not basking?

[Neill]

My beardies not basking in his hot spot. He hasn't been eating much ether, unless i place in front of his face. Been to vet 2 times now. With 2 different meds for a respiratory infection. Any other reason why he might be displaying a small mouth gape and always hiding from the basking spot?

 

[nrich]

what are the temps in the basking area? How far away is the basking area from the light and what kind of uvb light do you have? It may be too hot for him. Some uvb bulbs can burn if they get too close to them.

 

[Neill]

Couldn't tell you what kind of light the basking spot is. I did get it from a pet store and i know its specific for "basking light" I also have 2 florescent lights the desert ones that are the length of cage for the uva/uvb.

 

[nrich]

Do you happen to know the temperature under the light? You should have a basking site for your dragon that is about 105-110 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 - 43.3 degrees Celsius) directly under the light, but no more (a lot of people suggest using a 75 watt household bulb. Cheap and easy).

Also, some uvb lights are better than others. Most beardy keepers prefer the Reptisun 10.0. If a dragon isn't getting the proper level of uvb, it will be lethargic and uninterested in food.

What sort of substrate is the beardy on? Respiratory infections are usually caused by too much constant humidity. Is the water dish close to the basking spot? Do you mist your dragon? Weekly baths are ok and keep your dragon hydrated, but too much moisture in the cage can be really bad.

 

[Neill]

Cool side is 85 basking spot is 110. He isn't eating at all now. Wondering if its the new meds making him feel sick. Hummmmm....

 

[TheVirus]

Adult beardies use high basking temps (over 115). Basking temps are surface temps. Basking spots need to be large, at least 12" x 12" for one adult dragon. They need basking options, not just one set temp. Beardies use different temps for different reasons.

RI will only happen if the basking temps are too low. If the dragon isn't operating on all cylinders, its metabolism and immune system are not strong enough to fight and prevent infections.

The wattage of your basking lite is very important (and tank size). If its a high watt bulb, it will make the air temps around the bulb too hot, and the beardie won't use the basking area. You need a low watt bulb placed close to the basking area. This way the air temps are in good range for the hot side (90's), yet the basking spot is around 115.

What is the wattage of your bulb? What is the surface of the basking area made of, and how big is it. What type of enclosure is your beardie in and how large? How old is your beardie?