Permanent stress marks???

[Eleanorxtc]

So I've had my beardie for about a month now, he's my first reptile, not sure of the age but I think he's 3 or 4 months. His stress marks have been visible since I first brought him home. Some days they're darker, some days lighter but they're always there. Basking area is usually 95-110 and cool side is usually 85 ish. He's been eating and pooping normally and seems to be fine other than the marks not going away. Is it possible for them to just be permanent markings or is something wrong?

 

[kingofnobbys]

Should not be called stressmarks , they often show them when not stressed but having a ball and are simply very alert ( antenna tail mode ).

 

[Mysty]

If the marks were always very dark this could indicate something is off. The fact that he goes lighter and darker sounds normal.

It can also be a bit down to personality. Both my dragons ate normal types. Robert rarely displays markings on his belly but Steve does at least once most days.

Anyhoo, its always worth checking these things.

 

[traildrifterphalanx]

"stress marks" are normal markings on baby bearded dragons. The lines fade with age. If your dragon is 3-4 months old, they're still very visible. You will notice them disappear or become less noticeable as he grows.
Here is an example below of my dragon at 2 months and at 5 months.

 

[Eleanorxtc]

Okay! I suppose all I can do is watch him and make sure all is good! Thank you all!

 

[Eleanorxtc]

So I've been watching him and it seems that the marks are darker when he's in his tank vs when I take him out to play.

this was taken the week he came home.

this is what he looks like in his tank

and this is him out to play.


I can't think of anything really wrong? I recently moved some of stuff around while I cleaned his tank but it got put back with a few minor changes. Could it be that? He also may be able to see his reflection but I don't know.

He's my first ever reptile so maybe I'm just freaking out too much but I want him to be happy

 

[traildrifterphalanx]

He's darker in the enclosure to better absorb his heat/lights

When you take him out he lightens up because he is no longer basking/absorbing

Perfectly normal