Hello everybody! My name is Julie and I caved in to my son's pleas to get a bearded dragon! I stepped out of my comfort zone and we got our baby Spike a few weeks ago who quickly won the heart of a dog person! Now we have so much to learn and I am so happy to have found this board.
These couple of weeks have not been easy but so much fun and I have a few questions to start with...
1. Terrarium - We purchased a Zoo Med’s 40 Gallon Bearded Dragon Starter Kit and a few extra accessories. What are we missing? What should we buy?
2. Temperature question (temps measured with the temp gun) - the temperature on the basking rock is anywhere between 100-105 F. Temperature on the hot side is about 98-101, cool side 78-85. I think it might be too low with the AC running as Spike now climbs on the very top of the vine close to the lamp and spends more time there then on the basking rock. Is he too close to the lamp? I am concerned it he'll freeze when the lights are off
3. Open mouth question - please don't laugh as it is something new for us. Spike sits with his mouth open for an extended periods of time. Is this normal?
4. Feeding - we have tries veggies, fruits, worms, and commercially packaged foods with no success. He only eats life crickets. I would eventually love to switch him to salads and Bearded Dragon food. Any suggestions on how I can do that?
All advice and suggestions are highly appreciated! TIA
These couple of weeks have not been easy but so much fun and I have a few questions to start with...
1. Terrarium - We purchased a Zoo Med’s 40 Gallon Bearded Dragon Starter Kit and a few extra accessories. What are we missing? What should we buy?
2. Temperature question (temps measured with the temp gun) - the temperature on the basking rock is anywhere between 100-105 F. Temperature on the hot side is about 98-101, cool side 78-85. I think it might be too low with the AC running as Spike now climbs on the very top of the vine close to the lamp and spends more time there then on the basking rock. Is he too close to the lamp? I am concerned it he'll freeze when the lights are off
3. Open mouth question - please don't laugh as it is something new for us. Spike sits with his mouth open for an extended periods of time. Is this normal?
4. Feeding - we have tries veggies, fruits, worms, and commercially packaged foods with no success. He only eats life crickets. I would eventually love to switch him to salads and Bearded Dragon food. Any suggestions on how I can do that?
All advice and suggestions are highly appreciated! TIA