Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi again everyone,

well, my beardie finally found his new favorite spot. he used to bask all the time, but when he found the little log hide under the basking branch - he became attracted to it and loves to hang out there. he ate several crickets last night and some raspberries... but that's coz i fed them to him with the long tweezers. i'm afraid he's not absorbing any of the UVB/UVA rays. should i remove the hide? i read from several sheets that i shouldn't even have hides - while some say i should. so i'm not sure if it's best to leave out hides?

INFO::
beardie age: 4 months old, not really an age to start hibernating, but it could be a possibility (although he does eat).
temps: basking = 102F, top of log hide = 95F, side entrance of log hide = 92F, opposite end of the tank = 85F. (i have fun with my new temp gun! )

shallow water dish always available in addition to misting. using tweezers to feed crickets, raspberries, and some greens.
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0.0.1 Bearded Dragon (Cookie Monster)
1.0.0 Crested Gecko (Vas-D)
0.0.2 Fire Bellied Toads (Norman & Forman)
0.0.2 Goldfish (Lenny & Carl)
1.0.0 Black Lab / Pit Bull (Mikey)

IMO, if he is eating/pooping and not losing weight, let him do what he wants. His body stores up the benefits of the UVB and uses what it needs.
When one of mine was younger, he used to tunnel under his dish (and I couldn't find him) He's fine and 4 yrs old.
I just think if your sure dragon is healthy, they should be able to do what makes them happy...
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www.classylizard.com

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Signature file edited. [phw 9/2/04]

Thank you very much

I guess I just got worried when I read "Hide Boxes - This is a no-no for small dragons" from www.dachiu.com/care/abeard.html and since mine is still 3.5 months old, i'm thinkin he's pretty small... hehe~

He doesn't eat much, just 3 or 4 crickets at a time (a few times a day), cut up rasberries, and collar greens. His poop and urate are normal.

But, I'm glad to know that yours is doing fine after burying himself under the food tray ! Thank you for the advice I appreciate it~
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0.0.1 Bearded Dragon (Cookie Monster)
1.0.0 Crested Gecko (Vas-D)
0.0.2 Fire Bellied Toads (Norman & Forman)
0.0.2 Goldfish (Lenny & Carl)
1.0.0 Black Lab / Pit Bull (Mikey)

You could always remove it and see if his eating habits improve as a test. Especially if he is hiding all day every day.
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www.classylizard.com

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