Posted by:
PHLdyPayne
at Sat Apr 23 18:37:51 2011 [ Report Abuse ] [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by PHLdyPayne ]
Natural sunlight definitely is the best you can provide your dragon. A few things to keep in mind, if you don't already, don't leave her alone outside, make sure she has a shaded area to retreat to, should she get too hot..and avoid glass tanks for outside. They heat up really fast. Typically about half hour mid morning or late afternoon about 5 times a week..pretty much replaces any need to have her exposed to UVB lights indoors. But since it isn't always possible to have her out most days (high/low temps, clouds, rain, schedule etc.) good to have them in their cage too.
Also, if you are in an area that has fireflies (lightning bugs) be very careful she doesn't eat any, they are toxic. Keep her away from fire ants too..not sure if they are toxic to dragons but I expect they won't appreciate being stun by them either (that and a swarm could very well eat a dragon if given the opportunity)
Calcium injections will help get her calcium back up..but you do need to provide it in the diet as well. Calcium supplements can be used..if your dragon isn't keen on eating greens. As yours seems reluctant to eat non moving food, you can try hand feeding, dangling pieces of healthy greens infront of her. Or you can drop several into her bowl. Sometimes this catches their attention enough to get them to eat some. Usually a mouthful or two is enough to get them to eat it on their own.
Try a variety of greens too..sometimes they will go for one kind more than others..which is a good way to get them started. If the 'favorite' happens to be not very nutritious, can slowly reduce the amount while adding better quality greens (and mix very well so she can't just pick out her favorites).
I like to over a variety of insects...alternating between superworms, butterworms, silkworms and hornworms. (depending on availability). Crickets are good too when gutloaded but I Hate having adult crickets in the house, so stuck mostly with superworms. ----- PHLdyPayne
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