Slow progress in holding

[EttaJamesMom]

My baby was shipped to me when she was "1.5 months" old. I doubt she was really that old and I had no idea of the process and that she'd be so traumatized. I felt horrible! Then, we had a rough start sourcing food for her tiny body. It took a while, but she has now doubled in size in the 9 weeks I've had her. She has also shed once and seems to be ready to go again. I believe her heat and light are ok and according to several monitoring methods, temps and humidity are good. She is getting better about me touching her and will let me hold her for a short amount of time in her tank, but if I try to take her out, she freaks still. What else can I do besides just wait? Is this normal? Thanks!

Her name is Etta James and she loves her dubia roaches, averaging about 30 per day plus her salad. She also has at least one poop per day and often two. I'd love any support.

 

[KarrieRee]

Can you post a pic of her tank and lighting?
thanks Karrie

 

[CooperDragon]

She looks happy and healthy in those photos. When she freaks out when you take her out of the tank does she seem scared, or is she darting off to investigate things out of curiosity?

 

[EttaJamesMom]

She looks happy and healthy in those photos. When she freaks out when you take her out of the tank does she seem scared, or is she darting off to investigate things out of curiosity?

I never thought of it like that. She just wants to jump and take off. Maybe she isn't super scared, but sorta curious?

 

[EttaJamesMom]

Can you post a pic of her tank and lighting?
thanks Karrie

I need to clean out the paper..she did a big poop this morning and I just tore out pieces. The light to the left is just the UVB and the one on the right is both. She loves to lay on her blankie, so there is one on each side of her tank. I want to get something built that gets her to be able to bask up higher, however, I live in a very warm environment and she often gets warm, so I'm not sure she needs to be much closer. Thanks for any feedback though.

 

[KarrieRee]

What kind is the UVB? You need a Reptison 10.0 T 5 or a Arcadia 10.0 T 5 for best UVB-- It needs to be inside your tank approx 10-11 inches from basking--- it is crucial for her health-- most of us on this forum recommend this lighting--your basking is probably ok -- how are you taking those temps?
Karrie

 

[EttaJamesMom]

What kind is the UVB? You need a Reptison 10.0 T 5 or a Arcadia 10.0 T 5 for best UVB-- It needs to be inside your tank approx 10-11 inches from basking--- it is crucial for her health-- most of us on this forum recommend this lighting--your basking is probably ok -- how are you taking those temps?
Karrie

I live on an island in Malaysia and do not have access to all of the same items as you may. I do have lighting purchased from the pet store (not a petco type one, but a local one). I use two inside thermometers that show temp and one shows humidity. I also have the infrared gun to take the temps. Her basking is around 100-105 and her cool side is around 85. She also gets a lot of natural sunlight during the day as she is in my living room and near big balcony glass doors.

 

[KarrieRee]

Do you know what type of UVB it is? It should be placed inside the tank as your screen is blocking alot of the UVB rays- and the windows in the house do the same- the best UVB would be for him to be outside in direct sunlight-- can you order off of Amazon.com?
Karrie

 

[EttaJamesMom]

Do you know what type of UVB it is? It should be placed inside the tank as your screen is blocking alot of the UVB rays- and the windows in the house do the same- the best UVB would be for him to be outside in direct sunlight-- can you order off of Amazon.com?
Karrie

I'm heading to the store tonight to look for better lighting, but yes, if nothing is found I will order off of Amazon. They do not always deliver all products here and lighting may be one, but I'll try. Thanks. I do think she is looking healthy (and vet agrees) but wish she was more cuddly.

 

[Drache613]

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