worried, not eating

[sunfaye]

I just ordered the supplements, light and thermometer online. So I think I'm all set. We'll try everything out and I'll let you know how it goes. Thanks again!

 

[sunfaye]

One more question. Where do I buy hornworms, phoenix worms, silkworms or butter worms?
I took photos of Rexy's set up but I can't seem to post them. I clicked Img but all it give me is the symbol

 

[diamc]

That's great that you ordered all those things, did you go with Petmountain? Remember now, you will need a hood for the fluorescent UVB, did we discuss that yet?

You can order all the feeders you mentioned from http://www.mulberryfarms.com Great customer service and always send extra feeders.

This should help you with posting pictures. viewtopic.php?f=30&t=37103&start=0#p279888

 

[sunfaye]

Rexy's set up

Rexy close up

Luke and Rexy

 

[herpfreak]

That's great that she's drinking! I bet she was dehydrated, too. Also good that you ordered the stuff.

Here is a thread I started a while ago about cricket pricing on different websites. viewtopic.php?f=76&t=97119
Yes, the prices I listed are for crickets, but all of these sites also sell various worms. Also, http://www.phoenixworm.com sells phoenix worms.

Setup looks nice. You may want to find and disinfect (soak in 5% bleach solution for 2 hrs, rinse well) a dark-colored rock from outside, even if it is small. It will hold heat well and provide a nice basking area. Also, a tall rock can get her closer to the light fixture. You should also add a water bowl large enough for her to bathe in. She may even drink from it.

 

[sunfaye]

I received all the supplements and light bulbs, but I forgot to order the actual light fixture that holds the tube light bulb. Someone on here said it's not good to place the light over the mesh screen, so what are the options so the screen is not used? I have this light bulb per your suggestion:
ReptiSun 10.0: http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.ph ... cts_id=554
What fixture do you suggest I buy? I found this fixture from Pet Mountain:
http://www.petmountain.com/product/light-fixtures/513412/zilla-20-low-profile-double-bulb-fixture.html
But don't know if this is the correct one? If not, is there another one that's better? And should I use a red bulb at night so she's warm? Our house gets really cold at night. Thanks for your help.

 

[herpfreak]

Yes, that fixture will work. Mesh screening does filter out UV rays. If you need to use mesh, make it with wide holes so more rays can get through.

If your house gets below 65*F at night, you will want either a red bulb or a CHE. Red bulbs give off red light that beardies can't see, and CHEs give off no light.
CHEs: http://www.petmountain.com/product/incandescent/502858/newtek-pearlco-ceramic-heat-bulbs.html
Incadescent red bulb: http://www.petmountain.com/product/heaters/513146/zilla-incandescent-night-red-heat-bulb.html
It's up to you. CHEs tend to run a bit pricy. I use one for my beardie, but when it needs to be replaced, I think I'm going to get a red bulb.

 

[sunfaye]

Thanks! I have a mesh screen but I would prefer not to use it if possible. Is there a clamp or other attachment device I can use for the tube fixture so it can attach to the side instead of sit on top of the mesh screen?
Also, the no light bulb you sent? What wattage should I buy? There are so many options, it's very confusing. Thanks again. You have no idea how helpful you've been.

 

[Maserati20]

Do you have the right light reqirements? cuz the UVB rays cant penatrate through glass. You NEED a UVB light and Basking light on the top of the cage shining in from above not from the side, because i used to not have a UVB light and he became really lazy and wouldnt eat for days! I got the bulb and he started becoming more active as time pasted, and he started eating again.

 

[herpfreak]

Thanks! I have a mesh screen but I would prefer not to use it if possible. Is there a clamp or other attachment device I can use for the tube fixture so it can attach to the side instead of sit on top of the mesh screen?
Also, the no light bulb you sent? What wattage should I buy? There are so many options, it's very confusing. Thanks again. You have no idea how helpful you've been.

The only think I can think of is to use strong double-sided tape to attach the UV fixture to the side of the glass. It should work, as long as its close enough to the beardie. There should be instructions on the box telling you how close it should be to the basking spot.
I honestly can't say. I have a wood enclosure for my beardie, which holds heat a lot better than a glass enclosure. I have a 100w that's about 1.5ft away from the ground, and it keeps the whole enclosure at about 75* all night, though it doesn't need to be warmer than 60* or so. The only advice I can give is to say when in doubt, get a higher wattage. You can get a rheostat for $10 at almost any hardware store so you can dim it if it gets too hot.
I know, it is very confusing. You may need to experiment a bit. I always end up with a million extra bulbs and lamps that didn't work out.

 

[Dawnrider]

You may need to experiment a bit. I always end up with a million extra bulbs and lamps that didn't work out.

Sounds like me, I got a closet full of reptile products that never worked out. Glad to hear your dragon is doing well sunfaye. Double-sided tape is one idea or mounting it off the wall, but I'm sure you though of that. I know what you mean about confusing, the more research you do the more you learn, and only ignorance is bliss. So welcome to the overly-protective ring of beardie owners . UVB can't really pentrate most window glass (its too thick) very well, a little gets through though. Its like putting a was cloth over a flashlight, some light penetrates but not nearly as much as the flashlight is actually putting out. UVB is extremely important for beardies, but fortunately also one of the more forgiving aspects. They are not going to die tomorrow because you don't have UVB set up right. Of course you don't want to take this in the opposite direction and think that UVB isn't a big deal either, cause it is

 

[drayasdaddy]

Don't know if this was already suggested or not as I did not read all the posts, it is a possibility that she has simply gone into winter hibernation mode. They do not each much if at all during this time, and are not very active. It would be advisable to have her checked at the vet, but if she is not showing signs of losing a lot of weight, then she may be hibernating, which is perfectly normal for beardies.

 

[diamc]

Don't know if this was already suggested or not as I did not read all the posts, it is a possibility that she has simply gone into winter hibernation mode. They do not each much if at all during this time, and are not very active. It would be advisable to have her checked at the vet, but if she is not showing signs of losing a lot of weight, then she may be hibernating, which is perfectly normal for beardies.

We had to rule things out before brumation could even be considered. Since there were some things that needed changing and the owner is doing that, I'll bet the beardie will improve once he gets used to all the changes. So, really can't chalk it up to brumation.

 

[sandyvern]

I just wanted to say what a good job everyone has done to help get this beardie get everything he needs without anyone being horrible. I have read some posts where everyone jumps all over someone for not having everything perfectly done. It is a huge learning experience...and I think for the most part people don't purposely screw up...they just don't know. Reptiles aren't as common as cats and dogs....and people screw that up too :wink: I think it is nice when people can help out without making anyone feel bad....cause chances are you already feel bad when you figure out you have been "doing it wrong" all along.

I fell in love with beardies because my bf had one and he probably wasn't the best beardie owner ever...but he isn't the type of person who gets into researching stuff like I do. And not exactly a animal person...he loves them...but doesn't necessarily 'get them'. After I started researching about them....I knew things weren't exactly right so I sort of took over the care of him....and now...I have four! :mrgreen: And I am sure I don't do everything perfect either...cause I am still learning.

Anyway...just had to put in my 2 cents
Sandy

 

[herpfreak]

Sandy-

You are very right. Reptiles are so alien to us, it takes a while to fully understand how to care for them. I too have seen people beat up on others because they aren't doing the right thing. That's why I love this forum; the people here don't criticize, but help.