Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I bought two beardies at the Hamburg show yesterday, from different breeders. Both seemed healthy and alert. I had quite a long drive home (about 5 hours) and got them set up in a 20 gallon high that is turned on its side to give them more space. I have a mercury vapor light on a thermostat, and the tempertures seem all right according to my thermometer. One of the little ones is eating crickets like mad, but she's ignoring the greens. The other one is ignoring everything. crickets and greens. Does it take dragons a while to settle in? Personality difference? When should I start looking into drastic measures. These are my first beardies, so I could use some help. Thanks!
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Porter

Reptiles
1.0 Crested Gecko (Tort)

Fish
2.0 Oscars
2.1 Polypterus
0.0.5 Angels
0.0.1 Dusky Jawfish (Golum)
and many more . . .

Mammals
1.1 Alley Cats
0.1 Rat
0.1 Chinchilla
1.0 Degu
1.0 Boyfriend (Mike)

This is only their first day, and what your experiencing could be quite normal for a new beardie in a new home with a different set up then he was previously housed in. Some do great from the start and some can take up to a week to get back to their normal routine. The only thing that might add to this is keeping the dragons together. There is always a dominate dragon in every cage, and the submissive may not get to eat as much, bask as much, or may live in fear and get very stressed out. Are they both males, male female, two females? How big are they both? If they are both males or male female eventually you'll have to separate to keep from breeding to early, or to keep them safe from each other. Males will get very territorial and may fight with each other. Just keep an eye on them, and make sure there are no signs of aggression. If the one that is not eating does not come around In a few days i personally would separate and try to get it settled in alone before putting him/her in a position where he may have to compete for food, and basking spots. Another issue is putting two dragons from separate breeders together the first day. If one is sick and contagious he may spread it to the other, and now instead of one sick you have two. You should always quarantine for up to three months to make sure each dragon is visually healthy, and does not have parasites that can be found with a $18-$25 dollar fecal exam at a vets office. I wish you the best with your new pets. Dragons sure are a wonderful reptile, and make great pets.
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Mystical-Dragons Web Site
Webshots photos

They are both probable females (I know there are no guarantees). They are roughly the same size (about 7 inches). Chimera, who is eating, is a little longer, and Kishar, who is not, is a little heavier. I've seen no signs of either trying to be dominant. I'll wait a few days and see what happens.
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Porter

Reptiles
1.0 Crested Gecko (Tort)

Fish
2.0 Oscars
2.1 Polypterus
0.0.5 Angels
0.0.1 Dusky Jawfish (Golum)
and many more . . .

Mammals
1.1 Alley Cats
0.1 Rat
0.1 Chinchilla
1.0 Degu
1.0 Boyfriend (Mike)

Yeah pretty normal for them to go off food when settling into a new home. Just keep an eye on them, and keep offering food, and make sure he stays nice and hydrated while he's settling in. I actually picked up a dragon yesterday to at the same show. He ate yesterday when I first got him home, but today is a bit stressed and has not eaten yet.. Yesterday was a busy day and we had a good 4 hr trip so it's kinda expected with all the activity and new things he experienced yesterday. Good luck with your new dragon!!! Enjoy them.
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Mystical-Dragons Web Site
Webshots photos

I noticed you said you have the tank on it's side for more floor space. Where is the uvb? Remember uvb does not pass through glass. And it is one of the most important things for their health...

Duh. Well, I've got a new cage on order . . .its too big, but I can probably rig it to make a smaller area. It should be here tuesday.
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Porter

Reptiles
1.0 Crested Gecko (Tort)
0.2 Bearded Dragons (Chimera and Kishar)

Fish
2.0 Oscars
2.1 Polypterus
0.0.5 Angels
0.0.1 Dusky Jawfish (Gollum)
and many more . . .

Mammals
1.1 Alley Cats
0.1 Rat
0.1 Chinchilla
1.0 Degu
1.0 Boyfriend (Mike)