new to dragons

[Two dragons]

I bought my son two bearded dragons for his birthday off craigslist. They are about seven years old. I am finding out that pretty much everything they told us is wrong. They had them for about 4 years. They fed then lettuce and carrots, there is no uvb light, and there "house" was to small for even one of them. We got a bigger aquarium for them but other than that I'm not sure what to do. I am feeding them collard greens, zucchini, and a special food that is suppose to have what they need, I also have some calcium powder stuff to sprinkle on their food. I have never liked any kind of reptile before but these guys have stole my heart and I want to take care of them the right way so all advice is welcome!!!!

 

[Germ]

Welcome to the BD community ...
Some good links that you may find useful to get started off right ...
Basic Bearded Dragon Care Guide - A Place To Start
UVB Setup
Temp Guns
Bearded Dragon - Exclusive Care Info Library
Is Bearded Dragon Cohabitation A Good Plan?
What's Good & Not So Good To Feed - Beautiful Dragon's Nutrition Guide

 

[Two dragons]

Thank you, I was just reading about not having two together, but from what the guy said they have always been together, so...?

 

[Germ]

Are they missing any toes &/or have scars? What sexes are they?

 

[Two dragons]

nothing missing!!! and I'm not sure what the sexes are. The only time they do the head bobbing is when my dog tries to look at them or they see their reflection! They eat together and usually bask side by side.

 

[Two dragons]

I don't see any scars either.

 

[atochats]

Glad nothing's missing As far as advice...these links provided are good ones to follow. If you're finding that pretty much everything the seller told you or did was wrong, then why not consider that housing them together might be wrong too? I'd follow Germ's advice. Maybe you could use the tank they originally came in for one, and the new tank you bought for the other? IDK. Again, glad to hear they're both ok so far

 

[Two dragons]

They are Separated!!!!! Kinda made me sad but I did it!
So they havent had uvb for a long time!! What are some side effects and can they be corrected. These sweet things have very little color, is that age, nutrition, uvb?

 

[atochats]

Under the "health" category there's a thread called "was this caused by lack of UVB?" There's some good discussion there to read. I know it is possible for dragons to change in color as they age, not just from babies to adults...but from adults to geriatric age as well. You said they were about 7 yrs old? As far as specific side effects and corrections, I am really not qualified so I'm not going to risk saying something wrong to you. I'm so proud of you for separating them I could tell it broke your heart but it is the best thing to do If you're concerned about them being lonely without each other...take that opportunity to spend time with them each yourself so they have you to cuddle and lay next to You are so wonderful for caring and trying to do what's right for these two

 

[Germ]

Head Bobbing is characteristic to both sexes. Being 7 years old, true "Normal" dragons were quite common then, very hard to find now & is very likely the reason that they don't have the colors that is seen in the newer BDs purposely bred for high color today.

 

[Two dragons]

ok so since I separated them, all they do is lay around. Neither one is eating much, and they seem to be laying on the darker side of their home!!! I'm concerned!

 

[atochats]

New tank..separated..might take awhile to get adjusted. Give them time and make sure temps etc. are right. How long after separating did they both start acting like this? How long have they been separated?

 

[Two dragons]

I separated them 3 days ago and thats pretty much when they both started acting that way. I know they eat a little but they both used to be very active. We left one in the same home so his temps and such haven't changed for sure

 

[atochats]

Just make sure all's good in the second tank and five them more time is my opinion.

 

[Two dragons]

ok thank you!!!!

 

[Germ]

I separated them 3 days ago and thats pretty much when they both started acting that way. I know they eat a little but they both used to be very active. We left one in the same home so his temps and such haven't changed for sure

You have changed their environment again, so it is likely that a new acclimation period will have to be recognized. So it is not so strange that their activity may less for a short time until they are used to the new surroundings. Even the one that is still in the old enclosure has changed, missing what has been a regular fixture in the enclosure, being the other dragon. Time & patience will rectify most issues. Being less active also generally goes hand in hand with diminished appetite, as they don't have to replenish the nutrition burned off by higher activity, therefore don't have to eat as much.

Good Luck

 

[ravenwolf]

I did the same last year, rescued 2 bearded dragons who had been housed together in a tiny 2ft vivarium which wasn't even big enough for 1 never mind 2, they are small for their age and had no uvb or a good diet, they have since lightened a lot and more colours are becoming apparent but it's a gradual process and I doubt they'll ever look as good as they may have if they'd had the right environment and diet from day one. They are very rewarding though and knowing that you are making a huge difference s worth it. can't wait to hear more about your new additions