So I am very excited to be welcoming home Oscar, a 7 year old bearded dragon I "adopted" from a friends son. Not only is Oscar in a new home, but a lot about his enclosure has changed. He was on sand, now he is on tile. He came with a compact coil UVB, but it was in its package so I'm not sure if they used it. Now I have a tube reptisun 10 set up and an extra light on his cool side (basking light by his rock and hide out) I also have a wood perch for him to climb. I think he might be a little dehydrated, he has never had a bath and his last owner mentioned he is probaby due for a mist. When he first got here I was able to hold him and he seemed fine. When I started setting up his tank he was in the box he came in. He puffed up and his beard turned black, he opened his mouth and followed me with his head when he saw me. I figured he was probably nervous and stressed. Here I am a strange huge thing making noise and walking around him. I got him all set up and he would puff up and black beard every time I came close to the tank. I just tried to move slowly and talk softly and give him space. He seems pretty calm and content now. He is in his hide with his head poking out. I put a small salad down for him, I didn't think he would eat but was delighted to see him take a couple nibbles. But I movd forward in my chair a bit to look and he popped his head up and stayed still.
I am wondering how long I should wait to start really trying to handle him. I have read that sometimes babies need a good week or two to get used to their new home and owners. But he is an adult. I'd like to soak him in the tub soon but I don't want to stress him out. I am not even sure I could get close enough to mist him right now. I want to do the best I can to have a trusting bond with Oscar, but I know that takes time and I don't want to force myself on him. But I also don't want him to dehydrate in the meantime! Here's a picture, I don't have the best camera, but I happen to think he is a damn handsome dragon!
UPDATE: so I googled "stress marks" and looked through some images. Oscar just happened to come out of his hide and it looks like his chest is covered in them :/ is there anything I can do for him?
I am wondering how long I should wait to start really trying to handle him. I have read that sometimes babies need a good week or two to get used to their new home and owners. But he is an adult. I'd like to soak him in the tub soon but I don't want to stress him out. I am not even sure I could get close enough to mist him right now. I want to do the best I can to have a trusting bond with Oscar, but I know that takes time and I don't want to force myself on him. But I also don't want him to dehydrate in the meantime! Here's a picture, I don't have the best camera, but I happen to think he is a damn handsome dragon!
UPDATE: so I googled "stress marks" and looked through some images. Oscar just happened to come out of his hide and it looks like his chest is covered in them :/ is there anything I can do for him?
