Stress Marks While basking?

[Robert0151]

I just got my beardie yesterday, and she's basking now. I keep checking on her, and sometimes she has really dark stress marks, and sometimes the completely go away. Is that normal for a new dragon?

 

[brittani299]

Yes it is. It is called relocation stress. It might take a week or so for them to go away. Once she is comfortable in her new home they will go away.

 

[bumblebee]

Yes, she's probably going through relocation stress. Also, some dragons do get darker and have stress marks while basking because it helps them absorb more heat.

 

[Robert0151]

That makes sense.. Well I guess I have to give her time. Is there anything I can do to help her transition smoother?

 

[bumblebee]

There's not a whole lot you can do, except to avoid handling her as much as possible for the first week, and then take it slowly after that. You can put in a piece of your clothing (that smells like you) in with her, so she gets used to your smell, and just talk to her quietly whenever you're near her tank so that she isn't startled. Try not to rearrange her tank for the first week or so, and you may want to cover up 3 of the sides of the tank if it seems like she's overwhelmed by her reflection or the activity in the room.

Good luck!