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New BD owner! have a couple questions

Pimpnit869 Jul 12, 2004 02:54 AM

Hello all! Let me start by telling you all that I have just recently purchased 3 baby BD's and enjoy them very much there such characters. My first question is for my Hot spot I'm using a CHE that is keeping a constant temp of 107 degs but in reading a little and looking at others setups I see alot of people using basking lights is this better and should I switch mine out? Second question is I also see that alot of care sheets recomend the Reptisun 5.0 by Zoomed I'm using a Reptiglow 8.0 by Exo Terra should I also switch that out? any help in this matter is greatly appreciated and any new info for a bigginer BD owner is greatly welcomed. (not new to keeping herps) (Redtail boa, Ball python, Box turtles, Pack man frog, Albino corn)
Thankx, Jay

Replies (6)

kephy Jul 12, 2004 07:07 AM

I think using the CHE is fine, as long as there is plenty of light in the enclosure. Bearded dragons really thrive on light, and many believe the brighter it is, the better off they are. That is mainly why most choose to use heat lamps, because they provide heat and light.

I don't have any experience with the UVB light you have, I use the reptisun. Hopefully someone else can help w/ that.

I must say though, since you mentioned having three, unless your are 100% positive they are all females, you will most likely have to seperate them eventually. Especially if they are siblings. A male and female sibling will breed, and inbreeding is a terrible thing that shouldn't be allowed. If they aren't siblings, the males and females should still be seperated until the female is old enough to breed (1.5 years) because allowing them to breed too young can lead to health problems. And finally, having any more than one male to an enclosure will most certainly lead to fighting, injury, and possibly death.

That said, if they are all female, you may be able to let them stay together, but there still may be fighting and dominance issues, so watch out for that. If it happens they'll need to seperate too. Beardies are territorial and will not think twice about nipping off another's tail or toe if they feel like they need to show who's boss.

So be sure of the sexes, provide plenty of space, and plenty of food so they don't feel over crowded or in competition with each other. Housing multiple beardies together can and has been done, but it requires a delicate balance of all those things, and proper caution.

Good luck!
-----
Amanda
------------
2.0 bearded dragons (Ocho / Domo-kun)
0.1 kingsnake (Rio)
1.0 ferret (Playstation)
1.0 cat (Wally)
0.1 dog (Tima)

froggystyle34 Jul 12, 2004 08:15 AM

i used the 5.0 at first then i switched to the 8.0 with the 5.0 i didnt notice alot of activity out of my girl dragon, then when i put the 8.0 in she was good, but then again i have the 8.0 and the 2.0 in the cage as that is what my herp vet reccomended. as far as the CHE i am going to be switching to them soon and just get and extra florescent light for there cage to provide light with.

ken
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0.1 Albino Cal. King (Fokker)
1.0 Reverse Okeetee Corn (trouble)
0.1 Creamsicle Corn (Spot)
1.1 Bearded Dragons (Bob & Margret)
1.1 Dogs(George and Ladybird) they are rescues.
1.0 Betta
0.1 Wife
0.1 Kid

beardiedragon Jul 12, 2004 09:32 AM

np
-----
Bennett


Home of the Florida Orange
www.beardiedragon.com

rjharper Jul 12, 2004 10:08 AM

n/p
-----
Ross

0.1 Bearded Dragon (Fuego, spent the last 10 months thinking she was a he!)
2.1 Roommates (require more cleaning up after than the dragon)

beardiedragon Jul 12, 2004 10:16 AM

np
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Bennett


Home of the Florida Orange
www.beardiedragon.com

Joel R Jul 12, 2004 10:47 AM

I agree with the others,,, use a light bulb for a basking spot. The more light "intensity" the better. Don't got "reptile" basking bulbs. They cost twice as much as normal household spot bulbs & the burn out about 10X faster! I use Duramax indoor spot or flood bulbs 30, 40, 50, or 65 wt. depending on setup.

I also use the 8.0 bulb. I also use a Phillips Daylight deluxe along side of it. The 2nd bulb is strictly for intensity purposes.

Both the spot & the daylight deluxe bulbs can be bought at HomeDepot.

Good luck.
-----
Joel R

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