Sickly Beardie

[AbigailL]

Hi guys,

I have had my wonderful beardie for about 2 years now, and he's always been sickly. I got him from petco if that says anything. As he's aged he hasn't gotten any better. I try to feed him a good diet, he has the proper lighting, and I sprinkle calcium on his food. I am currently back home from school (my dad has been taking care of him) and I really want to get his health up because I notice he's having more and more trouble moving. I really care about getting him healthy, but I don't know what to do. He has gotten calcium shots in the past but that didn't help and he's still so weak it breaks my heart. Any advice would be wonderfully appreciated.

Thank you

 

[KarrieRee]

Please go over your lighting set up -- UVB brand and bulb coil or tube and where in tank on top.of screen or inside tank??? What are your basking temps and how are you taking them? No stick ons they are inaccurate
Karrie

 

[AbigailL]

Hi KarrieRee,

For UVB I use: Exo Terra Repti-Glo 10.0 Compact Fluorescent Desert Terrarium Lamp
For basking I use: ZooMed Repti Basking Spot Lamp (currently its a 75w but I'm getting a 100w to increase the heat sunday)
And at night I use: ZooMed NightLight Red Reptile Bulb 60w
My cage is about 4 1/2 feet long and 2 1/2 feet tall. The bulbs are all on top and are on automatic timers to switch from day to night. I also use stick on temperature takers, but what would you recommend instead? In the basking area I have a log and some rocks to climb on so my beardie can be closer to the heat (but he never uses them). I also do have a cooler area of the tank where he has been hanging out the last couple of days.

If it matters I also have a heating pad on under the tank, and use (have always used) reptile carpet.

 

[KarrieRee]

Ok so the first thing I am gonna say is get rid of the red bulb--- they disrupt their sleep and can cause long term eye damage--- the next thing is the UVB- get rid of the coil - they are bad and reptiglo is one of the worst- you need to get a digital probe thermometer from Petco or PetSmart for $5- I recommend you get this for a UVB- ASAP-- a 24" fixture w/ a reflector-- a Reptisun 10.0 bulb a T 5-- you can order from here if your local petstore does not have it in store- www.pangeareptiles.com these people are fast and good-- get this fixed ASAP - basking temps should be 95-110
Karrie

 

[KarrieRee]

If you need extra heat get a CHE--- ceramic heat emitter--- they produce heat NO LIGHT-- you need a dome w/ a ceramic socket- get a 100 watt - your tank does not need it if it's not dropping below 65 at nite
Karrie

 

[AbigailL]

Hi Karrie,

Thank you so much for your help I just ordered my bulb!

 

[KarrieRee]

Which bulb?
Karrie

 

[AbigailL]

I ordered the Reptisun 10.0 bulb 24" and turned off the red light!

 

[KarrieRee]

Ok good-- now when you get it you need to hang it inside the tank directly above his basking decor approx 12-15 inches -- no cover on the bulb if there is one - bulb exposed for best effect of rays-- you can use long plastic zip ties - 3M Velcro fasteners-- fishing line- picture wire hangers- shoe laces-- to hang fixture
Karrie

 

[AbigailL]

Okay perfect I can manage that. Thank you for all your help

 

[KarrieRee]

--- Just remember to change the bulb out in a year or so maybe a month before -- so mark your calendar-also if you get tired of cleaning the carpet you can get some textured NON adhesive shelf liner from your local home improvement store - cut it to size of the tank --- clean w/ vinegar/ water solution 50/50 in a spray bottle --- its cheap and insects cant get underneath
Karrie