Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Reptiles > It is calcium deficiency?

It is calcium deficiency?

22 13:24:21

Question
QUESTION: Hi, recently i got two bearded dragons and now keep them in the same enclosure. One lied on the other and they both fell (this is about a week ago) one ended up on its back so i picked it up quickly and set it on its feet. The one that wasn't on its back started itching and stopped a few days ago. I also noticed a grey spot on ones head, the one who fell. They're eating about 5-15 crickets a day in one large feeding, they don't like being fed twice. The heating is 32c on the hot side during the day and about 25-30c on the cool side. During the night the hot side is 25c and the cool side about 18c, which they take a liking to. I use a UV-B bulb and a ceramic heat bulb. When they are fed i dust the crickets with a calcium powder. Any more information you need just tell me.

ANSWER: Are you feeding greens?  How is water provided?
Do they have a humid hide, or anything of that sort?  Adults don't require them, but hatchlings can often benefit from having one available, as they are more susceptible to dehydration.

You may want to consider housing them separately--the dragon that crawled on the other one is the dominant animal, and it may cause stress, and suppress the subordinate, which can lead to health issues.  The majority of reptiles are not social animals, and while some species can be housed in groups, they have to be monitored carefully to watch for animals that don't compete well.  Reptiles would prefer to be alone, given the option.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes i'm feeding water cress daily. Water is also provided daily. No i don't have a humid hide or any type of hide. They both lay on eachother and move away if they don't like it. Is there anything wrong with them?
Also i am worried about the grey patch on ones head, is it something to worry about?

ANSWER: Watercress alone isn't very complete, and you may want to refer to online bearded dragon salad recipes for instruction on how to prepare a more nutritious offering, but I don't think anything you've said here indicates a problem.  As for the grey patch, is it shedding skin?  A photo would be helpful.

The climbing on one another is, essentially, jostling for dominance.  The one who moves away is the loser of the contest (and the prime basking spot).

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: I'll try and put a picture on later but is it ok to move houses with a bearded dragon? How would i do it? The drive is about 3-4 hours is that ok? My bearded dragons are young too so they're skittish would i hold them during the journey. Also i will have cats and a dog in the back i'm worried about them attacking the dragons so would i be able to hold them while the other animals are near?

Answer
You're best off transporting the dragons in deli cups with ventilation holes, or in small boxes.  Having them loose in the car is a recipe for disaster.  Pay close attention to temperatures--keep them out of sunlight, and never leave them in the car without the air conditioning running, even for 5 minutes.  Obviously, keep them away from cats or dogs which are, after all, carnivores, and would probably eat them.