Pet Store Beardie Growth Help

[AtticusTheBeardie]

So I have a 5 month old beardie from a pet store. He is so small. When I’ve seen other 5 month olds from breeders I am amazed at how huge they are. Atticus is probably 9” long from nose to tail. I feel his roaches and greens in hopes that the protein will bulk him up. He lives in a nice 75 gallon tank! I’ve had him for probably 3 weeks now, and I noticed a big difference from the first week to the second week but now I’m feeling like his growth is slowing down. He has shed three times since I’ve gotten him which I think is a good sign (tail, body, and then tail again yesterday). He’s got a nice, plump belly and is quite active, responsive, and curious. I just want to make sure his growth isn’t stunted and I’m doing everything to help him properly grow to a good size! He is a very, very happy little guy and has already bonded to me severely.

 

[HylianHealeys]

If you've only had him for 3 weeks, then there's nothing to worry about. His growth may have been stunted with pet store husbandry, but shedding means that he's growing, so keeping doing what you're doing.

 

[AHBD]

Hi there, as mentioned some of his behaviour may be stress related because of his new environment. Still,can you post pics of the tank as well as the light placement ? You need to be 100% sure the temps. + uvb are adequate in such a large tank and that it's not too cluttered + overwhelming him. Here's how to post pics :
https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ Then use the XIMG to upload them

 

[AtticusTheBeardie]

Hi there, as mentioned some of his behaviour may be stress related because of his new environment. Still,can you post pics of the tank as well as the light placement ? You need to be 100% sure the temps. + uvb are adequate in such a large tank and that it's not too cluttered + overwhelming him. Here's how to post pics :
https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ Then use the XIMG to upload them

Hot side is 90 degrees and cool side at 67 degrees

 

[AtticusTheBeardie]

I’d also like to add I just put in a hammock under his basking bulb so he can get closer.

 

[AHBD]

That's a very nice set up. If I could make a suggestion, get a nice tall basking log rather than a hammock. It's much more natural and holds heat better + supports the body. Plus hammocks can snag nails and possibly twist a foot.

So exactly what type of lights do you have ? That is one of the most important things you will ever need for your dragon.

 

[AtticusTheBeardie]

That's a very nice set up. If I could make a suggestion, get a nice tall basking log rather than a hammock. It's much more natural and holds heat better + supports the body. Plus hammocks can snag nails and possibly twist a foot.

So exactly what type of lights do you have ? That is one of the most important things you will ever need for your dragon.

For UVB I have the ReptiSun 10.0 and I have a 100w basking bulb and a 100w heat emmiter