Re-location stress?

[George3]

I have a 3 year old Beardie named George and I have recently relocated him to our family room. He was in a basement room that got water in it from the recent rains and I was afraid the humidity would be too high. He is now displaying some behaviors I have never seen before. His beard is all black and he flattens himself out. His beard may stay black for a couple hours before he calms down. I have tried covering the front of his cage with a towel and this seems to help, but is there something else I should be doing? He still enjoys being held and has a good appetite. I am worried that he is not happy where he is. Moved him about 1 week ago. Any ideas.

 

[Ethelia]

Hi there,
Well I think its a mix of things myself.
Every dragon usually goes through some kind of relocation stress when they are moved. It can take anywhere from a week to a month for them to settle down to all the new sights and sounds. Eating a pooping is a great sign that the stress isnt getting to him too badly though.
What I actually think is going on with George is territorial behaviour.
When I brought Ruben into his new viv he spent 3 weeks strutting around with a black beard in his viv on and off throughout the day. He ate well and was always happy when he was outside of his viv, but put him back in and the big boy beard comes out.
In the end I figured out that he was just displaying his dominance in his new home. The beard was a display of his dominance and he was just telling me (and everyone else) this THIS viv was HIS viv.
He settled down as soon as he decided I knew he was in charge.

I wouldnt worry ^_^

Holly

 

[George3]

Thank you so much, that sounds exactly like what he is displaying. He does do it more when the kids get home from school and the house gets busier. I won't worry, but will just let him think he is in charge. I have heard people cover three sides of the viv with an aquarium type poster. Do you recommend doing that, or it okay to leave it open? Before we moved him he did enjoy looking out all the sides at whatever we were doing.
Again, Thanks.
Yvonne

 

[Ethelia]

Hey there,
In terms of covering up the sides it really does depend on the dragon. Some seem to appriciate the calmer enviroment and some seem to dislike that you have "ruined their view". I know my monsters wouldnt tollerate it. They like to watch me at all times really.
They seem to think Im their pet.

You could try it to see, but personally I would give him a little longer to settle down.
The big boy routine can go on for a while.

Holly

 

[George3]

Thank you, he is doing much better. Not eating as much right now....? Maybe still adjusting.