New beardie owner! Concerned

[Neill]

Hello all! Picked up a dragon for Xmas from a breeder. Not sure if he may have a RI. Reason im wondering is well it was about 20 degrees out when i received him. He eats fine holds head up full bodied (not skinny) 12" active. Heres why im wondering ***never owned a dragon remember*** He Breaths really bizarrely. Not taking a breath for 20 sec then taking a huge breather sometimes normal sometimes a large breath with a little vent. I have the cage at 105 basking area 80-85 cool area and night 70-78.

PS any info is great don't want to bring to a vet just yet because well its cold out, and i don't want to stun/hurt him more in another T fer.

 

[snakegirl]

How old is it? and is it a male? if so does his beard puff out?

 

[Lena]

The gulping you see may be a sign of stress, give him some time to adjust. I know my beardie will gulp air to puff herself up when she feels threatened.

If it really seems to get worse or just not go away within about a week or two, then I would consider getting him/her to a vet.

 

[Neill]

Well he does a little sort of puff kinda like an emphasized swallow. I know hes like 4-5 months old MALE. I do have 2 cats in the apartment that cant get enough of him *pacing in front of cage and pawing* its been about 1 week now. Again he seems good weight (no shrivel skin) he just shed runs around enclosure alot sites in his light, vents. Maybe im just over reacting.

 

[shadowx362]

well I am no beardy expert, but could it be she is too hot? I heard they will do that to release hot air?

 

[Lena]

Sounds normal to me.

 

[Jenn]

sounds normal to me as well. I think he is just trying to puff himself up to look better. If he is too hot he will open his mouth to regulate his temp.

What is his basking temp?
cool side temp?