Baby beardie concerns

[OngoingError]

Hello! My name is Matthew and I'm a first time owner of a bearded dragon. They're very young, and I'm very anxious about just about everything they do.
I got the baby beardie about a week ago(named mango), and haven't handled him, and have done my best to reduce stress for mango. I have a 40 gallon tank for mango, with UVB bulbs and Heating bulbs and everything, basking spot temp is 95-100 degrees.

Ive been feeding mango collared greens, yellow squash, and the occasional strawberries. For insects, I've been feeding crickets. However, I have many issues getting mango to actually eat anything. I've tried leaving the room even, so I'm not sure if it's a fear thing or not.

the last day or two, mango has refused to eat, isn't basking and isn't running around much at all. And today, I noticed mango was 'gasping'? It almost looked like they were holding their breath or something and needed to catch their breath.
Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Just worried about my baby!

 

[Sadie]

Hello! My name is Matthew and I'm a first time owner of a bearded dragon. They're very young, and I'm very anxious about just about everything they do.
I got the baby beardie about a week ago(named mango), and haven't handled him, and have done my best to reduce stress for mango. I have a 40 gallon tank for mango, with UVB bulbs and Heating bulbs and everything, basking spot temp is 95-100 degrees.

Ive been feeding mango collared greens, yellow squash, and the occasional strawberries. For insects, I've been feeding crickets. However, I have many issues getting mango to actually eat anything. I've tried leaving the room even, so I'm not sure if it's a fear thing or not.

the last day or two, mango has refused to eat, isn't basking and isn't running around much at all. And today, I noticed mango was 'gasping'? It almost looked like they were holding their breath or something and needed to catch their breath.
Any recommendations or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Just worried about my baby!

First thing hes going to go thru relocation stress but for him to quit eating all together is not good-- so we need to go over the lighting in the tank I am going to tell you if your using a coil UVB get rid of it -- they are a health hazard to your dragon ---- you need a long tube fixture like a Zoo Med or Sunblaster Nano or a Arcadia Pro T 5 w/a Repistun 10.0 T 5 bulb or a Arcadia 12 % bulb ---- here are some links to the UVB's
https://www.pangeareptile.com/colle...o-med-reptisun-t5-hood?variant=26907425734756 you want the 24" fixture w/ this bulb 22" https://www.pangeareptile.com/colle...d-reptisun-10-0-uvb-t5?variant=26907418591332
https://www.pangeareptile.com/colle...-12-uvb-bulb-with-hood?variant=39549895475242 this is sold out and people are having a hard time finding them now
https://hydrobuilder.com/sunblaster...mp.html?opts=eyJhdHRyaWJ1dGU5MDEiOiI2NjA0In0= you want the 24" fixture
Next you need a bright white basking bulb that keeps temps 105-110 taken w/ a digital probe thermometer --- NO stick ons they are inaccurate ---
These things I have posted here at the MOST IMPORTANT things in the tank and will control the dragons over all health and behavior -- I would get this stuff replaced if your not using it -- but you must get the lighting and temps correct -- your dragon will not eat w/ out proper temps and lighting---- if you order the UVB please post back on here they have certain distance and placement -- I will help you get it set up in the tank but this must be done ASAP--- if using a coil please shut it off ---- you can take him outside for good UVB place him in a plastic tote NO GLASS put him in direct sunlight for 15 minutes DO NOT LEAVE HIM --- watch him I dont know what your temps are there but you do not want to burn him up or have a bird get him -- is he gasping or gaping they will gape to regulate their body temp -- that is a good thing -- please post a pic of him doing this -- is he sitting under his basking bulb when doing this?

 

[OngoingError]

First thing hes going to go thru relocation stress but for him to quit eating all together is not good-- so we need to go over the lighting in the tank I am going to tell you if your using a coil UVB get rid of it -- they are a health hazard to your dragon ---- you need a long tube fixture like a Zoo Med or Sunblaster Nano or a Arcadia Pro T 5 w/a Repistun 10.0 T 5 bulb or a Arcadia 12 % bulb ---- here are some links to the UVB's
https://www.pangeareptile.com/colle...o-med-reptisun-t5-hood?variant=26907425734756 you want the 24" fixture w/ this bulb 22" https://www.pangeareptile.com/colle...d-reptisun-10-0-uvb-t5?variant=26907418591332
https://www.pangeareptile.com/colle...-12-uvb-bulb-with-hood?variant=39549895475242 this is sold out and people are having a hard time finding them now
https://hydrobuilder.com/sunblaster...mp.html?opts=eyJhdHRyaWJ1dGU5MDEiOiI2NjA0In0= you want the 24" fixture
Next you need a bright white basking bulb that keeps temps 105-110 taken w/ a digital probe thermometer --- NO stick ons they are inaccurate ---
These things I have posted here at the MOST IMPORTANT things in the tank and will control the dragons over all health and behavior -- I would get this stuff replaced if your not using it -- but you must get the lighting and temps correct -- your dragon will not eat w/ out proper temps and lighting---- if you order the UVB please post back on here they have certain distance and placement -- I will help you get it set up in the tank but this must be done ASAP--- if using a coil please shut it off ---- you can take him outside for good UVB place him in a plastic tote NO GLASS put him in direct sunlight for 15 minutes DO NOT LEAVE HIM --- watch him I dont know what your temps are there but you do not want to burn him up or have a bird get him -- is he gasping or gaping they will gape to regulate their body temp -- that is a good thing -- please post a pic of him doing this -- is he sitting under his basking bulb when doing this?

I don't have a coil, I already have all the equipment you specified tube 10.0 reptisun UVB- I did lots of research on lighting and consulted one of my friends who had their beardie for 5+ years, so I don't think it's the lighting. he does it pretty much everywhere in his tank on the warm side. I can adjust his basking rock in order to get the temperature up closer to 105-110 instead of 95-100. It's closer to gasping than gaping, it's not consistent, it's very brief. I'll see if I can get a video.

 

[Sadie]

I don't have a coil, I already have all the equipment you specified tube 10.0 reptisun UVB- I did lots of research on lighting and consulted one of my friends who had their beardie for 5+ years, so I don't think it's the lighting. he does it pretty much everywhere in his tank on the warm side. I can adjust his basking rock in order to get the temperature up closer to 105-110 instead of 95-100. It's closer to gasping than gaping, it's not consistent, it's very brief. I'll see if I can get a video.

Ok - what are you using for a uvb- they have certain distance and placement for the bulbs -

 

[OngoingError]

Ok - what are you using for a uvb- they have certain distance and placement for the bulbs -

I'm using a Zoomed Reptisun 24' terrarium hood with the corresponding tube bulb 10.0 UVB, 16' from the bottom of the cage.

 

[Sadie]

I'm using a Zoomed Reptisun 24' terrarium hood with the corresponding tube bulb 10.0 UVB, 16' from the bottom of the cage.

Ok and is it in the tank or on the screen -- the screen will block 30% of the rays if its fine mesh - it will need to go inside or take it off-- distance should be 12-15 inches w/ basking decor directly under it--- if it's a wide hole type- it can stay on top w/ distance 8-10 inches basking decor directly under it

 

[OngoingError]

Ok and is it in the tank or on the screen -- the screen will block 30% of the rays if its fine mesh - it will need to go inside or take it off-- distance should be 12-15 inches w/ basking decor directly under it--- if it's a wide hole type- it can stay on top w/ distance 8-10 inches basking decor directly under it

It's wide hole, I'll get it to 8-10 inches over the basking decor, is that okay? Any other suggestions?

 

[Sadie]

It's wide hole, I'll get it to 8-10 inches over the basking decor, is that okay? Any other suggestions?

Just make sure basking temps are correct and taken w/ a digital probe thermometer- those are imperative- w/ them being correct along w/ the uvb he should start eating - let him acclimate to his tank and surroundings- are you offering salads everyday? Insects should be dusted 5 x per week lightly coated- once per feeding and vitamins w/ beta carotene 2 x per week once per feeding - if you need help w/ diet and insect websites I can post some- please do not rely on the pet stores for insects to they are unreliable

 

[OngoingError]

Just make sure basking temps are correct and taken w/ a digital probe thermometer- those are imperative- w/ them being correct along w/ the uvb he should start eating - let him acclimate to his tank and surroundings- are you offering salads everyday? Insects should be dusted 5 x per week lightly coated- once per feeding and vitamins w/ beta carotene 2 x per week once per feeding - if you need help w/ diet and insect websites I can post some- please do not rely on the pet stores for insects to they are unreliable

Gotcha, I have a really nice local pet shop that sells Dubia roaches and Crickets, but any resources you have would be greatly appreciated, as well as alternative insects that maybe you believe are better

 

[Sadie]

Gotcha, I have a really nice local pet shop that sells Dubia roaches and Crickets, but any resources you have would be greatly appreciated, as well as alternative insects that maybe you believe are better

I can get some posted tomorrow- people were having a hard time last winter getting them from the pet stores- you might want to inquire about that next time your in about suppliers-

 

[Sadie]

www.dubiaroaches.com best prices on roaches and great horn worms -- they grow fast so dont get alot - small super worms as well
www.reptialianarts.com silk worms
www.symptonbsf.com BSFL
www.mulberryfarms.com only place I know for butter worms - spendy on shipping
www.flukerfarms,com they have the best LARGE super worms -- you wont be able to feed those for a while - they come in a tube so you will need containers to keep them in -- just FYI for future reference
I would start looking at getting a 10 gallon aquarium set up for roaches -- they last longer and w/ winter coming I dont know what insect supplying is gonna be this year -- it was rough last year and now w/ the postal service slowing down I have already started to gear up so I am hoping not to haft to buy roaches over the winter - I usually have the post office hold the roaches and I go get them -- I have two older male dragons so they are only getting roaches every 2-3 days and they eat about 4 or so plus worms and salads --

 

[OngoingError]

Fantastic! Thank you so much! I've also been told tons that mealworms shouldn't be fed to baby beardies, this is true, right?

 

[Sadie]

Fantastic! Thank you so much! I've also been told tons that mealworms shouldn't be fed to baby beardies, this is true, right?

Yes no meal worms for now --- babies intestines are not fully developed and are very small that is the risk for impaction --- small super worms limited can be fed small horn worms and butter worms -- supers can be fed on salads 1-3 every 2-3 days -- horn worms are a hydration worm and butter worms are very soft and come in different sizes -- they dont get real big and are easy to chew since they are so soft --

 

[OngoingError]

Yes no meal worms for now --- babies intestines are not fully developed and are very small that is the risk for impaction --- small super worms limited can be fed small horn worms and butter worms -- supers can be fed on salads 1-3 every 2-3 days -- horn worms are a hydration worm and butter worms are very soft and come in different sizes -- they dont get real big and are easy to chew since they are so soft --

Perfect. Last question I promise, is it possible mango is already brumating? They haven't been basking.

 

[Sadie]

Perfect. Last question I promise, is it possible mango is already brumating? They haven't been basking.

Babies do not brumate unless your dragon is very big- like 300 grams or there abouts- if he's a yr yes- under no- he should be active basking and pooping- something is off if he is not basking- are you using a bright white basking bulb? No off white or yellowish bulb! No colored bulbs please-- temps need to taken w/ a digital probe thermometer-

 

[OngoingError]

Babies do not brumate unless your dragon is very big- like 300 grams or there abouts- if he's a yr yes- under no- he should be active basking and pooping- something is off if he is not basking- are you using a bright white basking bulb? No off white or yellowish bulb! No colored bulbs please-- temps need to taken w/ a digital probe thermometer-

Yep I'm using a bright white basking bulb, and taking temps with a inkbird digital thermometer with probe.

 

[Sadie]

Yep I'm using a bright white basking bulb, and taking temps with a inkbird digital thermometer with probe.

Ok so something is not right- if everything is correct w/ lighting and temps there is something else going on- the gasping is he still doing it and you got the uvb corrected too? Please get a video of him - you can record on YouTube to hen post the link-- what is the humidity in the tank?

 

[OngoingError]

Ok so something is not right- if everything is correct w/ lighting and temps there is something else going on- the gasping is he still doing it and you got the uvb corrected too? Please get a video of him - you can record on YouTube to hen post the link-- what is the humidity in the tank?

It stays around 36%, I've been trying to get a video of him doing it, but it's so brief. I haven't seen him do it today so far.

 

[OngoingError]

It stays around 36%, I've been trying to get a video of him doing it, but it's so brief. I haven't seen him do it today so far.

Also, mango has been rubbing his face against his basking rock and just about everything, is he about to shed? Could that be causing him stress?

 

[Sadie]

It stays around 36%, I've been trying to get a video of him doing it, but it's so brief. I haven't seen him do it today so far.

Ok keep an eye on him - are you using a dial hygrometer? I would get a digital probe exo Terra sells them place the probe on back center wall it will read the whole tank-- optimal humidity is 20-50% nothing under 20 nothing over 70%