Why is my bearded dragon not basking?

[Mr. Jack]

He was here for awhile, I eventually moved him to the basking spot (attachments) where he opened his mouth to regulate for the first time (that I’ve witnessed) in a long time. He doesn’t hate the basking spot, he enjoys it when I set him there, he just doesn’t consistently use it.

My guy Flapjack (adult male) has a habit of not basking/staying towards the cooler end/hiding, at times.

I just took him to the vet for an annual and to address constipation (he ended up pooping at the vet). before I went, the basking temp was at about 98-100- whenever I turned it up it seemed like he hid. I adjusted it per vets advice (digestion and general husbandry) and it’s now at:
Basking 105 warm 80-83 cool 75. I told them he doesn’t usually bask by himself as much as I’d like to, and they suggested moving him onto the basking spot every so often, which I do, anyways.

He was otherwise extremely healthy, ideal body score, bright, happy, alert- they were very pleased with him. He has a great appetite, perks up when he sees me, likes to come out, come to the glass, alert, etc. He is in great health! I’m just not sure what to do about the basking habits!

I have my profile filled out with tank specs.

 

[Mr. Jack]

Also- please bear with me on the tank decor- I know it’s bare. I’m going to be adding to it.

I also have a 48” LED tube to replace (that bulb is just for light, NOT heat or his uvb) so the tank is typically brighter.

(I also leave my room overhead light and a tall standing light on so it is nice and bright for him in the room).

 

[xp29]

Also- please bear with me on the tank decor- I know it’s bare. I’m going to be adding to it.

I also have a 48” LED tube to replace (that bulb is just for light, NOT heat or his uvb) so the tank is typically brighter.

(I also leave my room overhead light and a tall standing light on so it is nice and bright for him in the room).

It's probably to hot. Adult likec95 to 100.

 

[Mr. Jack]

It's probably to hot. Adult likec95 to 100.

I thought so too- but I’m realizing that even at 98, he won’t bask. He hides somewhere in the tank or near the basking spot on the warm side, and when his tank is at that lower heat, his scales consistently become darker to absorb more heat. Additionally, he seems to have issues digesting at those lower temperatures, which was the vet visit main concern.

He has always been like this. I’m not sure what it is.

 

[xp29]

I thought so too- but I’m realizing that even at 98, he won’t bask. He hides somewhere in the tank or near the basking spot on the warm side, and when his tank is at that lower heat, his scales consistently become darker to absorb more heat. Additionally, he seems to have issues digesting at those lower temperatures, which was the vet visit main concern.

He has always been like this. I’m not sure what it is.

My best advice would be to give him a good temperature gradient with a few perches that he can pick from. Usually they will gravitate to the temperature range they need.

 

[TheGreenLing]

My beardie would not bask on branches, I read on the internet that sometimes they bask on rocks. I got a rock imitation stairs and that's what my beardie likes, he will bask on his own since I got it.
I'll attach a photo for you. Got it on Amazon since I don't got any lizard stores in my area.