Hello!
Today I took over a bearded dragon from someone that I suspect might not have treated it optimally. This is my first reptile (reptiles just became legal here) so I'm posting here (and on the bearded dragon subreddit) to make sure I provide the best possible conditions and in case there's any health issues you guys can spot that I've missed!
I've read through all I can find online and the Bearded Dragon Care Guide by Andrew Isdaner. If there's anything else you'd recommend reading please let me know!
First off, the guy who dropped him off told me it's a 2 year old male, I've measured him to be 46 cm long (~18 inches), weighing in at 360 grams. Is this alright?
Here's an album with pictures of him.
It seems he has:
- Sunken fat pads (dehydration? malnourishment?)
- Several missing claws
- One ingrown claw?
He had a bowl with red peppers when he arrived and he ate from it after we had put his tank in place so he seems to be eating. We'll be getting some insects and supplements for him tomorrow.
He came with a 200 liter (53 gallon) tank, 100x40x50 cm (39x16x20 inches). Is this big enough?
Pictures of the tank here.
The previous owner told the guy that delivered it that he had installed UV-lighting but the delivery guy wasn't so sure. The whole think reeks and there's plenty of dirty spots everywhere. We'll be cleaning the entire thing (will 20 % bleach work here or is it too strong?) as well as getting slate-style ceramic tiles for flooring, new UVB bulbs, a basking light, hiding spot, some decoration and a ceramic heater if necessary. From looking around online most local stores only sell exo-terra stuff, how are their products?
As there's glass on all sides there's no way to install ventilation in the sides, I've heard mixed reports about top ventilation, some say it's good and you need a screen cover to prevent humidity buildup and some say it releases too much heat. Maybe have ventilation holes on one side (the one without the basking light) to create some airflow and a cooler side? Suggestions?
Attached some of the pictures below for those unable to click on the links:
Today I took over a bearded dragon from someone that I suspect might not have treated it optimally. This is my first reptile (reptiles just became legal here) so I'm posting here (and on the bearded dragon subreddit) to make sure I provide the best possible conditions and in case there's any health issues you guys can spot that I've missed!
I've read through all I can find online and the Bearded Dragon Care Guide by Andrew Isdaner. If there's anything else you'd recommend reading please let me know!
First off, the guy who dropped him off told me it's a 2 year old male, I've measured him to be 46 cm long (~18 inches), weighing in at 360 grams. Is this alright?
Here's an album with pictures of him.
It seems he has:
- Sunken fat pads (dehydration? malnourishment?)
- Several missing claws
- One ingrown claw?
He had a bowl with red peppers when he arrived and he ate from it after we had put his tank in place so he seems to be eating. We'll be getting some insects and supplements for him tomorrow.
He came with a 200 liter (53 gallon) tank, 100x40x50 cm (39x16x20 inches). Is this big enough?
Pictures of the tank here.
The previous owner told the guy that delivered it that he had installed UV-lighting but the delivery guy wasn't so sure. The whole think reeks and there's plenty of dirty spots everywhere. We'll be cleaning the entire thing (will 20 % bleach work here or is it too strong?) as well as getting slate-style ceramic tiles for flooring, new UVB bulbs, a basking light, hiding spot, some decoration and a ceramic heater if necessary. From looking around online most local stores only sell exo-terra stuff, how are their products?
As there's glass on all sides there's no way to install ventilation in the sides, I've heard mixed reports about top ventilation, some say it's good and you need a screen cover to prevent humidity buildup and some say it releases too much heat. Maybe have ventilation holes on one side (the one without the basking light) to create some airflow and a cooler side? Suggestions?
Attached some of the pictures below for those unable to click on the links: