New family additon

[doogie]

Hi all

I have just purchased my first juvenile Bearded Dragon. I have been looking for some time and just needed to do the homework before the purchase.
I collected him the other day from the local pet store after setting up the new home for him.
He seems to have settled down well and is eating. I have been spraying him with water has suggested and he has water in the tank but I have not seen him drink. Is this a process that he will learn over time.

 

[zebraflavencs]

Most likely not, though there are exceptions to every rule. Dragons tend to be attracted to Moving water. Thus the bath. Still water means to them, poison, and most won't drink from it, though they might soak.
Janie.

 

[doogie]

Thanks for the reply , how oftern should I spray him ( still thinking of a name for the little chap) he seem happy just do not want him to de hydrate. What is the best time to feed him , the UV and basking light come on at 7am and go off at 9PM.
Do they need to warm up to help digest.

 

[SJM]

Generally, leaving a dish of water in the tank is frowned upon because it raises humidity levels, which beardies are sensitive too. A soak once or twice a week in lukewarm water up to his armpits will suffice for hydrating your beardie. He will take in water through his skin and his vent. I don't spray my beardies, I don't feel like it's necessary. If you must, make sure to do it outside of the tank, and I would recommend letting them dry before you put him back in. Once or twice a week is fine.

I would feed him at 8:30-9:15 AM and 5:45-6:45 PM. If you have time for another feeding, he'd probably enjoy another small meal at around 1 PM, but a lot of us can't come home in the afternoon for beardie feedings.

Beardies need time to bask before AND after every feeding and bath/misting. Congrats on your new baby.