Wont eat

[Katiepie]

Hi
I am a new bearded dragon owner. I just got him or her yesterday( 11/9) from petsmart. I know it’s not the best place. I have a 40 gallon tank with a basking light reading temp of 105. The other side is about 85. I have a reptisun 10.0 tube uvb light. It ate like 3 worms yesterday but nothing today. I’m sure he is stressed. I tried feeding him but nothing. He did poop though. I have a vet appointment Monday. Just wondering how long I should wait until I must rush it in sooner?

 

[Sadie]

Hi
I am a new bearded dragon owner. I just got him or her yesterday( 11/9) from petsmart. I know it’s not the best place. I have a 40 gallon tank with a basking light reading temp of 105. The other side is about 85. I have a reptisun 10.0 tube uvb light. It ate like 3 worms yesterday but nothing today. I’m sure he is stressed. I tried feeding him but nothing. He did poop though. I have a vet appointment Monday. Just wondering how long I should wait until I must rush it in sooner?

Your dragon is going thru relocation stress --- so his eating will be off but he should not quit eating all together- if you bought one of the " kits" the stuff they put in there is a waste of money and some is harmful like the coil UVB's they are inadequate and need to be replaced immediately------------ you need this for a UVB they are considered one of the best on the market at this time
https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/who...84-reptisun-terrarium-hood-t5-24-zoo-med.html this comes w/ a 5.0 bulb hang on to it it can be used for a back up distance and placement would be different from the one I am recommending https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/t5-...00-uvb-t5-ho-fluorescent-bulb-22-zoo-med.html you can call to find out how soon they ship they are out of CA 916-226-4089
You need to also be taking temps w/a digital probe thermometer the stick ons are inaccurate
Your dragon will not eat w/ out the proper basking temps and correct UVB -- these two things are the most important thing in that tank and control the over all health of the dragon - if you need more help w/ diet and websites I can help w/ that as well

 

[Katiepie]

Your dragon is going thru relocation stress --- so his eating will be off but he should not quit eating all together- if you bought one of the " kits" the stuff they put in there is a waste of money and some is harmful like the coil UVB's they are inadequate and need to be replaced immediately------------ you need this for a UVB they are considered one of the best on the market at this time
https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/who...84-reptisun-terrarium-hood-t5-24-zoo-med.html this comes w/ a 5.0 bulb hang on to it it can be used for a back up distance and placement would be different from the one I am recommending https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/t5-...00-uvb-t5-ho-fluorescent-bulb-22-zoo-med.html you can call to find out how soon they ship they are out of CA 916-226-4089
You need to also be taking temps w/a digital probe thermometer the stick ons are inaccurate
Your dragon will not eat w/ out the proper basking temps and correct UVB -- these two things are the most important thing in that tank and control the over all health of the dragon - if you need more help w/ diet and websites I can help w/ that as well

I have the zoo med 10.0 t8. I can’t install on inside so it’s on top. I also have a temp gun. Here are pics

 

[Sadie]

I have the zoo med 10.0 t8. I can’t install on inside so it’s on top. I also have a temp gun. Here are pics

Ok all looks good there - get the T 8 inside the tank no plastic cover over the bulb- put a piece of basking decor directly underneath it- approx 6-8 inches - I would invest in a digital probe thermometer as well-- once you get the T 8 situated his eating won't stop but it may be slow because of relocation stress which is normal- as he acclimates to his tank and surroundings it will pick up- make sure he's hydrated if he's eating his salads you can rinse them before serving he will water thru them-- I can give you websites for insects/ worms if you like-- I can post some things to hang fixture with- as of this moment he's not getting much if any uvb-- the screen is blocking 30% of those rays

 

[Katiepie]

Ok all looks good there - get the T 8 inside the tank no plastic cover over the bulb- put a piece of basking decor directly underneath it- approx 6-8 inches - I would invest in a digital probe thermometer as well-- once you get the T 8 situated his eating won't stop but it may be slow because of relocation stress which is normal- as he acclimates to his tank and surroundings it will pick up- make sure he's hydrated if he's eating his salads you can rinse them before serving he will water thru them-- I can give you websites for insects/ worms if you like-- I can post some things to hang fixture with- as of this moment he's not getting much if any uvb-- the screen is blocking 30% of those rays

I’m not good at hanging things like that. Can you post something to help with that.

 

[Sadie]

I’m not good at hanging things like that. Can you post something to help with that.

Yep-- you can use these as well 3 M command Velcro fasteners- picture hanging wire –long plastic zip ties-- fishing line -- potted plant wire hangers -- TAK TY cable and hook ties they look like velcro straps try Walmart

I’m not good at hanging things like that. Can you post something to help with tha

 

[Katiepie]

Yep-- you can use these as well 3 M command Velcro fasteners- picture hanging wire –long plastic zip ties-- fishing line -- potted plant wire hangers -- TAK TY cable and hook ties they look like velcro straps try Walmart

Yey! He ate! It was that he preferred crickets. By the way, how do you feed crickets. How do you successfully get out just a certain amount each time. Like if you have 100 and you only want to take out 10

 

[Sadie]

Yey! He ate! It was that he preferred crickets. By the way, how do you feed crickets. How do you successfully get out just a certain amount each time. Like if you have 100 and you only want to take out 10

Put a paper towel tube in the keeper if you have one and they will climb in there - shake into a ziploc bag w/ your calcium D3 or Vitamins --- do not leave crickets in the tank over nite they will come out and bite the dragon and they can cause infection -- a better staple feeder is dubia roaches silk worms and BSFL

 

[Katiepie]

Ok so he is eating but very little. I have had him since Monday. I bet this is adjustment but he was the smallest one of the pack so I’m worried. Should I return him for a larger one

 

[Sadie]

Ok so he is eating but very little. I have had him since Monday. I bet this is adjustment but he was the smallest one of the pack so I’m worried. Should I return him for a larger one

No- he's going thru relocation stress- did you get uvb adjusted

 

[Katiepie]

No- he's going thru relocation stress- did you get uvb adjusted

No. It’s on a screen that will slides open. I do have front open entrances. I can’t see it successfully installed without it slamming down. I know you mentioned fasteners etc. here is a better pic. This is upper part of tank. Would hood be used?

 

[Katiepie]

He is sleeping now. Hasn’t eaten yet. How long does this stress last. I worry because he is small. If I got one of the bigger ones I would worry so much

 

[Sadie]

He is sleeping now. Hasn’t eaten yet. How long does this stress last. I worry because he is small. If I got one of the bigger ones I would worry so much

You need that UVB unobstructed the screen is blocking the UVB rays---- take the screen off- it's not going to matter on the size of the dragon -- another dragon will not eat w/ out proper UVB- change the T 8 out for a T 5 but you will haft to buy another fixture the T 5 can sit on top of screen but I need to see that screen for sure-- take a pic of it from above

 

[Katiepie]

I have found the bulb but not hood that matches. Can you help. The T5 is only on Amazon. I would so appreciate if you could find one for me. Here is a top pic of my tank.

 

[Katiepie]

If I wind up doing the inside then how the heck will I be able to get the decorations out for cleaning and carpet. I need more space then just from opening. I have spent so much money . Just a bulb without hood may be ok if that is possible. I don’t even think the vet would be able to help. It bothers me to see animals die which is why I think so quickly to return it. I totally will blame myself

 

[Sadie]

I have found the bulb but not hood that matches. Can you help. The T5 is only on Amazon. I would so appreciate if you could find one for me. Here is a top pic of my tank.

I want you to take the screen and set it up to the UVB-- place the UVB width wise-- across the top but the screen up to it - take a piece of basking decor place directly underneath the UVB 6-8 inches - get a basking temp after you get the decor pieces adjusted and the take a pic and post

 

[Sadie]

I want you to take the screen and set it up to the UVB-- place the UVB width wise-- across the top but the screen up to it - take a piece of basking decor place directly underneath the UVB 6-8 inches - get a basking temp after you get the decor pieces adjusted and the take a pic and post

Zoo Med 690030 Repti Sun T5 60cm Terrarium Cover without Lamp for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zoo Med 690030 Repti Sun T5 60cm Terrarium Cover without Lamp at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

Zoo Med OS5-24 5 HO Lamp for sale online | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Zoo Med OS5-24 5 HO Lamp at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

This can sit on the screen --- see if you can get the T 8 to work like I posted --- all my go to places are out of stock for the 24" fixture

 

[Katiepie]

I appreciate your help . This may not be my fault or even a uvb problem. It may be that he was the runt and wasn’t doing well from the get go. I have a vet appointment Monday. I will continue feeding and trying until then and I’m sure I’ll find out the problem. I have put so much effort into this and studying. I hear what you said and I need to think it over. I just don’t think I can make adjustments right now as I am quite upset. Thx

 

[Sadie]

I appreciate your help . This may not be my fault or even a uvb problem. It may be that he was the runt and wasn’t doing well from the get go. I have a vet appointment Monday. I will continue feeding and trying until then and I’m sure I’ll find out the problem. I have put so much effort into this and studying. I hear what you said and I need to think it over. I just don’t think I can make adjustments right now as I am quite upset. Thx

It's up to you but I don't think the vet is going to help you - you need to.start w/ adjustments on the UVB- and make sure he's hydrated -- drop.water on his nose or spray / mist him see if he will drink

 

[Katiepie]

Ok. I bought the t5 bulb and hood on Amazon. Expensive but since I have put so much effort into this that he is worth it. It has to sit on the screen but this one is supposed to. I did google it and it said it gives more uvb and more powerful. It’s all I can do. I won’t return the other until I know more. When you have put so much effort and education ( reading). It’s hard. I know many have their lights on top and their dragon is fine so I know under is not the only way. We shall see. Thx