New and a little daunted!

[Jbab]

Hi all

We are a house with numerous pets but I have always loved Beardies so, for my son's birthday and after a lot of reading we got one! His name is Buddy. However, there was a slight hiccup. The original dragon we got (Bee-Bee) was a baby but before bringing him home I noticed that his legs were a little odd. The shop (specialist reptile place) said they were fine tho and I didn't know any better. Anyway, after a few days his legs got worse and I really wasn't sure he was happy so took him back for them to look at (this time the owner of the shop). He said that he wasn't right and he would take him home and keep him and replace him (god were there tears from my daughter who had become mega attached to the little fella ). However, the dragon we have now is a sub-adult and absolutely gorgeous. We love him to bits but I fear that his viv is too small (based on the fact that the one we were advised to get was for a baby!). To compensate for this we get him out lots and are hoping that is OK for now as I can't get another viv for him yet. I am going to tweek with his set up today cos I think it is a little warm for him what with the basking light and an underfloor heater as he doesn't bask but prefers the cooler side.

Phew!! sorry this turned into a mammoth post - just really want to do our best for Buddy and get everything right so that he is a happy chap. Sooo many questions as reading here is different to what the shop said (which wasn't a lot to be honest) - didn't even know they like a bath! I guess we have a lot to learn but will enjoy doing so. Thanks in anticipation for all your help I will keep reading and getting tips.

Jackie & Buddy

 

[zebraflavencs]

Welcome ! Sorry to hear the first baby wasn't right...
Do try to get that enclosure sized up right.. Might I suggest a 40 gal Breeder ? Large enough to take a dragon from infant to adulthood...
Mammoth postings are fine.. yours is actually shorter than some * thinks of all of her posts in the past *.
Just keep asking questions, and oh, run by us what lights and stuff you have in that enclosure for the dragon... Pet stores are notorious for making money, but little correct working knowledge..
Hope this helps !

 

[li]

Welcome again. I know that in the "introduction" section Renee posted a link to the caresheet. Great place to get all your info. Of course, just aks if anything comes up.

 

[staylor]

Welcome...I noticed you said you have an under tank heater. These are not good for beardies. I would unplug it or take it off, You can put it on the outside side of the tank but not under it. Do you have a probe or temp gun yet? What size viv and what watt light do you have?

 

[renich]

What a horrible experience. Poor little guy. It doesn't sound very good for him. Hopefully, the owner can work magic and give him a little TLC.

It is not uncommon that pet stores give bad advice. You are not the first to experience it. Just ask around.

 

[Jbab]

Hi, thanks for replies. I only use the under heater at night when all the lights etc are off. Buddy is approx 7 months old (and gorgeous!). We have only had him for just under a week so really not long. I have bought a digital thermometer as I couldn't find a prob one at the place i went (along with silk worms I couldnt get). Will try again elsewhere tomorrow but time ran out today what with just having a baby and having to do school run - Not buddy's problem but he seems to get more cuddles than the baby right now lol - Im sure he was meant to be my older son's but I just can't resist lol ! Just worried about not eating, not pooping much and getting the temp right. Maybe I will change to a lower wattage bulb (using 60watt at the mo but still too hot).

Posted similar in another section so apologies if I have repeated myself - still finding my way around!

Thanks again

 

[li]

No need for the heater at night either. Under heaters are dangerous. Beardies don't feel heat from below, then can be burned easily. Also as long as your temps in your house stay above 60* no need for any night heat.

 

[Jbab]

OK. Thank you - will take heat mat out. Still worried about him not eating x

 

[zebraflavencs]

Ah... This answered one of my questions on your second thread, Jackie.
What you are seeing is Relocation stress.. Give him a week or so, limit your handling of him, and he should come right around.
Hope this helps out !

 

[Pogie]

Hi, and welcome

Youll find tons of advice here. Best forum ever