Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My new baby beareded is in a 55 gallon setup. powersun lighting 120 watts, sand, logs and plants, water source. She came home 1 week ago. She does not seem to be eating. I opened her mouth for her and put a cricket in and she chewed and swallowed. I repeated this six more times. why is she not eating on her own. She has clean vent and nose, mouth. Seems alert. help!
my cat has been bothering her but I moved her cage.

Sometimes it can take up to 10 days for a baby beardie to acclimate, some acclimate immediately, it just depends on the dragon.....All I know is that I would keep the cat completely away and try to handle her as little as possible for a few weeks until she starts eating ok....Keep her hydrated and out of high traffic areas, that should help the situation some.

Good Luck.

and what are your temps, and how are you taking them?
-----
robyn@proexotics.com

Pro Exotics Reptiles

Temps can be a problem in a 55 gal if you have the light on top of the screen(top should be sealed to hold in temps and humidity. 120 watt is too much 45-50 watt lowered closer to basking spot will work better. If ur temps are too low the lizard will become sluggish. If the lizard let you open its mouth and put in a cricket imo thats not good.

I wouldn't say a 120 watt is too much..it really depends on the setup, ambient room temperature, and other factors. I use a 125 watt bulb which works perfectly in my setup.

In the smaller tank I used the same bulb too, but it was mounted higher and the cage was open top...so needed the extra 'strength' to get the temps right due to so much escaping.

You also don't the basking bulb so close to the basking spot the dragon could end up getting in contact with the bulb either.
-----
PHLdyPayne