If you've read my introduction youll know I just got my first bearded dragon. And I have to say I dont know that much about them.

So heres the deal, I just got him yesterday. And he seemed to be in no stress at all. But the only problem was that I had to scrap together a home for him (ten gallon tank, walnut bedding). He ate crickets in the morning, parsly in the evening, pooped, and went straight to sleep. Well this morning I bought a 45 gallon tank with tile, a big branch thing, some rocks, a hide, etc. and hes been happy and ate like like usual today.

the only problem is that he has pooped today And from what people said on my local message boards, they scared me that I could kill him from compaction with that walnut sub. sooo im worried ive doomed my little fella from the get go.

surely compaction in dragons is more chronic and cant happen in a one night stay in some stray walnut right? someone tell me im over-reacting.

--Nathan Watkins

You can kill him with the walnut shell, along with calcium sand they say is "digestible". Truth is,,its not. When it gets wet is swells causing impaction. With walnut shells, the grains are large and can clog the system resulting in impaction which will kill a reptile. Will it happen overnight, no. Best thing to do is to get him off it now and if you notice he slows his eating and doesnt do the doody (i said doody)...that is when you need to worry, nice warm soaks in the tub will help.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

Hello,

One day without a bowel movement is no reason to worry about death. lol Your dragon likely doesn't have to go just yet.

If you are really concerned about it, check your temps in the enclosure. If they are too cool, he/she won't be able to digest the food as fast and this will prolong a bowel movement.

If your dragon is still on the walnut shell, get him off. That stuff is absolute trash and is a disaster waiting to happen.

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I have my temps around 100 degrees on one side, and about 90 on the other.

and he eats like a pig to boot.

so its nice to know I have nothing to worry about.

Thanks

I agree with Rich and Marsha....about the walnut shell stuff.....I would use newspaper or paper towels....good luck with your new little guy and post some pics when you have a chance......

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Warmest Regards from Lyn

I agree. The walnut shells have to go! Whoever came up with that idea should be forced to consume some of it and see how they feel!
Your diet needs an overhaul. Please check out our bearded dragon care info at http://www.herphabitats.com/reptile_...ded_dragon.htm
And I would go with greens in the morning and crickets later in the day.

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Merlin,
What's Life Without A Little Magic!

i totally agree with Merlin...veggies in the am and crixin the pm. Be sure to check out the list..your little guy needs a variety.

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MARSHA

:D I'm smiling because I have no idea whats going on!

Just the move into the new cage could have caused him a little stress, give him a few days to get used to it... The temps should be regulated a little better then what you have them, a baby (im assuming its young) would need a basking area of 105-115 and some place in the cage around 70-75 to cool off...

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Jayr & Mandy Robinson
J&M Herp Shack
"Are you watching closely?"

Well sounds like you got good advice from another source? and traded the walnut for tile. Good job! As stated he probably isn't impacted just doesn't have to go yet.
Check out this site as well, it is very good regarding the correct vegetables for your Bearded Dragon.
http://www.beautifuldragons.503xtrem...Nutrition.html

If you do not have one a digital indoor/outdoor thermometer with probe is a great investment. The "dial" type thermometers are notoriously inaccurate. You can pick one up at Wal-mart for $10. Place the probe directly on the basking surface and the main unit on the cool side of your enclosure.

Sounds as though you are doing good, keep it up!

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~Chris

It is better I think to reach for the stars than to sit flustered because you know you cannot reach them, at least he who reaches will get a good view, a good stretch and perhaps even a low hanging apple for the effort.
-R.A. Salvatore