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Chinese Water Dragon turning brown

22 14:42:48

Question
I think it's a guy but it's still young and in its juvenile state. I brought it home yesterday from the pet store and it's no longer green, he turned all the way brown. Did I do something wrong? I have a pretty big tank, a place for him to hide, a water place, a tree for him to climb on. (Again i say him because i hope its a guy im not sure if it is.) And I fed him three crickets last night, of which he only ate two, and again this morning around 10 when I changed his light.

Answer
Hello Justin, it may take some time for him to get used to his new enclosure. Brown means he is stressed or unhappy at the moment. Although young juveniles are usually an olive green-brown color. How big is he? If he is still under 15inches then brown is for the most part normal and expected. It can take up to two weeks for him to feel completely comfortable in his new cage. He should be eaten more as well which could be also because of the new cage. Make sure his temperatures and humidity are both about 78F and 78% You need a UV light if you dont have one already and be sure that the crickets are no bigger then 3/4 of his head. How big is the tank? Water Dragons need more cage space then their size shows. I don't think there is anything wrong with him but if his color doesn't perk up and he starts getting more symptoms let me know. But right now I think he is ok. Ask a few more people here to get more opinions to be sure. I would hate for my opinion to be wrong and cost somebody's pet. Hope I was of some help. Have fun with your new Water Dragon!