Bd due to heat lamp or something worse?

[Lozzzy]

Hi,

I rehoming Marvin my bearded dragon at the weekend.

He's 2 years old and has a ceramic bulb which is kicking out 120f. I've been turning it off at night, however speaking with his previous owner he kept it on all day and night except during hot summer nights. Marv's been slow and off his food since I started turning it off at night, but I've been getting up ever few hours at night and checking the temp hadn't dropped below 60f.

It was suggested elsewhere to get a thermostat as Marv spends most of his time under his shelter in the cool spot so could be too warm?

I bathed him tonight as he hasn't pooped (but to be fair we only got him at the weekend) and he didn't poo. I read that this could be an issue if he is entering BD?

Any feedback welcome!

 

[khaleesi]

Hello, it's only been a couple of days it's said that a fortnight is the acclimatization period so I wouldn't worry too much. I personally always turn heat lamps off over night and I know lots of others do too, in fact I've never heard of a heat lamp being kept on 24/7 Marvin needs to sleep on average 10-12 hours. Wait for an expert as I am by no means an expert but in my personal opinion you have nothing to worry about just yet

 

[Mungi's Buddha]

Your Bearded Dragon needs a basking spot temperature of 100-105 degrees farenheit during the day along with proper UV lighting and a cool side temp of 80-85 degrees farenheit. At night no supplemental heat or light is needed unless your homes temps drop below the mid 60's and then only just enough to knock the edge off. Your dragon needs a cool side during the day to get away from the heat if he chooses and needs to be allowed to cool down at night because it will allow his metabolism to slow down and he will rest better.
If your enclosure is being heated to 120f that is a dangerously high temperature and you are cooking your dragon.That could explain him spending his day hiding.
Khaleesi is exactly correct in that it takes dragons 10 or more days to acclimate to changes. If you just got him this weekend then he is stressed due to the move and again if your temps are as you said he is stressed from way too much heat. These changes need to be made immediately.
The first thing reptiles in general do when stressed is to go off their food just so that you know and the biggest stressor to them usually is environmental changes in their habitat.

Here are some links that will provide you with much more info and correct info on how to properly care for your dragon and give both you and he the best chance for a long, happy and healthy life together!

Basic BD Care Sheet - A Place To Start
Bearded Dragon --- Exclusive Care Info Library
Beautiful Dragons Nutrition Chart
Is Bearded Dragon Co-habitation a good plan?
How To Sex A Bearded Dragon

Hope this helps and we are here to help in any way we can Enjoy!