New to bearded dragons, any advice?

[champagne4amy]

Hello, I got a 2 month old baby beardie last Saturday and am in love with him already. He is just too cute. Anyway, I really want him to thrive and I worry about him constantly. I saw him eat at the retpile shop and he ate on Sunday. I wasn't home much yesterday so I'm not sure if he ate or not. I guess the reason for my worry is that at first I chose a baby leopard gecko and he never ate for me and died in less than a week. I was devastated. I did get him at Petsmart so they told me that happens often. Probably bad breeding. But anyway, any advice to help me keep from being such a worry wart? I have all of the temps perfect for him and he really loves to bask and peek out of the aquarium. When I hold him he just falls alseep and seems to love to be petted. Am I stressing him out by handling him so soon? I just can't help myself. Like I said he is so darn adorable and I just want to touch him!
Thanks for any help!
Amy

 

[sageorge1]

It all comes down to lighting (heat) his basking area should be near 110 F with the cool side at 85 F. UVB light to assist in his digestion of food and bone strength. What lights are you using? How big is the Viv? Feed him crickets w/ calcium dusting 2x a day + a fresh salad every day (there is a shopping list of greens on this sight). You must also mist HIM daily (not the entire Viv, but him) or give him a warm bath 2 a week.

 

[champagne4amy]

The temps are right at what you recommended and he also has a UVB light. He must be getting more comfortable now because he ate like a pig today! He was actaully hunting around for the crickets and I saw him eat quite a few. I do mist him and make sure to see him drink the droplets that fall on his face. I plan on giving him at least one bath a week too. I was just so worried that he wouldn't eat but after today I am feeling much more at ease.