Wow, we really messed up.

Good choice, then let him settle at least a few days before moving him around again. For added security you can block out part of the tank by covering the sides and back, construction paper taped on the outside would be a cheap quick way. That should help alot

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OK, I gave the tank a good misting. We don't have any heat source on right now, giving him a chance to cool down. The latest temperature read from the substrate outside his hid was 85, the top of his hide was 90.

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Originally Posted by Crazymonkee

Good choice, then let him settle at least a few days before moving him around again. For added security you can block out part of the tank by covering the sides and back, construction paper taped on the outside would be a cheap quick way. That should help alot

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Thank you so much for your help. We're definitely not going to move him or handle him for a while. We're also going to cover the back and sides of his tank.

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Originally Posted by Garnet

Thank you so much for your help. We're definitely not going to move him or handle him for a while. We're also going to cover the back and sides of his tank.

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Your very welcome, when temping you want a spot under his hide on top the substrate of 88-90 on the cool side on top of his substrate 80-81. Good luck and keep us updated!

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He's still agitated. I wonder how long it will take for him to calm down. :(

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Originally Posted by Garnet

He's still agitated. I wonder how long it will take for him to calm down. :(

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First be certain you have temps correctly measured, then FILL his tank with loosely crumpled newspaper. He should settle down because he feels safer and can feel some touching him on all sides.

Once settled, you can slowly wean him off by removing a piece every few days.

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He is much calmer now. He's on top of his hide, something he's done since the very first day at home. He's been there, laying still and looking relaxed for about 20 minutes now.

Yep, sounds like his agitation was probably caused by it being too hot in the tank! Glad he's doing better now, :)

Take a deep breath and let it out. Everything is ok. Wooo sahhh. You've explained the situation and have been given advice to move forward.

You didn't kill the little guy nor did you injure him. He did get a nice dose of stress, but he will calm down. Plus you are making things proper.

The main reason he was probably agitated was the heat, IMO.

With all the activity and moving from one area of the house to another, it did cause stress. I've seen caged animals which were moved from one location to another in a house or room become more active for around a week. They are exploring the new scenery. Some animals do it, others don't. I moved a snake into a bigger enclosure last weekend and got another snake to put into that snake's old home. The one moved around the tank for a couple days then settled in one spot, the other has been picking a different spot every day to hang out in. I'd equate it to a human moving into a new neighborhood and finding the local gas station/convenience store/bar etc.

Aside from the newspaper idea, I would give the little guy a week before you handle him again so he settles down completely(this is how I would do it, I did see crazymonkee mention a few days which will probably fine as well). It looks like you will get a bigger enclosure for him so when you move him this is how I would do it(if anyone thinks this this isn't a viable idea, please chime in):

1. Set up the new enclosure, making sure the temps are right and everything is how you want it/he should have it.
2. Pull him out for a light handling session. Perhaps 10-15 minutes.
3. Put him in his new enclosure.
4. Give him another week before handling again so he settles in. You may see him cruise around his new place for a few days, he is getting accustomed to his new home.


Good luck with the new little guy. Welcome to the forum and welcome to the addiction. :welcome:

We all make mistakes :) Like others have said, you're remedying the situation, so you should be fine after he settles down in a bit. I know firsthand that moving enclosures can really stress out reptiles. About a month ago, we moved our frilled dragons enclosure and he went into a deep depression for about a week and a half. But he turned right around, and is better than ever now! Just keep monitoring the enclosure specs and you should have a happy little bp soon enough. Good luck!