Why is my bearded dragon walking funny?

[CharlieMck]

Hello for the last few weeks my beardie has been walking funny on his back legs, he is 2 years old and about 43cm long. I thought he had to pop at first but he has twice since i noticed him walking funny, he has also started to angle his legs forward when laying still. Any idea why he's doing it?

 

[KarrieRee]

First what kind of UVB are you using and where in the tank is it? Brand and bulb tube or coil? On top of screen or inside tank?
Karrie

 

[CharlieMck]

Thanks for the quick reply,

I'm using a tube that I got from my local pet shop I've lost the box and can't remember the name sorry, it sits on top of the screen roughly in the middle.

Charlie

 

[KarrieRee]

Please look on the bulb --- we need to know if its a T 8 or a T 5 - can you post a pic of the lighting please? We can sometimes tell but it would be helpful to look at the bulb and if the cover is over the bulb please take it off and leave it off-- you will haft to use the user image uploader again to post new pics - like you did the first time
Karrie

 

[Aaradimian]

Thanks for the quick reply,

I'm using a tube that I got from my local pet shop I've lost the box and can't remember the name sorry, it sits on top of the screen roughly in the middle.

Charlie

Regardless of T5 or T8, you will probably have to suspend the fixture from the underside of the screen so that enough UV is getting to your dragon. I have used zip ties or picture wire in the past for mine. All UV brands and configurations are not created equal, but the common recommendation I've seen here is Reptisun 10.0 T5 high-output, and Arcadia 12% or 14%. There should be a silver reflector behind the tube also. Distance from bulb to beardie will depend on the strength of the tube, but you don't want it right up to their basking area or more than probably 12" from it when you're done. The package should give some indication of distances in lieu of having a UV meter. I always write the date on tape attached to my fixtures to ensure I change out the bulbs in a timely fashion given how important good UV is to a dragon's health.

 

[DorgEndo]

Also chiming in. UVB lights need to replaced every 6 or 12 months depending on which UVB it is. If you have never replaced the light then you need to get a new one ASAP.

If there is a reptile or exotic pet store somewhere where you live, or maybe your veterinarian, bring them the old bulb in person to identify which type of UVB it is. Or post pictures here we might be able to ID it

 

[CharlieMck]

This is the tube I use, it sits on top of a mesh.

 

[KarrieRee]

The T 8 needs to go inside the tank --- the screen is blocking 30% of those rays -- and it needs to be 6-8 inches from basking--- you can use plastic zip ties or 3m Velcro fasteners-- do this ASAP-- cover off the fixture bulb exposed
Karrie

 

[KarrieRee]

He needs to be able to sit directly under the bulb
Karrie