new beardie

[codym]

I just bought my be ready about a week ago and the first couple of days he let me hold him but now he tends to try to bite me and runs even when I just put my hand in tank any suggestions on how to help?or is it just a typical behavior because he's new?

 

[graceface]

Congrats on the new dragon! If he has a black beard, black lines on his belly, or just seems darker in general, he's definitely stressed. But generally moving around stresses them out too, being in a new environment and all. Maybe leave him alone for a couple of days and let him get acquainted with everything. What's your setup like?

After he settles in, picking him up from in front of him instead of above will help,it probably scares him having a giant hand come up from the top lol. Taking him out before bed for some snuggles might help, or a warm bath.

 

[codym]

it takes about 20 gallons I'm getting a 50 gallon once he outgrows this one he has two lamps on top I keep his basking areaat about a hundred to a hundred and five and his other areas about 80 to 90 Heath about ten cricket today mixed in with small cabbage and carrots he does have black lines onhis stomach most of the time though I'm worried that he's stressing out about me moving around the room.

 

[graceface]

His stress level will probably go down. Do you have a fluorescent UVB bulb in addition to the heat?

Cabbage is not nutritious for bearded dragons. It would be like eating potato chips every day. Try feeding mustard greens, collard greens, or dandelion greens instead. He'll be much happier. carrots are ok every once in a while as a treat, but they have high levels of vitamin A which is dangerous for beardies. Bell peppers or squash would be good instead to add in with your greens.

 

[codym]

I do have a uvb bulb on the other side of the tank I will change the veggies though thank you I'm trying to get as much information as I can cause I really do love having drogon that's his name around and i want to take the best care of him I can

 

[graceface]

That's a cute name! Glad you want to take care of him. A lot of people just don't do their research and do what's cheap instead.

What kind of UVB do you have?

 

[graceface]

Oh another tip, try to keep the UVB on the same side as the basking bulb, they should be able to get UVB and heat at the same time.

 

[codym]

Thank you for all the tips also if you would not mind should I try to bathe him now or should I wait till he calms down?

 

[graceface]

Not sure some beardies are calmed down by a bath others Are stressed. Wait a couple more days and see how he is and then bathe him.