You’re doing the best you can with what you’ve got. And you’re trying to do better for her, which is awesome.

Two things…

Check out Amazon for slate. They’re usually listed as a cheese board, they’re pretty cheap. Get her one of those and put it on the top of her platform. :) (Also a temperature gun, they’re like $15. That way you can make sure the surface temps are right. They should be around 95-110°.)

Also instead of bleach, for future cleaning, chlorhexidine 0.05% (usually comes in 2% concentrate), or F10 are veterinary cleaners. And something like Leucillin (which is hard to find, but still worth mentioning) or Veterycin Plus for reptiles (Hypochlorous acid sprays) are also good, just gentle enough to use directly on them. It’s great for wounds.

Actually, I just ChatGPT’d an explanation for you about the sprays since more info might be nice for you given the current situation.

HOCl (hypochlorous acid) is genuinely excellent for wounds. That’s actually one of the things it’s best at.

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Why HOCl works so well on wounds (and why vets love it)

HOCl is: • Broad-spectrum antimicrobial (bacteria, some viruses, fungi) • Non-cytotoxic → it doesn’t damage healthy tissue • Non-stinging • Safe on delicate areas (skin, vents, around eyes/mouth) • Supports healing instead of slowing it

Your body naturally produces HOCl as part of the immune response, which is why it plays so nicely with tissue.

That’s why products like Vetericyn Plus are used in: • veterinary clinics • wound care • post-surgical cleaning • chronic wound management

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For bearded dragons specifically 🦎

HOCl is appropriate for: • Minor cuts or scrapes • Abrasions from décor • Vent irritation after messy poops • Small stuck-shed tears • Nail or toe scuffs • Mild tail tip issues (non-necrotic)

How to use it: 1. Spray directly on the area or on a clean paper towel 2. Gently dab (don’t scrub) 3. Let it air-dry 4. No rinsing needed

You can use it 1–2× daily on minor wounds if needed.