Hello and thanks for having me!
I purchased 3 young beardies around the same time (I was fascinated by the colors and patterns they can’t in and couldn’t settle on just one!). I have some reptile experience keeping mostly geckos. I did a fair bit of research before getting them (I had some basic info when I helped my nephew acquire his first several years ago). They are all currently in separate 20L enclosures (I plan to upgrade them to at least 40 breeders shortly and hopefully 75 gallons eventually. My problem is, I’ve had them for a few months now, and only one seems to be growing, and even he doesn’t seem to be growing as much as I thought they would. Their colors also appear “dull” compare to when I first got them.
The only thing I can think of is I’m using a powersun mercury vapor bulb on each enclosure, and I get mixed reviews on them, a few love them, and most don’t like them. I plan on getting a separate heat bulb and strip uvb (can anyone recommend where to purchase the strip fixture or which one?). But the powersun is what they have at the moment. The temperature in the basking spots range from about 98-105. The cooler end of the enclosure is right around 79 degrees. Currently using paper towel substrate.
I feed them a variety of food, crickets, dubia, Phoenix worms and super worms 2-3 times a day, dusted with calcium every feeding and reptivite about once a week. They do not seem to be eating the 50+ crickets a day I’ve seen they can or should be eating. The two smaller ones might take 5-8 insects per feeding. The larger one maybe 10-12. I give them greens every 3rd day. They will pick at those, but not consume a whole lot.
I will soak them twice a week, and I also have a shallow water dish in the enclosure that I freshen every day. (They will occasionally soak themselves and do drink from it occasionally).
Can’t think of any other pertinent information at the moment, but please feel free to ask any questions. I just want these guys to be happy and healthy and am concerned about their lack of growth, as well as lacking color. Any information or advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
I purchased 3 young beardies around the same time (I was fascinated by the colors and patterns they can’t in and couldn’t settle on just one!). I have some reptile experience keeping mostly geckos. I did a fair bit of research before getting them (I had some basic info when I helped my nephew acquire his first several years ago). They are all currently in separate 20L enclosures (I plan to upgrade them to at least 40 breeders shortly and hopefully 75 gallons eventually. My problem is, I’ve had them for a few months now, and only one seems to be growing, and even he doesn’t seem to be growing as much as I thought they would. Their colors also appear “dull” compare to when I first got them.
The only thing I can think of is I’m using a powersun mercury vapor bulb on each enclosure, and I get mixed reviews on them, a few love them, and most don’t like them. I plan on getting a separate heat bulb and strip uvb (can anyone recommend where to purchase the strip fixture or which one?). But the powersun is what they have at the moment. The temperature in the basking spots range from about 98-105. The cooler end of the enclosure is right around 79 degrees. Currently using paper towel substrate.
I feed them a variety of food, crickets, dubia, Phoenix worms and super worms 2-3 times a day, dusted with calcium every feeding and reptivite about once a week. They do not seem to be eating the 50+ crickets a day I’ve seen they can or should be eating. The two smaller ones might take 5-8 insects per feeding. The larger one maybe 10-12. I give them greens every 3rd day. They will pick at those, but not consume a whole lot.
I will soak them twice a week, and I also have a shallow water dish in the enclosure that I freshen every day. (They will occasionally soak themselves and do drink from it occasionally).
Can’t think of any other pertinent information at the moment, but please feel free to ask any questions. I just want these guys to be happy and healthy and am concerned about their lack of growth, as well as lacking color. Any information or advice you can offer will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you!
