Black beard/ displays of stress

[Julieb1018]

Hi! So I have a 3 month old citrus beardie and I was curious about the behavior of gulping and turning their beard black.

My first question is, do they usually just have a few black spots on their chin when relaxed? I feel like she always has a little black on her chin but it never gets fully black. It’s tough to find good info about this.

Second, I am aware of many of their stress behaviors or “back off” gestures but I see one that I am unsure about. It is not puffing, it’s gulping. It looks more like swallowing and not an outward puff. I’d also like to know more about what causes stress; I am trying my best to bond with her without traumatizing her lol

Any help would be appreciated!!

 

[Sadie]

Hi! So I have a 3 month old citrus beardie and I was curious about the behavior of gulping and turning their beard black.

My first question is, do they usually just have a few black spots on their chin when relaxed? I feel like she always has a little black on her chin but it never gets fully black. It’s tough to find good info about this.

Second, I am aware of many of their stress behaviors or “back off” gestures but I see one that I am unsure about. It is not puffing, it’s gulping. It looks more like swallowing and not an outward puff. I’d also like to know more about what causes stress; I am trying my best to bond with her without traumatizing her lol

Any help would be appreciated!!

Incorrect basking temps and UVB will cause stress - relocation stress is normal - please post a pic of the beard in question

 

[Julieb1018]

Incorrect basking temps and UVB will cause stress - relocation stress is normal - please post a pic of the beard in question

 

[Julieb1018]

View attachment 37664I believe her basking temperatures are right; it’s rough with so many sources. I have a warm and cool side with things to bask on and things to hide on. The most cool side is usually 78-80 and then it gradually gets warmer on the other side to about 90 on the ground and by the highest pony she can get to (nearest the bulb) it’s about 100. She’s young so I read from a veterinary website that this is what the temps should be. The bulbs I have are a long UVB light, a daylight bask, and a ceramic heater.

 

[Sadie]

Waiting for pics of tank and lights