Do yourself and dragon a favor and buy a temperature probe off Amazon. They are around 5$ and will give you peace of mind and help you determine exactly how hot the basking area really is.
The basking area is very important to the dragons digestion and wellbeing. All you do is place the probe under the lamp where the dragon basks for 5 minutes or so and you'll have your results and then you'll be able to determine if you need to get a stronger or weaker bulb.
This is the first result that turns up but there's many options, all do the same thing.
I’m planning on releasing it on Kindle first; the minimum page count for paperback is more than my stories and I’m not sure which other sites could be used. So when I have enough stories I’m planning on doing a collection.
The other kid’s book I have out is called Tiny’s Christmas Party about a tortoise who has always wanted to see Christmas, but who can’t because he hibernates(!)
Thank you for being so nice about my stories. :-)
We got ours as a gift, and I couldn’t find the exact one, but this is from the same company and looks to be a new version of the same thing:
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum or Platinum LED Pet Fountains, Best for Cats and Small to Medium Dogs, Fresh Filtered Water Dispenser, LED Light for Nighttime Visibility, 168 Oz Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000L3XYZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_26DQBCRT2XJT5P5DFBXV
Dudes definitely malnourished a bit but the main thing I’d recommend is to feed him superworms as they’re pretty fatty and should help bump him up a good bit. As for the greens part go to Amazon and get him some bee pollen. Bee pollen is super nutritious for bearded dragons and as an added benefit it smells like insect meat to beardies. Basically what you’ll do is sprinkle a fair amount of the bee pollen on his greens and that should get him to eat them. For the choice of greens definitely go with turnip greens or collard greens. If you need any extra help just pm me!
Edit: Here’s the link to the bee pollen that I use. Super inexpensive for the results you get when feeding. And as a side note also try repashy beardie buffet buffet as well. It’s nutrient dense and stupid cheap compared to buying the equivalent in live insects. Plus no need to worry about caring for live insects haha. Hope this helps!
No actually I got them from amazon here’s the link. Magnaturals 37096 Rock Ledge Extra Strength Magnets, Large, Mojave https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003712U1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_7I8OBbK746BWW they are magnetic so you can put them where you want
yup i am from belgium and i also got it from a dutch reptile shop but i think this will work as wel
Maybe one of those window hammocks would help him get used to the big outdoors on his own terms. I know, I know, it's made for cats, but beardies really love them too. https://www.amazon.com/Window-Hammock-Saving-Mounted-Premium/dp/B07MH7WTSN
You will definitely want to swap that out for a fluorescent tube that will cover the entire length of your enclosure. They are on sale on Amazon atm. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0009YHSWK/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
You can also get an under cabinet light fixture at walmart for like $8 and then mount it inside the cage, so they get maximum amount of uvb. I mounted mine with a ton of gorilla tape, and didn't have any problems with it falling.
I think Cotton would be fine as long as it isn't loose for he/she to ingest. Also, I might try to get the cool side up to 80, mine goes between 80 and 75, maybe consider having the ceramic heater on all of the time, and then just have the lights turn off during the night time. That is usually what I do during the winter, but it is still warm enough for me to get away with not having the CHE on all the time.
Good luck!
I have a cost effective recommendation instead of using flukers super scrub try using Chlorhexidine 2% Solution for animal use only. It’s super concentrated 2 tbs for every gallon of water. Save you some extra cash. lol
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HHSD8M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_ZYA998J7VF93DRXH4AX0
Amazon has some nice magnetic fake rock platforms that this build and bear die would love! Magnaturals 37092 Rock Ledge, Medium, Granite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018CLV8E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_yaVNCbND1P6BT
*** For anyone interested, here’s where I purchased this Heated Back/Neck Massager:
I believe I got a pair of these and they work great. For measuring basking spot you'll want a temperature gun for spot accuracy
VAV SEA Small Electric Dehumidifier, 1200 Cubic Feet (215 sq ft) Portable Mini Dehumidifier Quiet Use for High Humidity in Home, Bathroom, Bedroom, Kitchen, Basements, Wardrobe Closet, Office, RV… https://www.amazon.com/dp/B087YTM19N/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_9X0T2S79RJXAJ73XZCFB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Cat Window Hammock Cat Window Mounted Perch Cat Resting Shelf 360° Sunny Seat Space Saving Cat Beds for Indoor Cats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BCDW57V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FMZDB8F3XFQSTZAGZP8S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is the one I have
I totally understand!! We got one primarily for our Ball Python, to be able to watch him since they’re mostly active at night. So I decided to get one for both my Beardie’s enclosures as well! Hahaha!! It’s so much fun! Easy to set up too! Here’s where I got them from: WiFi Mini-Cam
Start in one small room with as little he can get under as possible. I start free roaming time in a bathroom because there's no where to hide and nothing they can get into.
In a larger area stay with him. Watch where he goes.
Put a leash on him so he's easier to retrieve.
Or use a pop-up tent type thing if you want to keep him out and yet be free to do stuff in other rooms- I use this one for daily window gazing sessions.
I have a sand mat Exo Terra Sand Mat, Large https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01BGMRIGE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ACYA58R5TEAG5B3YE6F1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Never had any problems with it and my beardie is happy 😊
PetSafe Drinkwell Original Pet Fountain, 50 oz Capacity Fresh Filtered Water Dispenser for Cats and Medium Sized Dogs, Easy to Clean Design with Adjustable Flow, Filters Included https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00063446M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MM4KK0P53M2DHV0KTAZK?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Here! I was worried the more common bubble backpacks would get too hot because of the greenhouse effect. This is mostly mesh but has that one plastic window because I wasn't sure if she would look out the mesh.
LED doesn't produce heat, so that's part of the problem. When people say "halogen floods" they're talking about tungsten-filament bulbs.
Try reducing the wattage of the incandescent. Get a dimmer switch or dimming thermostat like Herpstat, that way you can dial in the output of the bulb to reach a certain temperature. (making sure that both the lamp and bulb are dimmable, it will say so on the box).
Make sure the basking zone is large enough to fully bathe the beardie in evenly distributed heat. This is why floodlights are recommended over spotlights, floods produce a wider beam while spots produce a narrower one. You may also consider using two smaller wattage floods side by side, to produce a larger more even basking zone if you need it.
I've been using Phillips EcoVantage PAR38 dimmable floods for awhile now and they create a good basking zone and have been lasting me at least 4 months, even when dimmed.
I was also nervous about size, and this was the biggest tub with jets available. Future is on the larger side, so it’s definitely spacious. Bearded Dragon Tub with Jets
here it is on amazon.
After the full course of meds has been given you can use BeneBac probiotic gel daily for a week or so to replenish their gut flora.
That usually straightens them out.
Alternatively if you don’t want to drill into the pvc or use hooks which depending on the type can be an injury risk you can buy sticky pads that are specifically designed for sticking suction cups to an uneven or porous surface and ive heard that these will work on PVC. Could be worth a try before you drill. these for example
Did you give a probiotic after the antibiotics were over?
Antibiotics destroy good gut flora along with bad gut flora/parasites.
You can boost their gut flora with a product like Bene-Bac
I'd try that.
It is normal for them to lose their appetite while being medicated though. You didn't mention how long it has been since she finished the meds. If it's been less than a couple of weeks just give it time.
And try different foods- crickets, superworms, a nice fat hornworm etc. They get bored with same-old same-old just the way you do.
If the temps dip below 70 at night, you need a ceramic heat emitter. No light should be left on at night.
OMAYKEY 100W 2-Pack Ceramic Heat Lamp with 1-pcs Digital-Thermometer, Infrared Reptile Heat Emitter Heater Lamp Bulb for Pet Brooder Coop Chicken Lizard Turtle Snake Aquarium, No Light No Harm https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078TDWPW5/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_mdI3Fb0CZ007R?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
REPTI ZOO E26 5.5 Inch Deep Reptile Lamp Fixture Wire Style Reptile Basking Light Lampshade https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QY7GYSD/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_bfI3FbV7SY96G
Looks good to me. You might wanna save up for a couple digital thermometer and humidity gauges because those ones work for such a short period of time and are really inaccurate. I had those recently and they only lasted for 5months, such a waste of money.
Here’s the ones I got off amazon that work great!
A branch is fine if he likes to use it. Once he's full grown you'll probably need to make him some sort of platform to lay on since they get up to two feet long. For the basking area, it's the actual surface temperature of whatever he's laying on that you want to check. We use an inexpensive infrared thermometer from Amazon. We have this one and it's only $15.99
The air temperature only needs to be in the 80's, and you want to put the basking area at one end of the tank. That way the basking area is the hottest and the opposite end is cooler, so he can move around and find the spot where he's happiest with the temperature. You want to put the UVB light in the middle so it shines on him no matter what part of the tank he's in.
One way to tell if you have the temperature in the basking area right is if he sits under the light with his mouth open. That means he's at the temperature he's happy with, and since he can't sweat he's using his mouth to cool down just enough to maintain his temperature. If you Google "bearded dragon gaping" there are lots of pictures of them doing it.
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amazon! got the XS size and he loves to curl up in it
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01ID29KE8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'd recommend a couple hammocks! I got mine off Amazon and my beardie LOVES IT
Penn Plax REP701 Lizard Lounger, 100% Natural Seagrass Fibers For Anoles, Bearded Dragons, Geckos, Iguanas, and Hermit Crabs Triangular 14 x 14 Inches Large https://www.amazon.com/dp/B013T6XPVC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M2y4CbHSRS7K3
You can make your own leash for cheap with crafting stuff from like Hobby Lobby. I didnt want to mess with making my own so I got this one from amazon. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01G2CZWRA/ It works really well just make sure its not too tight around his neck. Mine hated the little ones that look like a vest that you put their arms through. There are lots of different ones you can get but I find the one I linked the easiest to put on and mine doesnt mind it.
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As for what to watch out for outside be careful of dogs and cats trying to come up to you they could easily kill your beardie. Mine is terrified of airplanes we live near the airport so he gets skittish whenever one flies over head, they are scared of things above them like birds so he sees the airplane as just a really big bird that wants to eat him.
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Getting him natural sunlight is a wonderful idea. I take mine outside almost everyday when the weather allows us. Dont let him out of your sight and always have a leash on him they can run very fast when scared. When you first take him outside take it slow he'll be scared just let him sit on you and take it all in. Mine doesnt like to move much outside he just likes to bask and watch people go by some like to explore. Just keep an eye out for other animals that could hurt him.
Go to Amazon and get this Good Earth Lighting Fluorescent 36-inch Plug in Under Cabinet Light Bar - 25W - Equivalent to (2) 60W Incandescent Bulbs - 3000K Soft White - White https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z5RS9K6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_sw1tvVy3u1vS6 It's a great mount and it's cheap. Just take out the bulb it comes with and get a reptisun 18" bulb
Par 38 Halogen floodlights work best for beardies :) But you’ll need a dimmer for the lamp to adjust temps, mine was only $11. These last much longer and actually keep my temperature where it needs to be. They are cheaper when purchased in store, Lowe’s or Home Depot, but here’s a link to what I use
Philips 429373 Halogen PAR38 90 Watt Equivalent Dimmable Flood Standard Base Light Bulb, 2 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009ZR5BJY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_9MqxFbSD7R06T
I use eco-earth coconut fiber mixed with natural sand, it's a 70/30 ratio. Make sure any sand you use isn't calcium sand, that stuff is dreadful. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MUGYCL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_vsVrFbP8EPP19
Now, some other people use top soil instead of coconut fiber, but I've had a hard time finding it without fertilizer added. Opinions will differ, but generally, you want to avoid wood chips, ground walnut shells, mulch, and other things that can clump or hurt your bearded dragon if they ingest it.
This is the Reptizoo 120gal terrarium, from Amazon for just over $500. It is 48”x24”x24”. Carolina Customs is the other manufacturer that I know makes a terrarium this size that you can buy on amazon. IMHO this is the smallest size for a full grown beardie that is appropriate. I linked the Reptizoo on Amazon below. I’ve noticed Wayfair also sells these terrariums.
Most of the decor is stuff I got from Lowe’s or our local pet store, less than $100 invested there. The substrate on the right is Excavator Clay, at $16.96/10lb bag on chewy.com, I used 3 bags and a large PVC T-Piece from Lowes for a cave.
The lighting is a bar UVB, that was about an $80 investment with the bulb. The basking light came with him.
amazon! it’s cheap and comes with three sizes in case he/she grows out. here’s the link: amazon bearded dragon harness
That is not what people mean when they say tube light. That is a bulb style light even if it doesn't use the traditional coil design. That is the best standard bulb available IMO so you don't need to change anything. But for future reference, when someone says tube UVB, they mean this https://www.amazon.com/Pack-Zoo-Med-ReptiSun-10-0/dp/B075M1BBD4/ref=sr_1_12?keywords=uvb+t8&qid=1552504891&s=gateway&sr=8-12
which is the same brand and line but in a tube style. the bulb style is what you have and yes, part of the reason it is the best one is because it uses the linear tubing in the bulb and not a coil design
Hmmm, I don't know if I've seen anyone try to use the styrofoam ones. I'm not sure if they can cling to those as easily or not. You should get some when you order crickets (depending on the way the people ship them), but you can also buy them for decent prices at places like this, which will last you quite a while.
The size depends on how many you are keeping at once, but one like this or even a bit smaller with holes poked in for ventilation (but not for escaping) would work just fine. You can grab one for Walmart for like 10 bucks that's an off-brand, I'm sure!
And dubia roaches require even less space than that, so something to keep in mind! They are kept basically the same as crickets, but they don't need as much room because they like to snuggle close together in their egg flats.
I have my dubias split into two totes, similar to these:
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Rubbermaid-Cleverstore-29-Gallon-Tote-Gray/38664670
One is for breeders and one is for feeders.
I cut a vent hole in each and covered it with screen. The breeder tote has a heat pad to maintain temps of about 90 degrees for breeding.
When I ordered my dubias (a starter colony for breeding and about 400 large nymphs for feeders), I ordered egg crates, chow, and water, though you can probably get them other places.
I leave my breeder tote alone, except to feed and water them.
I've had great results in about three months -- there are baby nymphs everywhere! I haven't bought dubias since then.
I'm just not sure what I'll do when I start getting overrun with dubias.
Most welcome!! And if you look at this picture of my boy, Grayson’s enclosure you’ll notice two rock wall ledges on the back wall. I highly recommend these! Both of my beardies love them! Just place the ledge inside the enclosure and attach the two heavy duty magnets on the outside of the wall. They’re not actual rocks, very lightweight actually. 😉
You are most welcome! I also highly recommend the magnetic rock ledges (I have two of them on the back wall in this photo, of my boy Grayson’s enclosure). Just position the ledge inside the enclosure where you want it and then on the outside wall, line up the two heavy duty magnets to the ledge and presto you have a rock wall ledge for them to climb on!
Here’s where I got them:
MagNaturals Magnetic Rock Ledge
Looking forward to seeing updated enclosure pics of your! 😉
If all else fails try this it's like a powder formula that has all the nutrients they need and you can syringe feed. It helped my baby bounce back when he was stressed out and not eating
Cat Window Hammock Cat Window Mounted Perch Cat Resting Shelf 360° Sunny Seat Space Saving Cat Beds for Indoor Cats https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BCDW57V/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_FMZDB8F3XFQSTZAGZP8S?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
This is the one I have. He uses it all the time and I love that it’s so easy to take to any room that I’m in.
I use tiles as they look nice, are easy to clean, and the beardie loves it. But if you must go loose, this stuff is really good https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B07ZBC7PN9/ref=as_li_ss_tl?dchild=1&keywords=JurassicNatural&language=en_US&sr=8-4&linkCode=gs2&linkId=3c805fc83204a4a4c7f59c7083a3520e&tag=reptifiles0b-20 , its actual sand from australia that their bodies are made to handle.
Hmm.... Well I'm not an expert sadly, but I've had dragons for years so I'll do my best here- -Try to soak him in warm water; keeps him hydrated and might help his gut (since I suspect he might have parasites leeching nutrition) -With your salad mix, make it a bit more varied. Add carrot, collard greens, butternut squash, and even just a little hard boiled egg. Veggies like collard greens are a good source of calcium! He looks like he is exhausted from various nutrients, so vegetables that can boost that help. Try this- not a substitute for a vet-given antibiotic, but it's better than nothing and might help your beardy show some improvement.
If I can think of anything else, I'll be sure to add to this. Keep me updated! I pray he gets better!
oh okay! here's what i use... Inkbird WiFi ITC-308 Digital Temperature Controller Thermostat Remote Monitoring Controlling Home Brewing Fermentation Breeding Incubation Greenhouse https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PVBG8K1/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apip_hTNBXh7wFKsYc
it monitors the temp (i usually set it to 104-106 degrees), turns your lights off when it has reached maximum temp and turns them on when its 3 degrees below it.
if you have a double lamp, get an extension cord so you can plug both into the heating side.
easy to set up and works extremely well.
hope this helps!
It's expensive, but I recommend getting a UV meter. When I got mine I was shocked to find out that the UVB wasn't working the way I thought it did. It doesn't spread out very much, even with a reflector hood. I rearranged my enclosure.
Also, what if you buy a UVB bulb one time and it's defective? They can appear fine but not actually emit UVB. I don't know how common or even plausible this is honestly, but the thought of it scared the hell out of me. I feel much more comfortable having the meter.
Also then you don't have to guess when the bulb is starting to fail, so in the long-run you should recoup at least some money by not having to play it safe and replace early.
If she has MBD, then really you need to get her to a vet as soon as possible. Bone deformation from MBD is permanent, so you need to stop it progressing as fast as you can, and that will mean calcium injections from the vet (especially important if she's not eating much).
If you're cohabiting them, then it's very typical of one to be okay-ish and the other to become very ill. As solitary animals, they need their own space. This is likely a big part of why she's not eating. This is not a "when I get round to it" thing to fix, it's a "today" fix. If you can't find a shop that has any proper enclosures today, then you can always just set up an open space in a room and hang the lights at an appropriate height above it (you can use literally anything to block them in, though they do sell things like these enclosure panels that would work well).
Another alternative, which may be the best option actually, would be for the vet to board at least one of them. This would ensure they get the best care possible during recovery, it would mean fewer trips for you to take to the vet, and it would give you some time to set up a proper enclosure for each of them.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088BJQNR2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share I've had this matt since January and I love it! It's antibacterial and doesn't absorb anything so it's super easy to wipe the fresh poops off and any spilled food. To wash it I just scrub it in the shower with hot water and vinegar and then roll it in a towel to dry it. My bearded dragon loves it too bc it retains heat so it's always nice and warm for pancakes. It gives her great traction for jumping and running without her toes getting stuck. It comes with nice feeding tongs as well and they won't rust. It's cheap enough that you could replace it whenever you'd like imo.
We got ours as a gift, and I couldn’t find the exact one, but this is from the same company and looks to be a new version of the same thing:
PetSafe Drinkwell Platinum or Platinum LED Pet Fountains, Best for Cats and Small to Medium Dogs, Fresh Filtered Water Dispenser, LED Light for Nighttime Visibility, 168 Oz Capacity https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000L3XYZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_26DQBCRT2XJT5P5DFBXV
You can get them on Amazon SATINIOR 2 Pieces Guinea Pig Harness and Leash Ferret Rats Hamster Soft Mesh Harness Leash Vest Set with Bell for Small Pet Rabbit Iguana Squirrel Chinchilla https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RZ75KRB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_GMGXB931CHHKCD4P72K6?psc=1
Yup! It’s a little more expensive with the SD card but you need the SD card to play back. Otherwise without it you can only see live. Here!
https://www.amazon.com/DAZZ-8744704-Beige-Granite-Bonded/dp/B01LW6X0YK
I use this in my beardie's tank! She can grip it well, it's cheap, and it's easy to clean! the beige color also flows well with the desert vibe.
Congrats on your new scaley baby :)
I was also nervous about size, and this was the biggest tub with jets available. Future is on the larger side, so it’s definitely spacious. Bearded Dragon Tub with Jets
I believe this is the pack I got. I show him the green toothbrush and he comes up to the front of the tank ready to go take a bath. They are so smart!! And look to the right so I can scrub behind the left side of his head and then look to the left so I can scrub behind the right side of his head 🥰🐲🥰
I haven't been this happy about a purchase in a long time. It's very sturdy and the light/visibility is exactly what I wanted. And the footprint is big enough that he should have plenty of room even once he's fully grown. Here's a link to anyone interested: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07V96696H/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_8M33YWCX88YFY85RTDQ2?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I buy mealworms on Amazon. Very cheap and healthy looking worms. I only feed a few or a lot when they become pupa.
Bulk Live Mealworms - 1000 Count... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4IGLZY?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
They have all sorts of them on amazon... they are pool drink floats. They come in multipacks for $9.99
Amazon, believe it or not.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001UFULUS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
> Zip and Fit shelf liner!
Looks like it is this stuff https://www.amazon.com/Tact-Brand-Zip-N-Fit-Non-Adhesive-Perforated/dp/B00FGPV814
I am going to give this a shot! Thanks
I bought this thing to chop his veggies every damn day (and actually it's an awesome little appliance, I highly recommend it).
Today's offering was kale and endive I grew in my damn Aerogarden for his ungrateful ass, collards, bok choy, and 2 kinds of squash.
Nope. Not eating dat shit.
It’s just non adhesive shelf liner. I like it because it is so easy to clean
Con-Tact Brand 08F-C8A46-04AZ Grip Prints Non-Adhesive, No Slip Counter, Drawer/Shelf Liner, 18" x 8', Beige Granite https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FGKWR0K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glc_fabc_WqUZFbN7XVRGP
I'm not an expert but I know they will move around to get to a spot that's the right temperature for them. My girl pretty much exclusively hangs out in her hammock I got her a heating rock and a heating pad so she could bask in other spots but nope, she just likes the hammock I got one of these for $14 to monitor temperature and humidity in the enclosure for my own piece of mind. I will add that you should be careful about just adding heat sources without a temperature reading. There is such a thing as too hot..
Good job!
She'll probably eat less while on the meds- they mess with their tummy.
Once all the meds are done you could consider giving her some probiotics to get her gut flora back into shape.
I've used this one with very good results.
If you get bored of that one, or it wears out, or you have room for another, you should try one of the seagrass hammocks like this. Our beardie LOVES to rub himself on it when he's shedding. You can also boil them eventually when you do a deep clean. They hold up fairly well considering the material they're made of.
Yea of course! I got this lid on Amazon, but there was another hinged lid one on Petco's website that I was also looking at which has a horizontal hinge.
I went with the one on Amazon since the mesh wasn't as thick as the Petco one, and I will be putting my UVB light on top since it's a T5 bulb.
Here are the links: https://www.amazon.com/Exo-Terra-Screen-Cover-Hinged/dp/B00LH09T2W/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1483082092&sr=8-3&keywords=screen+lid+for+40+gallon+tank
http://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/petco-heat-resistant-screen-top
The breeder may have been referencing these: Sylvania Lighting BR30 65w 120-volt Indoor Flood Bulb, 6-Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JH0YOY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_SEECybV25JQJ7
Just don't buy them on Amazon, lol. I love Amazon, but dear god when it comes to lightbulbs and I'm not buying them in bulk, they're so pricey! Walmart has the GE version of these which is what I use.
It is this guy I found on Amazon the other day. It's made of styrofoam and held up by strong magnets. Super neat! I like it a lot and so does the dragon!
What I did was buy a couple containers of Fluker's Cricket Quencher from the local pet store -- it's the same thing, just in the hydrated form, whereas Amazon is selling the dry crystals.
I used the Fluker's stuff, then use the jars to hydrate crystals before I need them. I drop a small handful of dry crystals in, then fill the jar up to the top of the label with warm tap water, put the lid on and set it aside. Over the course of the next few hours, the crystals suck up the water and are ready to use. That way, I always have some available.
I use the large dubia dish from dubiaroaches.com to put the water crystals in for the roaches to consume.
I get mine off amazon. 1000 medium for ~ $26 shipped and I get them in a few days. Never had a problem with them either. 1000 Live Medium (1/2) Crickets (Acheta Domesticus) by BuyFeederCrickets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00QHD30TM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_tuYVybX6Y0HSQ
I'm in the process of preparing for my beardie which is coming next Tuesday hurrah So I've been doing a metric butload of research this past month, trying to find all this stuff out. The tank I have bought for mine was an amazon one which was 4x2x2 foot https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pawhut-Reptile-Vivarium-Terrarium-Habitat/dp/B00FTWK5YU/ref=sr_1_72?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1493019217&sr=1-72&keywords=reptile+vivarium - I have done some minor stuff to it, like painting and sanding, also making holes for cables, but for the price its a solid buy
I got the tank through Amazon, not sure if you can get it in america though. it this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pawhut-Reptile-Vivarium-Terrarium-Habitat/dp/B00FTWK5YU/ref=sr_1_9?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1497117623&sr=1-9&keywords=VIVARIUM
I sanded rough edges and painted it, and laid tiles in the bottom.
I got the tank through Amazon, not sure if you can get it in america though. it this one https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pawhut-Reptile-Vivarium-Terrarium-Habitat/dp/B00FTWK5YU/ref=sr_1_9?s=pet-supplies&ie=UTF8&qid=1497117623&sr=1-9&keywords=VIVARIUM
I sanded rough edges and painted it, and laid tiles in the bottom.
A 40w is pretty small. You want the basking spot to be AT LEAST 100f, 105-110f is best. You really need a digital thermometer for accurate temps, a good temp gun is like $15 on Amazon.
Test kits often come with bad products. I want to make sure you aren't using sand and your uvb is good.
Proper UVB light is essential. The best and only guaranteed good UVB lights are either Mercury vapor bulbs (heat and UVB combined) or fluorescent tubes. Compact bulbs are bad and can damage eyes. Tubes are used much more often and are cheaper and better for beardies. You'll want either a reptisun 10.0 or Arcadia 12% tube, roughly 2/3 the length of the enclosure. They come in two sizes, t5 and t8, t5 is newer, stronger, and better. It gives you more options for where to place it and is lasts 12 months instead of 6 so it's cheaper. Basically, you want either a reptisun 10.0 t5 or Arcadia 12% t5. Make sure to research your bulb and fixture (t5 vs t8, under or over screen, etc.) to determine exactly how far away from the basking spot it should be.
Heat lamp fixtures are easy to find, but for uvb it's a bit tougher. This is what I use for my 22" t5: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AKKUBDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_as8FHHQMbU3iD
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Reptisuns are still on sale on amazon
I would also get an under cabinet fluorescent tube to mount in the tank, for the fluorescent tube, you can find them cheap at walmart. or a hardware store.
Does your calcium have D3? And do you also use a multivitamin? Glad to see you've got dubias coming, those are much better than mealies. Also, maybe try to diversify the veggies a bit? Add in some collard/mustard greens, bok choy, and some treats such as bluberries, strawberries, hornworms.
I get my UVB on amazon and if you order 2 you'll get the free shipping if you don't have prime, and then you're set for a whole year :)
What are his poops like? Have you had a fecal done at the vet? It could be parasites if he's not maintaining weight.
I use this that I got from Amazon Magnaturals 37096 Rock Ledge Extra Strength Magnets, Large, Mojave https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003712U1Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2GXyBb2E6FAD4
My beardie loves it. It's a little pricey but looks really nice and it's easy to place it anywhere in the tank and super easy to clean
pinging /u/PupPop /u/Touch_my_tooter /u/FORKinmyDICK
I use an Amazon Cloud Cam! I got it for 50% off on prime day, but it's kinda pricey otherwise. It's great because you can watch live on your phone or computer, and records clips when motion is detected. Even without paying for the monthly service, the free tier saves clips for 24 hours (so I just download anything worthwhile).
Home Depot or Lowes have lighting departments, you're looking for an under the counter fluorescent fixture. You can also order one from Amazon, for example here's one for 25 bucks I found including the keyword search (and I have this same fixture myself) https://www.amazon.com/Lights-America-7020-Fluorescent-Light/dp/B00004WA4D/ref=sr_1_7?ie=UTF8&qid=1538554434&sr=8-7&keywords=24+under+cabinet+lighting+t8 The fixtures for these lights aren't special so any fluorescent fixture will work, only the bulb output is special.
Also I forgot to mention that most people say it's pretty easy to breed dubia roaches so you can save some money buying them. I started a colony, but it's too new, so the jury is still out on whether it's going to work for me or not. Lol
You can also breed crickets, but most don't recommend it because crickets are loud and smell bad. I tried to breed them with pretty much no luck, so I gave up and started the dubia colony instead.
Here is a link to the rock feeder thingy on amazon: Exo Terra Reptile Cricket Feeder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002AR4CU?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf
Thanks!
I got them from Amazon. If you old it up through glass alone, it should be fine, but the material you see on my tank might be a bit harder for the force to go through so I use powerful velcro to hold it in place
Magnaturals Rock Ledge (Granite, Large) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DOZGY4E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_x8OOCbMQ124GN
Ahh thats like my greatest fear (and why i switched to dubias) i tried to find some bug trappers on amazon and found this https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Powerful-Handheld-Insects-Electronic-Crevices/dp/B079Z58817/ref=mp_s_a_1_22?dchild=1&keywords=bug+trapper&qid=1603261572&sr=8-22
Hope it helps!
This is the laser thermometer I grabbed.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00837ZGRY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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cheap as heck and affective.
They'll need a visible light basking source, I like using Par38 <strong>Halogen</strong> bulbs w/ a dimming thermostat (a dimmer will work too just not automatic and cheaper) as they can run hot and ambient room temp will change. You can use branded basking lights but I have never really had luck with them lasting more than two months.
CHEs are useful but are really only nessasary if you're enclosure falls below 65°F (18.5°C) at night.
https://www.amazon.com/Govee-Temperature-Humidity-Notification-Monitor/dp/B07Y36FWTT
I just smacked two of these bad boys on the hot and cool side of the tank and the hygrometer readings are amazing. Can’t recommend enough (:
You'll have to go online, then. I did as well. Though, an exotic pet store may have a better bulb selection than a Petco or PetSmart.
This is the hood I use. I bought the hood at a local store and bout the bulb online somewhere.
To avoid issues caused by loose substrates, I use non-adhesive shelf liner. These have worked really well for me and my dragons for years. They are easy to clean and in expensive to change out.
I previously looked to upgrade to tile but was having a hard time finding the right measurements. The Home Depot/Lowe’s near me did not cut to size either. :(
Edit: you might try adding a hammock. My guys love theirs.
ya analog hydrometers are far from reliable, mine showed 70% and i was buggin out till i got two digital ones that read just above 45% lol.
Best way to lower is to have some fans blowing, make sure your tank vents are uncovered, or have an ac running nearby. If all else fails, I was able to knock it down a little by hooking up two closet dehumidifers:
[Second attempt, this time with picture!]
We're getting ready to get our first bearded dragon and I'm a bit confused about the placement/strength of the UVB light. We got a 36x18x18 front-opening tank. It was the same price as the equivalently sized Exo-terra but with a sturdier top and a bunch of "getting started" parts. From all the reading I've done, it sounds like the CFL fixture/bulb that came in the kit aren't the best for UVB so I'm planning to get a 22" florescent tube and fixture instead.
All the advice seems to be to mount it in the tank so that the screen doesn't block the UVB. Given that our tank is only 18" tall, I wasn't sure if I should be getting a T8 or a T5. I read that the T8 should be roughly 6-8" away from the beardie and the T5 should be 12-18" away. But does that mean maximum or minimum? Or is it at the basking spot?
Is it safe for me to get the following bulb/fixture and mount them inside the tank or should I get something else?
You can get a medical steel set from Amazon for like 9$ has 3 variations. I have little plastic tanks for each feeder, and each have their own tongs.
Edit: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R135HSQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mikGFbC1KEW69