Why doesn’t my beardie like basking?

[ScooterRenee2022]

My beardie is about 7 months old. I have all the appropriate lighting and set up in my tank. I have already connected with several people on this site who have helped me with the set up. But my beardie doesn’t like to bask in his tank For too long. Recently I added flagstone to his enclosure. He didn’t mind that at all, but I did have a tree in there that he use to like climbing on when I first brought him home. He stopped using it about 2 months ago he was getting bigger so it was really close to the lighting probably 6 to 8 inches and he had fallen in love with his hammock so he wasn’t using it. Two days ago I took it out finally and gave him a log I bought. I would think they would bask all day, but does anyone know how long they will typically bask throughout the day? I wanted to change his hammock to the basking side but he is angry that I did that. Does anyone have any suggestion?

 

[KarrieRee]

My beardie is about 7 months old. I have all the appropriate lighting and set up in my tank. I have already connected with several people on this site who have helped me with the set up. But my beardie doesn’t like to bask in his tank For too long. Recently I added flagstone to his enclosure. He didn’t mind that at all, but I did have a tree in there that he use to like climbing on when I first brought him home. He stopped using it about 2 months ago he was getting bigger so it was really close to the lighting probably 6 to 8 inches and he had fallen in love with his hammock so he wasn’t using it. Two days ago I took it out finally and gave him a log I bought. I would think they would bask all day, but does anyone know how long they will typically bask throughout the day? I wanted to change his hammock to the basking side but he is angry that I did that. Does anyone have any suggestion?

Dragons dont like change-- put the hammock on the basking side - he needs to bask -- dragons know what they need and when they need it -- mine are all over the tank -- I just let them do their thing -- but he does need to bask -- how often does he poop? The basking is what starts their digestion process

 

[ScooterRenee2022]

Dragons dont like change-- put the hammock on the basking side - he needs to bask -- dragons know what they need and when they need it -- mine are all over the tank -- I just let them do their thing -- but he does need to bask -- how often does he poop? The basking is what starts their digestion process

He poops at least one time a day. He may poop a little spot after that but at least once a day. He really does not like change. But I did change the hammock and now he wants to be on his cave in the cooler side. Why is he giving me such a hard time. It is funny because when he wakes up in the morning he gets right down and goes into his basking area eats his veggies and then poops. It is almost like he has built a routine. How do I break his routine or should I just let him be him?

 

[KarrieRee]

He poops at least one time a day. He may poop a little spot after that but at least once a day. He really does not like change. But I did change the hammock and now he wants to be on his cave in the cooler side. Why is he giving me such a hard time. It is funny because when he wakes up in the morning he gets right down and goes into his basking area eats his veggies and then poops. It is almost like he has built a routine. How do I break his routine or should I just let him be him?

Leave him be -- he knows what hes doing--

 

[ScooterRenee2022]

So should I leave his hammock in the cooler side? Where he has loved it to be.

 

[ScooterRenee2022]

Because now he is not using it.

 

[xp29]

Put his hammock back, and sneak the basking bulb over tp it make sure it's not to hot though.

 

[Chris.]

And don't forget to keep an eye on the ambient temps as well. Some times we can get so hung up with getting the basking spot dialed in that we forget about the air temperatures.

Might also be the time of the year though. My boy just startet (really) basking about two weeks ago and did bask a little less when he was about 9 months or so as well.

As suggested, he needs to bask for digestion so if he is eating and his poop is fine, he is probably good.

 

[ScooterRenee2022]

I switched the hammock three days ago and now he sits in it until I move him to his cooler side. How long should he be basking because now I am concerned again. How long should I allow him to bask? He really confuses me. He does not act like a typical bearded dragon from what I read. He loves his time out of the tank everyday but he can’t make up his mind. It’s almost he wants me to switch him from the cooler side or basking side. Can someone please tell me how to handle this?

 

[KarrieRee]

I switched the hammock three days ago and now he sits in it until I move him to his cooler side. How long should he be basking because now I am concerned again. How long should I allow him to bask? He really confuses me. He does not act like a typical bearded dragon from what I read. He loves his time out of the tank everyday but he can’t make up his mind. It’s almost he wants me to switch him from the cooler side or basking side. Can someone please tell me how to handle this?

Let him do his thing- dragons know what they need

 

[xp29]

Let him do his thing- dragons know what they need

Agreed
They can bask as long as they want. If the exposure is to much they'll move.