on the heat mat. You do not need it. If your night temps are getting too low and thats the reason for getting one, then use a bulb ceramic heat bulb that just produces heat. Night temps can get as low as 65 degrees. But no lower. You just need a UVB light, like Reptisun 10.0. and a heat lamp for them to bask under.