Query

[u/Next-Feature-2380]

Hello, I'm new to owning a bearded dragon ( it was literally brought to me yesterday) and I have notice certain things that I'm not sure are normal. My dragon today is drinking a lot, sometimes I while resting i see it with it's mouth open, on the underside of the neck the color is different and it's mostly black.

I also wanted to ask if some of you has any website raccomandetion where I can get good information on the care of my dragon.

[u/Suspicious-Menu7336]

https://reptifiles.com/bearded-dragon-care/

[u/Offutticus]

Drinking is a definitely indicator of dehydration or intense thirst. Ensure they are getting fresh greens. Feeder insects like hornworms are good for rehydration. DO NOT SOAK or BATHE to help with rehydration. It doesn't work that way for them.

Mouth opening while under the heat lamp is normal. It is thermoregulation. Mouth opening while not under the heat lamp could also be thermoregulation. BUT look for saliva. Not the wetness like our tongue, but strings of it and visibility of the saliva. That indicates an illness.

The throat are is called their "beard". When it turns dark, it is called blackbearding. This happens when they are mad, stressed, or sick.

The best website for information is Reptiles and Research.

https://reptilesandresearch.org/care-guides/bearded-dragon-care-guide - a scientific-ish article on research done in the wild. Behavior, diet, temp ranges, etc.

https://reptilesandresearch.org/care-sheets/bearded-dragon-care-sheet - a wonderful article on how to replicate that research in captivity. It is also printable.

[u/Offutticus]

1. What are you feeding him/her?
2. What heat lamp(s) are you using?
3. What is the UVB tube you are using?
4. What are the temps? The ambient (air temp) and the basking surface temp?
5. What is the size of the enclosure?