Sunny (Bearded Dragon)

Question
I had a beautiful Bearded Dragon given to me a couple of weeks ago, I have never had such a uniqe pet.
I am terrified that i'm not providing for this reptile. For the last 3 days he is just laying on the bottom of the aquarium barely moving.
I have slacked on the heat lamp, %26 i am terrified of worms, %26 have small children who probubly sometimes or overwelming for him. Sunny is 2 feet long %26 beautifull %26 I really need some advise as to how to make him better.
Please help us. We live in Calgary Alberta, kinda chilly also. Maybe i should move him to a quieter spot in the house %26 warmer. I'm afraid he's not going to make it.
Please email back.                          Sally.

Answer
Hi Sally,

I am including a link to one of the best bearded dragon care sites available. Dr. Tosney is the head of biology at the University of Miami and a bearded dragon keeper and enthusiast herself.

http://www.bio.miami.edu/ktosney/file/BDcare.html

It is alot to go through so let's go over the basics of Sunny's care in the meantime. You obviously realize that he needs heat. Beardeds are native to the hot, semi-arid regions of Australia. Reptiles don't produce their own body heat so it all has to be provided by you. Their metabolism is externally powered. Sunny needs a basking area that is in the 95 -110F range. The heat can be turned off at night as long as your house remains above 65F or so at night. Lack of daytime heat will cause extremely lethargic behaviour and lack of appetite. There is a stress response to a change of environment as well which is likely also contributing. Keep handling to a minimum until you get his behaviour and appetite back on track.
At his age and size, mixed greens would also be large percentage of his diet. If you are not a fan of worms then crickets are probably  not your favourite thing either! Unfortunately, insects are a diet staple and you do eventually get used to them. You might find silkworms a little more acceptable in the meanwhile.