Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I purchased 2 Saharan's one week ago. We read several care sheets and have them set up correctly. Basking area is at 106 degrees and the cool side is maintained at 89 degrees.
We have not observed them eating for a week. They seem to be getting more listless with each passing day and am afraid they are becoming dehydrated.Should I try to force water on them? I am going to try to get them to a Vet tomorrow. Could someone please give me some advice. Thanks so much for your help.

>>I purchased 2 Saharan's one week ago. We read several care sheets >>and have them set up correctly. Basking area is at 106 degrees and >>the cool side is maintained at 89 degrees.

Saharans can be notoriously difficult to acclimate if they are wild caught. Having dealt with this in the past, I would recommend immediate vet visits.

Also, what size of tank (in inches) are they in and what are you using to provide heat? The temperatures you mention don't sound correct to me. Cool side is ok, but basking should be upwards of 130F. If you have a smallish cage (which it sounds like it *might* be from the gradient you mentioned), you should get a larger one right away - WC Saharans have a really tough time acclimating in small cages. If your cage is 4 ft by 1.5 ft or larger, then raise your basking temps, being careful not to overheat the cool end.

One week is usually not long enough for most uros to acclimate, BUT since these are Saharans (and I'm only assuming wild caught), be quick to assist them if you feel something's wrong.
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Torey
Eugene, Oregon, USA
1.1 Saharan Uros (Joe and Arthur)
3.1 Mali Uros (Spike, Turtle, Tank, and Lilly)
1.1 Ornate Uros (Scuttlebutt and Shazzbot)
2.1 Green Anoles (Bowser, Sprocket, Leeloo)
1.1 Felis domesticus (Roscolux and Jenny)

Torey's advice pretty much covers the full picture. I can tell you, though, we've kept a well acclimated, long-term pair of Saharans that we never WITNESSED eat for over 2 years. They just wouldn't allow eyeball contact. Yet, they ate well when left very alone I know I'll get flak but, offer Romaine. They need the moisture. When hydrated, they're more apt to eat. Toss some supplements on the Romaine if you wish but, do it lightly. Don't turn their noses. Main thing is WATER.
My 2 cents.

No flak from me! I agree about the romaine, I sometimes still mix some romaine into my salad mix; it’s not as nutritious as most other greens but is not as worthless as some claim. I have two long term captive Saharans (thanks D&L), and only the female will allow me to watch her eat as long as I’m at a distance.

-Nathanael

Hey Nate! Never could figure where the anti-Romaine thoughts originated, except to say it shouldn't be considered much of a nutritional item. But, heck, when you stop at the water fountain several times a day for a sip, is that not a good thing? If your diet is sound, isn't some additional water more than beneficial? Romaine definitely has an important role in lizard care as long as people understand the difference between hydration vs nutrition.
We need a BUNCH of frozen fuzzies...
D&L.