My bearded dragon seems to not be eating hardly any crickets. We feed him some veggies in the morning "but not everyday". Today I went in to check on him and he does not seem as alert as normal and there were several crickets in his cage that were uneaten. I will try to get pictures of his set up as soon as I can. Any help will be much appreciated. This has been going on for several days now and I'm starting to get concerned. We only got him about a month ago he is still very young.
Need help w/ bearded dragon.
- Thread starter PA7R1CK
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A young dragon should be eating like crazy. Make sure you have a basking side of your tank at about 115 F, and good UV light.
I have a basking light set up at about 110 degrees. And the other side has lighting and stays about 90.
**correction**
I just checked the temps and the basking is only about 92. The other side is in the mid 80's is this too low?
**correction**
I just checked the temps and the basking is only about 92. The other side is in the mid 80's is this too low?
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Well first of all, have you been dusting all his crickets with supplements as this is essential for dragons. Also what kinds of veggies have you been feeding? He should be eating mustard greens, turnip greens, basically any kind of greens. Also NEVER feed spinache (sp?). Also for crickets dont feed anything bigger then between his eyes as it can cause back legs extention and intestinal blockage. Do his back legs look weak like he's having a hard time walking? Also water dishes are not essential for dragons a nice morning mist takes care of all their hydration needs as well as the moisture in the veggies. Also try and avoid acidic fruits as it's not good for them and should only be fed say every 2 weeks or so, I also think you need to drop the temp down lower on the cool end so he can properly thermo regulate. Also does he have any blood in his stools? B/c all dragons are born with Coccidia (sp?) and when they stress out it can get out of control and cause them to stop eating. Also you need to feed him veggies EVERY day as when he hits about 8 months of age you need to start weaning him off crix to mainly veggies.
Good luck,
Eric Weintraub
Good luck,
Eric Weintraub
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That dragon can eat any size crickets as he's big enough. Up his temps and see how he does. If he doesnt improve and you notice his color darkening up, take a sample of fecal matter to the vet to check for parasites. But as long as he is eating SOMETHING, along with appropriate levels of calcium and vit suppliments, should be OK...maybe it's just the temps.
Keep us posted, and good luck!
Keep us posted, and good luck!
I have been dusting his crickets, and giving him veggies to eat. None of the crickets we have given him have been more than the width of his eyes. I havnt been giving him veggies daily, which now I know I need to do. Thanks for the advice everyone I will raise the temperature and start feeding him more veggies. I will keep you informed on his status. Thanks again.
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um, if you up his temps thats going to be a fried dragon, the cool end should not be 90 degrees, by doing this he doesnt have anywere to escape the heat. That alone could be whats stressing him out....
Regards,
Eric Weintraub
Regards,
Eric Weintraub
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You dont even need to heat the cool end bro, just let the cool end be room temp, if he wants to warm up he has the basking light. A sunshine bulb shouldnt make the cool end 90 degrees that doesnt sound right.
Regards,
Eric Weintraub
Regards,
Eric Weintraub
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No problem, keep us updated with his progress.
Good luck,
Eric Weintraub
Good luck,
Eric Weintraub
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http://www.lynnsbeardeddragons.com/CAREINFO.html
Btw heres a good caresheet on dragons, I personally know Lynn and am good friends with her she has been breeding them for 9 years and knows her stuff.
You can also call her for help.
Regards,
Eric Weintraub
Btw heres a good caresheet on dragons, I personally know Lynn and am good friends with her she has been breeding them for 9 years and knows her stuff.
You can also call her for help.
Regards,
Eric Weintraub
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umm...if you notice the correction of his a few posts back...the temp on the basking spot is way too low.boidaddic said:
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speaking of this one...in case it's not noticeable.PA7R1CK said:
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I'm sorry about that, I didnt see the correction.
Regards,
Eric Weintraub
Regards,
Eric Weintraub
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Yes, 92 is too low for the basking side. The advice on the other side was good, keep it unheated.PA7R1CK said:
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Is your UVB bulb a ESU? The bulb will have the brand name stamped on it. If it is then you need a new bulb, ESU has been proven to not put out enough UVB for a dragon, go with a reptisun 5.0 or 10.0 or a repti-glo 8.0. With an increase in UVB he should perk up and start eating again.
Also, what are you measuring the temps with? most petstore thermometers are off, I recommend a digital thermo with probe. You can pick one up at wal-mart for around $10.00.
Also, what are you measuring the temps with? most petstore thermometers are off, I recommend a digital thermo with probe. You can pick one up at wal-mart for around $10.00.