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Acclimation - To Acclimate. To adjust to new conditions or an environment. An example of acclimation is the
adjustment of your Bearded Dragon to get used to its new conditions and environment.
What many new herp owners should be advised of when purchasing a new reptile; specifically a Bearded Dragon is that it is very common and normal for
dragons to go through a process called acclimation. Not being told this by a Pet Store or Breeder can result in a very scary and upsetting first week of
ownership.
I always advise anyone purchasing a Beardie from me what acclimation is and the signs of it.
Do all Bearded Dragons go through an acclimation process? No. I have sold dragons and purchased dragons that have settled in immediately without
suffering the symptoms of acclimation. One should still know what the signs are and do their best to respect their new Dragons space in order for them
to settle in nicely.
What are the signs of acclimation? It's impossible to know exactly what a beardie is thinking when they are acclimating but I can imagine fear, insecurity,
stress & upheaval. Often the outward sign of these emotions are refusal to eat. It is completely normal for a newly acquired dragon to refuse to eat for
up to a week.
Often they are moved from hopefully the only home they have ever known, the surroundings they are familiar with, the people are used to handling
them, routine etc. They require time and patience to settle into their new surroundings, the new people around them, new sounds, new things to look at
& new routine. They are frightened and unsure.
That being said, what can you do to help your dragon adjust?
Ask your breeder or pet store:
Do your best to follow what is told to you. That will give your dragon a sense of comfort... Something that is familiar to them. Once the dragon has
somewhat settled in for a couple of weeks then you can slowly alter some of those things.
Another thing you can do to aide your dragon's acclimation process is to try and handle them as little as possible during that first week or two
(depending on how well they are adjusting). I know this is hard because you are excited and want to hold him/her.
Read, read and read some more! Make sure your husbandry is accurate. Ensure your cage temperatures are proper, make sure your UV light is close
enough to your new dragon. Proper setting will also help your dragon settle in faster. Don't be afraid to ask questions or look things up.
If you are concerned call the breeder you purchased the Bearded Dragon from or the pet store. Although from personal experience I find breeders alot
more helpful and definitely alot more knowledgeable.
A final word...
Most dragons settle in quite nicely to their new homes. Be patient and you and your new friend will fly through this and you can look forward to many
years together!
adjustment of your Bearded Dragon to get used to its new conditions and environment.
What many new herp owners should be advised of when purchasing a new reptile; specifically a Bearded Dragon is that it is very common and normal for
dragons to go through a process called acclimation. Not being told this by a Pet Store or Breeder can result in a very scary and upsetting first week of
ownership.
I always advise anyone purchasing a Beardie from me what acclimation is and the signs of it.
Do all Bearded Dragons go through an acclimation process? No. I have sold dragons and purchased dragons that have settled in immediately without
suffering the symptoms of acclimation. One should still know what the signs are and do their best to respect their new Dragons space in order for them
to settle in nicely.
What are the signs of acclimation? It's impossible to know exactly what a beardie is thinking when they are acclimating but I can imagine fear, insecurity,
stress & upheaval. Often the outward sign of these emotions are refusal to eat. It is completely normal for a newly acquired dragon to refuse to eat for
up to a week.
Often they are moved from hopefully the only home they have ever known, the surroundings they are familiar with, the people are used to handling
them, routine etc. They require time and patience to settle into their new surroundings, the new people around them, new sounds, new things to look at
& new routine. They are frightened and unsure.
That being said, what can you do to help your dragon adjust?
Ask your breeder or pet store:
- when do they turn the dragons lights on and off.
- what does the bearded dragon eat as a main staple?
- does the dragon have a favourite food?
Do your best to follow what is told to you. That will give your dragon a sense of comfort... Something that is familiar to them. Once the dragon has
somewhat settled in for a couple of weeks then you can slowly alter some of those things.
Another thing you can do to aide your dragon's acclimation process is to try and handle them as little as possible during that first week or two
(depending on how well they are adjusting). I know this is hard because you are excited and want to hold him/her.
Read, read and read some more! Make sure your husbandry is accurate. Ensure your cage temperatures are proper, make sure your UV light is close
enough to your new dragon. Proper setting will also help your dragon settle in faster. Don't be afraid to ask questions or look things up.
If you are concerned call the breeder you purchased the Bearded Dragon from or the pet store. Although from personal experience I find breeders alot
more helpful and definitely alot more knowledgeable.
A final word...
Most dragons settle in quite nicely to their new homes. Be patient and you and your new friend will fly through this and you can look forward to many
years together!
Written by: Robin Moniz 2007
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