Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Should I begin bathing Darwin now so he can get used to it or should I wait until he is older (he's 2.5 mo).

Leashes - are they a good idea? Is it possible to use one on a youngin'? We have some great property and like to take him outside on warm days (not too many of those right now) but get worried if I put him on the ground. What's the genreal consensus?

thanks!
lele
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0.1 Veiled - Luna
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.3 Mad. Hissers (2 died ;(
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha

Chameleon Help & Resource Info

Hey lele!

I'd start giving him baths now, just keep the water shallow so he doesn't freak out or get water in his lungs. At that age, I'd just put him in a clear Rubbermaid tub over your kitchen sink with about half an inch of warm water. I use the clear tubs with all my beardies so they can see out. I've had better luck using the clear tubs than sinks or bath tubs. And it's easy to clean.

You could try the leash and let him tell you if he likes it or not. I've had beardies that don't seem to mind being on a leash and others that flip out, puff up, and hiss at me if I put it on. Just let him tell you if its ok or not.

Hugs,
Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

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Signature file edited; [phw 8/31/04]

anything special with the bathing or is it just more of a soak?

Hi Veronica,

Thanks! Will he just sit there or do they cruise around in the water? I assume I just use plain water? He is very mellow; my cats always sleep on my bed in the afternoon so I bring him in for a short visit. He is fine with them and vice-versa Then he came downstairs while I had an afternoon snack. He will sit on my hand at the computer while I'm zipping my mouse around!

Do they make leashes small enough for my guy? I haven't even begun to explore so any suggestions on where to purchase or what get/not get will be helpful.

I posted awhile back to you but it got lost...I was inquiring about your silkies on the rehydrated leaves - how is that going?

lele
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0.1 Veiled - Luna
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.3 Mad. Hissers (2 died ;(
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha

Chameleon Help & Resource Info

The first time my wife put ours in water for a bath I thought she had lost her mind. After the third or forth time he really took to it. From our expereinces- I would not put him in too deep of water but give him enough to splash around if he wants. Ours got to the point he paddled around some.
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Bryan, Atlanta GA

1-0-0 Ball Python - Apep
1-1-0 Rats... no wait... ROTTEN Little Cats - Ra, Bastet
1-0-0 Horse... whoops... BIG Golden Retriever - Jake
0-1-0 Wife
2-0-0 Kids

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0.1 Veiled - Luna
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.3 Mad. Hissers (2 died ;(
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha

Chameleon Help & Resource Info

Most of the beardies I have love bath time, and it's actually more like swim time. They love the swish their tails around in the water like they are salamanders. LOL I use plain old tap water. You want the water to be warm, like you would use for a warm bath, not hot. If you have a temp gun, about 95 - 98 degrees is recommended.

I got my first beardie leash at Petco or Petsmart. Can't remember. It was made of leather and had two holes where the arms went. Attached to the leather harness was rope on both ends ... I wish I had a photo for you. Check online and see what you can find. They make them in all shapes and sizes.

Oh yeah, the rehydrated leaf project! I neglected to post my findings here! So sorry sweetie. I've got a huge batch of silkworms that have made cocoons now. They were all on the leaves. The only thing I noticed about the leaves is that the worms grow at a slightly slower rate than on the chow. Other than that I've had no problems!

Hugs,
Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

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Signature file edited; [phw 8/31/04]

veronica, do you raise your own silkworms? Any sites with info on it?

I wrote an article for chameleonnews.com on rearing them. At the end of it there are additional resources.

lele
silkworm rearing

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0.1 Veiled - Luna
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.3 Mad. Hissers (2 died ;(
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha

Chameleon Help & Resource Info

awesome!

I was going to recommend lele's article, it's the best I've found!

Veronica
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Beautiful Dragons

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Signature file edited; [phw 8/31/04]

I have a leash for mine that I made (using this website www.geocities.com/borderviewdragons/ ) They have 2 different kinds of leashes there ( the newer one is the one I make) the older kind is like the ones you buy for iguanas.
I bought purses at thrift and dollar stores to make the "vest" part and cheap cat leashes (at the dollar store) to use the clasp (although I think you can also buy them at fabric and craft stores.).

I have made several of all different shapes and sizes (cheap enough to do). I had a dragon who hated them at first, but he grew to tolerate it. I have a dragon now who hated it for about the first half hour. Now it doesnt stop her at all. She even walks on a leash. (a small dog retractable leash...also a dollar store find).

Personally, I think 2.5 months is too young to start (but BOTH of my dragons were EXTREMELY flighty at that age) I waited until my girl was around 7 or 8 months old. I had been holding her and letting her go inside the house just not on a leash.

As far as baths go. I didnt start those until I had been handling her pretty frequently. (not till about 4-5 months of age). I put her in my kitchen sink (she cannot get out) and she is just NOW getting used to it (she is a year old). She will swim and drink (and occasionally poop...fun).

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Hangin with the Herps
ZZ

I would like to make my own, too. I am hesitant about starting at this age - he just seems too fragile, but I may just make a figure-8 sort from soft ribbon or other material. Though today he stayed on my chest as we walked around the neighborhood, I just keep firm pressure on the base of his tail.
thanks for your expereince!

lele
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0.1 Veiled - Luna
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Líta
1.0 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.3 Mad. Hissers (2 died ;(
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha

Chameleon Help & Resource Info