[Zoodulcis]

Very nice looking boy/girl. An early Christmas gift for yourself?

[Zoodulcis]

Very GQ. What’s this one’s name?

[Zoodulcis]

Very cute. A Christmas gift?

[Zoodulcis]

No, that is not against the rules. At this age, I wouldn’t worry about the greens too much. In a couple of months he may be eating them ravenously.

[Zoodulcis]

Yes, whatever works to allow him/her a spot at 87 F for a while could give you the information about mood that you seek. If temperature isn’t it, then I would suggest covering the cage for a few days to screen activity in the room from the animal’s view for awhile.

[Zoodulcis]

Boy do they seem comfy. And the center of attention. How old is the new Crestie?

I assume you are entering the cricket contest. Correct?

[Zoodulcis]

We would love to help you. Please reduce the size of the photo and resubmit.

[Zoodulcis]

Just to be clear, you are advising him to physically lower the lamp to put it closer to the basking spot, thereby making the temp warmer. Sounds like a good and safe way to experiment. If for some reason the lamp cannot be lowered, perhaps a second option is to raise the perch?

[Zoodulcis]

Keeping our behavior consistent with pets is the key to so much training, whether deliberate or not. Although most animals are more intelligent than we give them credit for, without spoken language they require other cues to learn what we want from them, behavioral cues. It seems that you guys trained each other by being consistent and predictable. I think that is awesome!

[Zoodulcis]

That is completely brilliant. It certainly is how one trains dogs and cats. I bet if more beardie owners knew this, they would attempt it. I’m sure it helped that you have been conditioning him since he was just a little squirt.

[Zoodulcis]

Overall his cage is really nice and his color is acceptable. He is not highly stressed, but may not be completely relaxed either. Given that you’ve only had him a week, there is no need for concern yet, and if he is a proper little character, then that is really excellent. If I had to guess, I would say that you might get a brighter color out of him eventually if his basking spot was a little warmer. 81F max seems a little cold to me. See if you can get that spot up to 87 for a couple of days, and observe his reaction.

AB…do you concur?

[Zoodulcis]

Hi Kate,

So good to hear from you and especially nice to know that Chonkers is thriving. Wow, that was quite the journey to get to this point.

He will reach sexual maturity at about one year of age. Then his food amount can safely be reduced. While he is still a juvenile, his food should be dusted 3 times per week. After one year, once a week. Phosphorous free Rep-Cal and Herptivite with Beta Carotene are excellent choices for supplements.

Wishing you and Chonkers a safe and Merry Christmas,

Zoodulcis

[Zoodulcis]

Good to know about the hen and chicks and their scientific name. When people on the forum want to know about enclosure design, I will add those to the recommended plants. They are attractive and practical. You do have a talent for enclosure design!!

[Zoodulcis]

That is really adorable that he does that so regularly. A chin rest for his weary head after a hard day of being totally spoiled! I love the little plants. Are they stone crops?

[Zoodulcis]

Great habitat!! He doesn’t poop in his enclosure? How did you manage that?

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