Stress Marks

[colmaslik]

So far I've had my Dilly for about 5 days, and I'm new to beardie physiology/behavoir. Through the forums I've learned her stress marks are the dark lines from her under belly, and I've realized that since I brought her home they haven't gone away. Now I'm wondering if it's the temp, because the basking spot is 100, and the cool side is 78.....are they to low for her. She's only about 2-3 months old. I have a Reptisun 5.0.....should I buy the 10.0 to increase the temp. I have the lamp as close as I can to the screen, so it's not a matter of adjusting the lamp/bulb. I'm a new mom, and I'm extremely worried about Dilly's health and happiness! Any help will be much appreciated, thank-you!

 

[Jdsbeardie]

Ha! I just posted a similar question. Newbie beardie family here too.

They are so sweet. Good luck!

 

[colmaslik]

Thanks!....If someone replys to you will you let me know? Or you can give the title of your topic and I'll look it up. Up to you.....I hope some one answers one of us!

 

[bumblebee]

That basking temp is a bit low for a baby - lots of babies do better with 105-110F for the basking spot. The cool side sounds ok though. The ReptiSun 5.0 doesn't give enough UVB for bearded dragons - you really should get the ReptiSun 10.0 tube or the Acadia 12% tube. Those are the only two really good UVBs for beardies. Is the screen between the ReptiSun and your beardie? There should be nothing between them, and your beardie should be able to get within about 6-8 inches of the UVB. Are you using calcium and vitamin supplements? Babies should be fed crickets (or other bugs like dubia, phoenix worms, etc) three 10-15 minute feedings per day, and one of those feedings per day should be dusted (5 days calcium and the other 2 vitamins). Proper calcium and UVB is very important to have for a growing beardie. Changing the UVB shouldn't change the temperature, as they don't give off a lot of heat. To change the basking temps, you can try a higher watt bulb, you can lower the light so it's closer to the basking spot, or you can raise the basking spot so it's closer to the light.

If you've only had her 5 days, it's very likely she's still going through relocation stress. It can take a week or more for her to get used to her new surroundings, and stress marks are still pretty common for babies.

Hope that helps!