Too much time in his log?

[CataclysmKitten]

Hi all, I see there are a lot of brumation/hiding kind of things going on in the Behavior thread, but my problem doesn't seem too related.

Zeus is a rescue and only had a 5.0 reptisun UVB when adopted. We added a 100W halogen basking lamp on a stand adjacent to the UVB. The digital thermometer is set at where he usually basks and ranges from 89-95F. I can't seem to get it any hotter in there, and I don't even know if I should, because he has a daily habit of resting in the dark under his big log for HOURS daily. He's around 2 1/2 years of age, and he eats, comes out, gets bathed, chomps all his crickets but still, he retreats to his dark spot after a few hours of basking. Sometimes he sleeps under the log, other times I see him looking out lazily. It's driving me insane!

I'm getting him a 10.0 reptisun next month when I get paid, and i've heard that older beardies should have a hiding spot. But i'm like #^#%&$**&#%$ *Headdesk* "GET OUT OF THAT LOG!" :silent: k...i'm done.

Help is appreciated, as always. Thank you!

 

[ocrage]

put something where he lays so he cant get there. also, im sure you could do something about the temp if you tried. try putting the light closer to the top of the tank, or go and buy a $5 fixture and just rest it on top of the screen (assuming its a top access tank), or raise the area closer to the light. or rearrange stuff slightly so it can work.

 

[Gail]

Take the log out, they don't need a hiding spot especially if they are spending too much time hiding. I'd also try to raise the temps to at least a stead 100, see how he likes it. Any way you can make the basking area higher? sometimes just a inch in height is all you need.

 

[CataclysmKitten]

Thank you for the input...So beardies do not need places to hide? It's so confusing due to the conflicting information out there.
I'll scour the web for something that can get him higher to the lamp. Local pet stores really don't have extensive sections for reptiles, unfortunately.

 

[Gail]

I've never seen anyone recommend a hide but then again, this is the only web site I really go to since it has the best info. I just use bricks or flag stones for a basking platform so its easy to add height.

 

[CataclysmKitten]

I've never seen anyone recommend a hide but then again, this is the only web site I really go to since it has the best info. I just use bricks or flag stones for a basking platform so its easy to add height.

Thank you. I will look into getting the proper height and the right temperature for him. Every time I look into Zeus's golden eyes I really am so happy we have him in our lives. :mrgreen: