Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have 10", 3.5 month, bearded dragon. His habitat is set up the way most books and breeders tell you to set up a habitat.

Should I be concerned that my dragon never basks in the hot area? He usually hangs out on a branch - about 85 degrees F - under the UVB bulb. He even sleeps there. He seems 'normal' and active. He has a great appetite for crickets but not so much for his greens. Although he poops once a day, I am worried that he won't be digesting correctly and getting the nutrients needed.

Thanks!

To me pooping is a great indicator. If he poops everyday that's great. If he wasn't digesting his food he wouldn't poop.

As far as the "hot" area is concerned there are 2 things. Number one is that the basking spot should be 105-110 for a 10" dragon. But the other thing is that the background temp should be 85-95. In my observations and opinion 90-92. 93 is too hot and they will avoid.

Even a fluorescent bulb gives off heat. So he may have found the area in your setup that is the temp. he likes.

It's OK about the greens thing but you should work on it. Try hand feeding Romaine (no stems). It's not the greatest nutritional value but they love it and once you get them to eat any greens then it will be easy to just add more options and wean out the romaine. I have also found that dragons especially like Mustard greens, but keep in mind that every dragon's tastes are different.

What are you measuring temps with? Not all thermometers are accurate, especially the stick on the side of the tank types. Thermometers with probes or temp guns are the more accurate to measure basking temps, as you can get the actual surface temperature right were your dragon will be sitting if he wanted to bask.

thus, where he is basking may actually be 100F and the spot you feel he should be basking may be way too hot.
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PHLdyPayne

I use a PE1 Temp gun to measure temperatures.

Those are pretty accurate, as long as you are measuring very close to the surface area. (the gun itself should be very close before you press the button).

Check the batteries as well, if they are getting old, that may throw measurements off.

As dragons do move about during the day, he may be using the basking spot but you just don't see him in it often. What is the temp of your basking area by the way? It should fall within 95-115F with the higher end for younger dragons. Also, is the basking spot easily accessible for your dragon? (not to steep, or slippery so he can't climb up). A narrow basking area may not be very appealing to your dragon, maybe try a wider log/brick. I find dragons like wider basking areas, where they can sprawl over, exposing more of their body to the light.

Dragons with good basking setups will bask as soon as they wake up, in the hottest area they can reach (as high as 120F, if available) for awhile and then move off into cooler areas. Also, after eating, they go right back into that hot basking area for while, then will move to cooler basking areas.
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PHLdyPayne

The hottest section is 120 degrees on a wide concrete slab but he likes to hang out and even sleep on a thin branch that runs about 85 degrees. I work from home and my desk is right next to the habitat so it's easy to keep an eye on him. Like I mentioned before, he's very active and eats very well. Poops once or twice a day. Am I worrying too much? ...because if I am I blame it on being brought up in a very strict, cathlolic household with over-bearing parents.

Every dragon is different. Some like the heat, some are not as comfortable in higher temps. I'd back that 120 down to 110 at most. Closer to 105. My concern is that his choice may be 120 or 85.

I'll give that a try. Thanks.