Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
What is the ideal basking temp for a baby chuck (7 months old)? I don't think it is hot enough so she isn't eating too much.

Thanks!!

Casey

In my 100 gallon, the surface temp on the rock right bellow my chucks' mercury vapor light is around 120. I've got a slanted cork tube adjacent to it that has a range of temps. This gives them a choice. First thing in the morning, they usually go bake under the mercury vapor. During the rest of the day they'll sit on or in the cork tube where it's a bit cooler when they want to bask. The cool side stays in the 80's and I've got a 50 watt spot on that side so it doesn't get too cool. They'll climb up the grape vine to sit under that 50 watt too where the temps are in the 90s.

It took Rigel a couple of weeks to settle in when I got him. Flowers are a real favorite. Check some of the threads bellow for lots of floral ideas. My chucks' favorite three blooms are dandelions, wild raddish and nasturtium. You can also try insects like mealworms and waxworms. When I first got Rigel, I still had some of Gracie's waxworms left (she wasn't interested) so I decided to see if Rigel would take one; he didn't even give me a chance to put it down

A lot of chucks are also shy about eating. Try locating the bowl in an area that's kind of obscured from view from the front so that he can eat privately and near some secure hides so that he won't feel vulnerable while he's eating.

-Alice