My baby BD

Question
Hi Kristi...i just bought a baby bearded dragon last week thursday,its wednesday today...he was already about 2 weeks old and healthy.when i first got him,he enjoyed eating crickets an being picked up...i fed him flying ants,about 4,and that nite he started vomiting up the bugs...now he hasn't eatin in 3 days and doesn't like being picked up,he runs away...pls help...thanks. ps...he is in a standard fish tank size tank,has carpet substrate,water rock dish,driftwood and a rock,i'm using a heating pad and a uvb tube light,the temp in the basking area is around 30 deg celsius...thanks


Answer
Kristi sent you question to the pool, but I will answer:

First, I don't know what "standard fish tank size" means, but you need to have at least a 20 gallon long or 30 gallon to start out with. More as the Beardie matures. They need space.

Second, the ants you feed him were more than likely responsible for his regurgitation and made him ill. DO NOT feed this Beardie anything other than what is prescribed and accepted practice. Some insects are poisonous and will kill a reptile. Ideally, you don't feed them what isn't native where they are native. Outside of that, you should at least not feed insects of unknown safety to an animal you are just learning about.   

Third, contrary to popular myth, Beardies do not like being handled all the time. No reptile does. They would prefer you leave them alone actually. So, handle only as needed. Reptiles are for observing, not cuddling.

Fourth, you need to make sure your crickets and other prey are size appropriate for his age. The prey should be the smallest size you can get at his age or you stand a very good chance of killing him by impaction. Prey should be no longer than 1/2-2/3 the length of his head, and no wider than 1/2 the width of his head. He should be eating pinhead crickets in other words. Stay away from mealworms and other larvae at his age. They are dangerous.

Lastly, your temps are way way off and it's no wonder you are having problems. 30C equals about 86F, which is far too cold for proper metabolic and immune function. You will kill the baby this way. Basking temps for a Beardie should be in the upper 90s to low 100sF right at the basking area. Ambient temps in the rest of tank should be cooler.

http://www.beardeddragon.org
http://www.anapsid.org/bearded.html