Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have nominally kept snakes up till now this is my first lizard, picked because it seems to be a good starter. Some questions, should the beardie hatchling spend most of his day basking/sleeping spending all of his time on the warm side of the cage. I know its hot enough since he feeds well enough and if stays on a branch near the heat emitter Iv'e seen him gaping to let off body heat. How can I tell if he is getting enough moisture. Rarely see him drink if I mist him down. Have caught him wading in the water pool and does eat some greens nearly every day which are misted down on top of 12 to 24 crickets a day. Finally is a dark brown to grey coloration make him most likely a normal?

It's normal for him to stay on the hot side of the cage. For babies it should be a little warmer than for adults 110 vs. 105, but if he gapes sometimes that's fine. I always drip water on baby's noses with an eyedropper twice a day till they stop licking it. After I see a little puddle around their poop I don't bother any more. Usually about 2 weeks or so. As far as color many or most babies start drab and show their color after a couple sheds.