Reptile & Amphibian Forums

1.my beardie is about 4-5 weeks old and as far as i can see he eats about 5-6 crickets for his first meal and about 3-5 for his second meal, as far as veggie's go.. he has no interest yet although i offer them, is this normal food intake for a baby at that age?

2.also he is about 4'' long from snout to the end of his tail and i was wondering if that is normal length and about what age do beardie's start growing the most? or is it always consitant growth?

3.my beardie will run back an forth in his viv scratchin at the glass and jumping at the glass also, and i've read and heard that he is most likely seeing his reflection so i covered up the back and the sides with a desert backround but he still does it and i can still see that HE can see his own reflection... what can i do to reduce the glare on the glass in his viv? his tank is not in a very dark area of my home by the way.

4.as far as his tank temps go, (i use a digital thermometer with a probe) his basking spot is anywhere from 108-112F; his warm side air temp varies from 84-92F; and his cool side is anywhere from 77-84F... are these temps good for a baby?

5.Where can i find a FULL pre-writin care sheet for Hatchling/Baby beardie's on the internet? cuz it seems like the ones i've read just briefely mention hatchlings or baby's but for the main part focus on juvie/adult beardie care...

thank you so much in advance for any help or suggestions...

-drew

1. Crickets should be 3/16" ideally or 1/4" max. for a beardie that size. I think his intake is on the low side possibly because the crickets are larger than they should be. Crickets should be gutloaded for 24 hours prior to feeding to your dragon. A good easily available gutload is a grain cricket food made by Flukers availble at Pet Stores. Apple can be used for moisture. The orange cube gutload is worthless. I start my babies on small pieces of Romaine and Mustard greens but it is normal that they don't show much interest at that size/age.

2. Beardie's grow at different rates. I would say he is on the slow side and would take my food advice above.

3. I'd change the desert background to brown paper or cardboard. It is just as likely he is trying to escape into the desert as seeing his reflection.

4. Temps are good.

5. I have never seen a care sheet written specifically for hatchlings/babies. Sorry.