Puff The Magic Dragon, Black Beard Head bob in new viv

[PuffTheMagicDragon42]

First post here on bearded dragon.org, I adopted a five year old bearded dragon from an elementary school teacher that didnt want him any more about two months ago. He had been a class pet and probably had some kids messing with him his whole life. Up until yesterday, Puff lived in a 30 Gallon exo-terra, and from reading the boards I have learned that to be MUCH to small for an adult his size. So I was able to snag a cheap terrarium off Kijiji that although not optimal size for an adult, is approximately 45 gallons and provides much more space. Previously in his tank was simply a log and a deer antler, I added into his new Vivarium his old familliar log, a new wood hide for him to have shelter and his deer antler + food water bowls. Puff made the transition to his new environment yesterday, and has been black and pissed off ever since. Everywhere he climbs or explores he will head bob, his beard has been Jet black all day yesterday and all day so far today. When I stand in front of the cage sometimes he will puff his black beard out and open his mouth. He has been eating superworms but no vegetables, he has not had a bowel movement in 4 days. Although im sure it might be new vivarium stress, what is the best course of action to get puff back to his lazy, happy, regular crapping, white bearded self again. for clarification I have a reptisun 10.0, a CHE and a heat/UVA lamp not sure on the brand. His bask is currently at 90 but I am working on increasing the height of his branch so his basking temp improves. Please if anyone has any clue on how to calm puff down, Im totally open to suggestions! thanks!

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon42]

He got a little whiter this afternoon but when i sat in front of viv he went black again. should I just leave him alone? how come ive never had any problems until the new vivarium and how come hes now so aggressive towards me?

 

[PuffTheMagicDragon42]

Again if anyone could help, acknowledge or give any imput it would be most appreciated. Pretty dissapointing to see soo many other people getting feedback and help but my bearded dragon has been stressed for four days and nobody seems to have any suggestions at all. Please, i just want to help him out and lessen his stress, Im pretty sure it isnt normal for him to be black all the time and not want to defecate in the vivarium. Any imput would be appreciated. Although it might be new Vivarium stress he has moved before and never bobbed or black bearded at all and now it seems that is his attitude 90% of the time

 

[sweetpea1981]

have you tried to give him a bath to help him poo. you could also give him some plain unspiced canned pumpkin, or baby food prunes or applesauce and vegetable oil mixed together to help him poo. And it is normal to have them go through relocation stress from moving to a new viv.

 

[MsWanda10166]

Mine toss a hissy fit, EVERYTIME I clean their viv. To the point that I actually started marking the tiles so I could replace things exactly as they were. I know it is disturbing watching them get so angry, but part of it is them making sure that every log, stump, and rock, KNOW they are the BOSS of that viv. (lol) Another user on here told me hers did the same thing, and because of their dominant personality, they puff and go black. I know you put him in a new viv, but did you change anything like his substrate?

 

[MsWanda10166]

Also, if you want to post your tank specs, we can take a look, to make sure that nothing is off with those to make him mad. Temps, what kind of lights, and how far his top spot is from both his lights, would help.

 

[Lilbear]

Sounds like you're serious about dragon care giving, after all you did a rescue. More than likely you will probably be looking for a larger tank or viv. So often I've seen pics of adult beardies in small tanks, barely enough room to stretch out or turn around without touching sides of tank/viv.I was lucky and found an old stereo cabinet, gutted it and re-purposed it for a viv. The behavior is stress related, unsure of new living environment. We rescued yrs. ago and had the same response from our beardie, it lasted for well over a week. We too were worried about health issues but after four or more days Spike started to settled down. Found out that previous owner really didn't handle him often, that changed with our rescue. We also resorted to bathing at least once a month, something new to Spike. I'm sure the stress is the root cause of Puff's behavior. He's used to a classroom full of noise, lights and constant attention (good and bad). That's what he was used to for five yrs., now....probably total changed, hard for him to adjust. I would try to keep a couple things constant, diet, and previous tank items if possible. Provide water and eventually more social contact, he should come around soon. Animals are fickled about change, just as we humans are, Good luck and keep this forum posted if you like. Beardies are alot of fun hope it all works out for ya.Thanks for the rescue!