new to beardies

[debz]

i got my first beardie last night i got him off a work mate who needed to down size on his reptile collection due to lack of funding.
my new beardie needs a name
he is approx 9 month old and about 10 to 12 inch long.Hes quiet tame and seems healthy enough but being a new mother i need advice. his viv is home made and only about 6 inch bigger than he is. it has 2 logs for him to climb and bask on a water bowl and veggie bowl as you can imagine its very crowded in there for him.he has a heat bulb but no uv bulb. he came with a small bottle of powder to coat the crickets in and was told i didnt need a uv bulb with this powder.
we have ordered him a new 4 foot viv but wont be here for at least another week and intend to put in a 4 foot uv strip light will i need to keep using the powder.he does not seem to drink from the water bowl and gets angry if i sprey him.
due to the size of his viv we let him have free run of the living room last night it was so funny watching him run round licking everything including me and my sons but was worried he was away from his basking heat too long how long is a good time for them to be out of the viv?
any help greatley appreciated mummy debz
ps would post pics of him but dont know how lol

 

[dragongirl95]

hi welcome to the forum.you can buy heat lamps that are heat and uv. here a post that will help you post pics viewtopic.php?f=8&t=138810 . what his coloring? as long as they bobies feel warm is as long as they can stay out. it good that ur getting him a new viv. have you gave him a bath yet? i give mine bath two times a week. the water could be as deep as their elboe thought you might want it lower to see how he likes water.

 

[debz]

thanks he will have his first bath this evening when i turn on my heating and the room is nice and warm for him lol will let you know how it goes

 

[debz]

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[SpazticMagic]

He's such a handsome dragon! Most definitely get a UVB bulb, and a larger enclosure for sure. I hope to be able to post pictures of my own when i get them--and don't worry about being new to all this, we can be new together! :wink:

 

[debz]

i will post pics of his new home as soon as it gets here

 

[dragongirl95]

i think the name rex or tiger or something preestoric sounding

 

[debz]

he chose his own name icall everyone pumpkin and automatically called it pumpkin and the lil critter cocked his head i moved to other side of viv and called pumpkin againn he cocked his head and turned round to look at me silly name but he likes it

 

[Slave2Scarlett]

Hello and Welcome :wave: It's great that you are getting him a bigger viv b/c that is very important for the little creatures.. You really need to purchase the UVB bulb asap b/c he sounds a little small for 9 months and that could be due to the lack of UV.. UV is essential for the health of the beardie and without it they can develop metabolic bone disease which is very painful and can lead to death.. The best most recommended bulb is the Reptisun 10.0 Tube. You can purchase this bulb @ www.petmountain.com.. Cheapest place to order.. Then you will need a fixture to go along with it which you can purchase @ walmart for about $8.. I have a 4foot viv and I have a 24" uvb in it.. I just needs to be mounted so that the beardie can get within 6-8 inches of it. The best way to mount and probably the easiest is to get some industrial strength velcro strips and mount it to the back of the viv.. To answer your question about the calcium powder.. Yes you need to use that in conjunction with the uv light.. They need one dusting per day.. And I didn't see you mention anything about substrate.. Just keep in mind that any type of loose substrate (sand) can be very dangerous for beardies b/c if ingested it can cause impaction.. So I would suggest using slate tile, non adhesive shelf liner, repti carpet or paper towels.. But like I said u may have one of these.. www.beautifuldragons.com is a great website to refer to for nutritional info.. Hope this helps and good luck!

 

[debz]

thank you for the info every bit is gratefully recieved.im in the uk so dont have walmart but have a few very good reptile shops here.
as for the question ofsubstrate im using wood chips

 

[Slave2Scarlett]

thank you for the info every bit is gratefully recieved.im in the uk so dont have walmart but have a few very good reptile shops here.
as for the question ofsubstrate im using wood chips

Ahh yeah sorry I forget not everyone has walmart..lol
The bulb that is comparable to the reptisun that is available in the UK is the Arcadia 12% i believe.. Here is a list of useful UK links that might help you..
UK LINKS
Vivarium equipment / decoration
http://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/ (good prices on UVBs etc)
http://www.surreypetsupplies.co.uk
http://gekozone.co.uk/index.php?option= ... e&Itemid=1
http://www.davesreptiles.co.uk/

Livefoods (things not available in most UK pet shops inc roaches, silkworms, butterworms, calci worms etc)
http://www.rickslivefood.co.uk
http://www.reptilecentre.com/
http://www.butterworms.co.uk
http://www.livefoodsforgood.co.uk

Very helpful UV information
http://www.uvguide.co.uk/

 

[dragongirl95]

pumpkin is a cute name

 

[debz]

update on pumpkin
He is now on a healthier diet and got his uv light
within 10 minutes of us putting his uv light in he had his first poo in the 3 days ive had him without me having to give him a warm bath he is also eating his greens as if hes never been fed all he needs now to be really happy is his new much laarger viv cant wait for it to arrive lol

thankss to everyone for your help and good advice Pumkin and pumkins mummy debz xxxx