Misting vs. Soaking

[spazz]

I am wondering if misting is okay by itself? I am afraid to do anything that requires me to pick up Max after his first couple of weeks with me. I think I have traumatized him with all the bedding changes and taking him out to feed him in a seperate container. He is doing so well now I am loath to do anything that might change that.

I just misted him, and he didn't seem ecstatic about it, but he isn't as freaked out as he was when I tried to give him a warm soak last week.

 

[luissandoval87]

I mist about 2-3 times a week and I also soak every other week.
I've seen some that love it and some that hate it, but I think if you stick to a routine after a while they'll get used to it and eventually enjoy it.

 

[Germ]

Regular Misting & soaks are a necessary part of BD husbandry.

 

[spazz]

What do you guys recommend to soak a baby in?

 

[Germ]

Plastic tub or many use the kitchen sink or tub.

 

[gilliesexotics]

We personally use pans like this for babies. http://www.walmart.com/ip/Sterilite-12-Quart-Dishpan-Seashell/16351102

 

[spazz]

Now I am guessing I just place him in the water and leave him alone so I don't stress him out. How deep for a baby?

 

[gilliesexotics]

We never leave ours alone. We do however bath multiples :/ Warm water up to the armpits is typical wide spread advice.

Giving a guess off of your avatar. Half inch should be plenty.

 

[spazz]

Thanks!

 

[Charley]

I put mine in the shower and they seem to love it :-D

 

[spazz]

I put mine in the shower and they seem to love it :-D

Babies?

 

[ThDude]

The water should not go past his/her armpit and should be quite warm. somewhere close to basking temps if you can get it that hot.

My almost-year-old bearded dragon is still not liking bathes but he does like drinking the water!

 

[Charley]

Babies?

Currently 3 adults, though I did put babies in back when I had them- just made sure the shower spray was soft because I was paranoid it might hurt them.

 

[Augie]

It's important to do more than mist. If your dragon is like mine he walks in his poop! Bathing serves as a way to hydrate and keep their hygiene in check.

 

[spazz]

I haven't had an issue with that yet, but I am sure when he and his poop get bigger it will become an issue. I was planing to give him a nice soak tomorrow afternoon.

 

[Augie]

If you've had him a few weeks its probably time to start handling. I use one of those small plastic tubs, looks like a miniature sterilite tub. It cost $1.97 at Walmart if I remember correctly. He loves it.

Initially he fought me during baths, but I found that if I was persistent he realized they are nice. I scoop him up with one hand and, while I am putting him in the tub, I keep my other hand over his eyes. When I get him in the tub I used to have to keep my hand over his eyes for a few seconds until he relaxed. Then after that I would splash water over him on his back, head, and neck. After a bit I just sit there with him until he's had enough and flys out of the tub.

 

[spazz]

If you've had him a few weeks its probably time to start handling. I use one of those small plastic tubs, looks like a miniature sterilite tub. It cost $1.97 at Walmart if I remember correctly. He loves it.

Initially he fought me during baths, but I found that if I was persistent he realized they are nice. I scoop him up with one hand and, while I am putting him in the tub, I keep my other hand over his eyes. When I get him in the tub I used to have to keep my hand over his eyes for a few seconds until he relaxed. Then after that I would splash water over him on his back, head, and neck. After a bit I just sit there with him until he's had enough and flys out of the tub.

I'm having a lot of trouble with this, because he freaks out if I touch him. He doesn't mind if I am around his tank, if I take the lid off, move things around, even if I approach him with my hand, but the instant I touch him he flips out. I am so afraid of causing him stress, I don't know what do.

 

[ThDude]

I'm having a lot of trouble with this, because he freaks out if I touch him. He doesn't mind if I am around his tank, if I take the lid off, move things around, even if I approach him with my hand, but the instant I touch him he flips out. I am so afraid of causing him stress, I don't know what do.

You have to pick him up regardless. let him freak out a little, you have to do what is needed to take care of him and if he does not like it then tough crickets.

 

[spazz]

You have to pick him up regardless. let him freak out a little, you have to do what is needed to take care of him and if he does not like it then tough crickets.

Okay then, tomorrow he gets soaked. Like it or not. How long after a feeding should I wait?

 

[Augie]

When it comes to handling him, use your best judgement if he freaks out like you say. Black beards need to be taken seriously, because while its rare they WILL bite if they feel threatened. You also don't want him hurting himself. Mine started out being incredibly skittish around me, but now he sees my hand as an invitation for interaction. This didn't happen overnight!

Approaching him with calm confidence and patience is the key! If you force things it won't help; remember, the goal is to get him to relax around you, and sometimes persistence is the best medicine. But if you are too forceful he won't see the encounter as a positive one. Trust me, eventually he will come around.