Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We're getting our beardie tonight! We'll be driving over to the breeder's later this evening to pick him/her out. I just have a few more little questions...

1. How much time do the little guys typically need to settle in before they're handled?

2. Is eggbinding something you need to someday worry about with a female you don't intend to breed? (In other words, will an unmated female produce infertile eggs that could pose a hazard to her health?)

3. The temps in the cage range from 105* on the basking rock, to 75* at the far opposite corner of the tank. This seems good to me. But when the lights go out at night, the temps eventually drop to the upper 60's overnight. Is that too cool? If so, what are some simple ways to keep the tank just a little warmer overnight?

Thanks again for all your help. I'll be sure to post pics as soon as we get some!

Judy
-----
1.0 red cape gopher (Caesar)

>>We're getting our beardie tonight! We'll be driving over to the breeder's later this evening to pick him/her out. I just have a few more little questions...
>>
>>1. How much time do the little guys typically need to settle in before they're handled?
>>
>>2. Is eggbinding something you need to someday worry about with a female you don't intend to breed? (In other words, will an unmated female produce infertile eggs that could pose a hazard to her health?)
>>
>>3. The temps in the cage range from 105* on the basking rock, to 75* at the far opposite corner of the tank. This seems good to me. But when the lights go out at night, the temps eventually drop to the upper 60's overnight. Is that too cool? If so, what are some simple ways to keep the tank just a little warmer overnight?
>>
>>Thanks again for all your help. I'll be sure to post pics as soon as we get some!
>>
>>Judy
>>-----
>>1.0 red cape gopher (Caesar)

1. Typically I would say a week. Some babies take longer and others love being handled from day one. 1 week is a good average though.
2. Egg binding is very uncommon and only occurs in rare cases. I wouldn't let the worry of egg binding keep you from picking the dragon that is "just right for you".
3. Temps sound good and 60 and up is a good night time temp.

Good luck with your new lil one and be sure to post some pictures
-----
Lisa
Cricket free babies!
www.beginnersbasics.com

1. How much time do the little guys typically need to settle in before they're handled?

A couple of days should do it. If your picking them up from the breeder that's less stress on them (vs shipping) and less time they need to adjust.

2. Is eggbinding something you need to someday worry about with a female you don't intend to breed? (In other words, will an unmated female produce infertile eggs that could pose a hazard to her health?)

It does happen, but not very often. She will produce them but infertile eggs are smaller and softer than fertile ones and will usually pass alright.

3. The temps in the cage range from 105* on the basking rock, to 75* at the far opposite corner of the tank. This seems good to me. But when the lights go out at night, the temps eventually drop to the upper 60's overnight. Is that too cool? If so, what are some simple ways to keep the tank just a little warmer overnight?

Temp gradiant sounds alright, if it is a baby you may want to kick the hot spot up 5 or 10*. Dropping into the upper 60s at night should be fine. If you think it's too cool try a ceramic heater (the kind that screws into a light socket).

Sean
Heart Mountain Herps

Thank you for the quick replies...you've eased the last of my little worries!

I don't know how old it'll be...I got the impression that breeder has a variety of ages to choose from. Once we've picked one out, I'll adjust the heat if he's really young. I'm hoping for a somewhat established juvie, though. We'll just see which one picks us!

Judy
-----
1.0 red cape gopher (Caesar)