Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My male beardie i purchased 2 wks a go was a whitey sand colour. He is a sunburst x sandfire/redhaze dragon. Since i bought him the light colours on him have gone to an almost black. Is this a sign of something?. The female he is housed with is maybe a little darker than normal, but not much. Im a little confused, he looked much better when he was light coloured. Thanks for any advice

K!LOS

p.s: they are both from the same breeder, purchased at the same time.

K!LOS

disregaurd my quarantine comment then..
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TheClassyLizard

I would double check your temps. To low of temps can effect color as the dragon darkens to capture more heat/light. Are you offering them UVB producing light, and housing them in a brightly lit enclosure? Light & temps can play a large part, the other is stress when dragons are stressed they get a darker color on the belly, beard, and overall color on the back. I suggest getting a fecal test for them to rule out parasites. The fecal check is a great practice for all newly acquired dragons as stress can cause parasite loads to increase in numbers and cause added stress. Fecal check costs about 18-25 dollars and is worth it to rule out parasites. Since they came from the same breeder and are housed together you really only need to bring in one sample as anything one had most likely they both have. I usually take the samples of the females I house together in the same sample. I just collect both of their wastes together, and get it checked like that. Also housing dragons together can cause one or both to stress over foods, and basking space.
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Mystical Dragons webshots pictures
Mystical-Dragons Website

-Less than half of the tank is well lit, the other half seems to be hidden in a shadow.
-The cage itself is large for two dragons that are that small, you might want to purchase a 20 gallon long for the time being.
-Only one of the beardies can fit on the basking log at a time.
-I recall you saying that the temperatures weren't getting high enough.

Fix all these problems and if your dragons are still too dark, we'll work from there.

Hopefully this link works.
Tank Pic

I agree. Get a smaller tank. The babies are too small for a tank that large. For that size tank you would also need an addition light source on the other end. Plus...the uv light you have is too far away to give any benefit. They should be able to get within 8-12 inches of the uvb...the closer the better for tube lighting.
Good Luck
-Nicky

I have another light at the other end of the tank now, and i think my temps are okay now. How can i get the flourescent bulb closer to the dragons though? All i can think of would be to suspend the light inside the tank, or raise the bottom of the tank with something. I'd rather not hang it inside, but if its for the best... This is the pic of my tank...

Do you have a digital thermometer? It's real important that temps are correct for these little guys.
Perhaps you could build up a basking spot out of bricks or something. Both beardies should be able to bask at the same time, this would also get them closer to the UVB light.
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TheClassyLizard

Awesome solution Christy!

The benefits:

* Adds climbing room

* Brings the dragons within suggested distance of UV tubes

* Aids in the maintenence of nail trimming

I just noticed his colours are lighter, and the red comes out more at night. Does that change anything?

K!LOS

Sounds to me like he is stressed and needs his own enclosure. A new dragon should always be quarantined for 3 mo and 3 clean fecals before putting it with another.
A male and female shouldn't be together beyond 6 mo of age.
Is he eating?
Basking temp at least 100?
UVB light?
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TheClassyLizard

I agree with Christy that you need to elevate the basking side so they both can bask and be within 6-8" of the UVB bulb. I also agree that they need a smaller enclosure until they are larger. I worry about them being able to find/catch prey items and feeling vulnerable in such a large open enclosure. If you do not have a smaller tank you can always portion your large tank in half. As these guys get bigger you will need to invest in a larger fluorescent fixture (like a 3-4'). The one shown is really small for a big tank like that. That is a really deep tank it is going to take some serious wattage to keep the temp up in there. Make sure you have several thermometers at strategic places to monitor temps.

Stacey

P.S. Cute babies!!