Help on improving my Beardy Viv

CrazyAnimalLady · #1 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 02:05 PM

Hi everyone.

I've just got a full set up for a bearded dragon and just wanted someone to look at it and make sure it's OK. I've read a few books about keeping them already but I just want to be sure. I intend on adding more branches and things later on. Plus a larger water dish and a thermostat.

Lighting setup.

He seems quite fat to me as well. Do I need to cut down on the feeding? He's three years old apparently.

Malky · #2 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 04:01 PM

What are you feeding him and how often? What's your substrate?

RasperAndy · #3 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 04:04 PM

what size is the tank?

looks a little small to me for a beardie that size, and could be the aswer to his weight, (exercise)

CrazyAnimalLady · #4 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 04:31 PM

The tank is 3ft x 2ft x 2ft. He gets fed on crickets and assorted greens. Was advised to feed around 8 crickets three times a week and greens 3 times a week.

Theres beech chip as a substrate. The original owner mentioned she had tried sand in the past but the beardy didn't like it.

We got the whole setup from someone.

RasperAndy · #5 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 04:47 PM

for an adult beardie i would feed 75% greens and 25% live foods,

you could change to large locusts and only need to offer about 4, a few times a week, some beardies are fussy with veg and only eat live food so it may differ,

do you use any calcium supplements? like calypso or nutrobol?

don't worry about the large water dish, as it may increase your humidity too much, i normally bath my beardies once or twice a week, its great exercise and some choose to drink from the water aswell,

if you want to bath him, only fill the bath or sink up to the beardies chest, and make sure your water is warm, not hot or cold just luke warm, and bathing them normally gives them a chance for a big poo aswell, which is nice (joke)

CrazyAnimalLady · #6 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 05:32 PM

Thanks thanks great!

I have the Nutrobal supplement and the owner also gave me 'Dragon Dust'. A supplement for adding nutrients to the veggies. Not sure if this is any good?????

I shall give him a nice bath tomorrow

RasperAndy · #7 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 05:39 PM

yes its a nutrient,

i use calypso Monday-Friday on live food (its pure calcium)

Calypso Cricket Dust (120g)

and i also use nutrobol at weekends, this works best for myself, sometimes my beardies aren't interested so i might skip a day if that makes sense

nini · #8 (**permalink**) 10-05-2008, 06:32 PM

It's a great BD you've got there<3
Your viv' looks big enough to me, but not an expert

Yep, you def need a bit of plant in there. My big one loves hiding behind the large plants at night or inside the log, she feels more secure in there. But the wee one prefers the climbing wall and hammock.
As it was said b4, a large water dish is not necessary as it give too much humidity and it is not recommended for BDs. They drink very little so a small dish is more than enough for them

trousers · #9 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 09:52 AM

have noticed your uv tube is on the outside of the tank, i didnt think the rays could pass through glass, but i am sure someone will confirm this as i am not 100%

cheers rob

lismae · #10 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 11:57 AM

Hi
Although i am new to keeping beardies too i am sure that i have read in several different places that uv light does not penetrate through glass, so if your tube in on top of the glass your gorgeous dragon wont be receiving any uv! you need to put it inside the viv. Congrats on your dragon he is gorgeous!! and good luck they are very addictive

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