New Classroom Pet

[Sheila3300]

This is Striker!
I am a teacher and decided on getting a beardie as a classroom pet. I got him this past Saturday. I am keeping him at home for about a week, to get used to me, then bringing him to school. Is that to soon?
Any tips on care and socializing to a classroom?
Very excited about the addition to our family. The picture is of the tank I have at home, my classroom tank is a bit taller, but the same other wise.

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. He's a looker for sure . Just a few things about the set up. First those round temp gages are very inaccurate. You want a temp gun or a digital with a wire probe as you need to know the temps on the basking spot. You want the temps to be 105 to 110 on the basking spot. In the 70s on the cool side. Do you have a uvb light? It looks like you have a coil/compact and those don't put off the proper amount of uvb. The most recommended on here is the reptisun 10.0 tube. Those or the Arcadia 13% tube are the best. Sand is definitely not a good subtrate as babies become impacted very easily. You can use tile, non adhesive shelf liner, paper towels. I use ceremic tile. Love it ! Looks good and way easier to keep clean. Also here is a site that will give you a good base line for a salad beautifuldragons.com. Do you have vitamins and calcium to dust his feeders? Don't forget no feeders bigger than the space between his eyes and he needs to be fed 2x a day for 10 mins.

 

[Sheila3300]

Thank you.
I am going tonight to another pet store, to get a temp gauge and ask about the uvb lights. I have been worried about the sand from the beginning, but the stores (reptile stores), say this one is made for beardies. As well he does not eat live crickets, I give him dusted superworms, but I am thinking of getting a few dried and dusted crickets for him. Since this is for a school, I was not allowed crickets, the reptile guys said that was fine.
As well I am wondering how to make him more social? I know he won't just walk on my hand right now, only been 4 days since I got him, but what things can I do? How do I pick him up, should I just lay my hand out and hope in a few days he climbs it, or should I lay my hand out and scoop him up? I am still a bit nervous as well.
Any advice is appreciated.

 

[destiny1998]

Thanks for answering. I would and still do snuggle with my beardies at night. When they were little I'd do a beardie burrito. They like that alot. . As far as diet goes it's best to feed them live feeders as they get there water from their diet. Good feeders for babies are dubia roaches( nymphs) depending on where you are. Phoenix worms are great, because they don't need to be dusted with calcium and they are soft bodied. Silk worms are good and butter worms also. Superworms should only be fed to beardies 16 inches as right now he has a kink in his digestive system. Mealworms are not good as they are hard for babies to digest. Here is a site that alot of us use to establish a good base for salad beautifuldragons.com. . To pick him up put your hand under him so he feels secure. Try not to pick up from above as beardies have a 3rd eye and will think of you as a predator.

 

[Sheila3300]

Thank you. I am starting to refer to beautifuldragons.org now for food ideas.
I went to the store and got butterworms for him for this week, and will get others next week, to try to give him variety. The lady at the store said only about 2-3 butterworms a day for him.
For the sand, I am going to change it over the holidays (when I am home). I want to go and get some slate tile, or may just use a carpet for now, and do tile later. I was wondering if, when you put tile in, where do they sleep, on the cold tile? Mine sleeps in his cave at night on the sand, should I just keep sand in the cave for him for the night, or is there another bedding to put down?
Last night was the first night I interacted with him more than just holding in my hand for a few minutes. I picked him up and let him walk all over my arms and chest, then he did the same to my husband (constantly petting him while he was moving). After that I put him on my stomach, he climbed half on my hand, half stomach and went to sleep. OMG it was the cutest thing ever, I was so happy.
Thank you for your advice, it has been very reassuring and helpful.

 

[destiny1998]

Glad you're bonding with him . Babies need more than 2 to 3 worms a day. More like 10 mins 2x a day. So like when my beardies were babies they could eat 50 crickets or dubia roaches a day. They eat a ton!!!! They grow so fast they need lots of protein. Tile is fine for them to sleep on. I have 3 and they each have their own blankets on our couch and thats where they sleep. Spoiled drangons for sure

 

[Sheila3300]

It is so cute when he cuddles into my hand and falls asleep.
He slept on a piece of the carpet I laid down near his food and water bowls last night, so may use that as bedding.
10 butterworms a day? I am going to get a variety of worms today to change things up for him.
Thank you for the advice.

 

[Sheila3300]

Unfortunately I just realized today that I should not get him used to sleeping in my hands, once I take him to my classroom, I will not be there to put him to sleep . I was really enjoying it, very sad it has to end, but at least I will get to play with him all day.

 

[destiny1998]

I know they are so stinkin cute when they're little. Hopefully he'll a just just fine in the classroom. Let me know how he does.

 

[Sheila3300]

They really are so cute. Right now he has attached to my chest and is just hanging out. I have to put him back so we can go out, but i don't want to.
i really hope he adjusts, my next biggest worry.
I am sure he will, just have to be patient and show him i am always there.