Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So I figured I'd try here.

We have a pair of new dragons, our first, and although one is eating like it's a bottomless pit, the other ate fairly well the first couple of day, then hasn't shown any interest in food since ( 2 days ). The one that's not eating is smaller ( 7 or 8 inches )and much thinner that it's cage mate ( 8 or 9 inches, fairly fat.. ). They didn't fight over food when they were both eating, but we were afraid that maybe it was just intimidated by the larger one, and have since started feeding them in a separate tank.

Both are very alert, but the smaller one acts like it's sleepy all the time, unless some one is there talking to it, or doing something with the tank. It also shows quite a bit of interest in what's going on outside the window that the tank is in front of... ( The tank is a 50 gallon "lizard lounge, by the way... )

Anyway... Are we worrying for nothing? Is this normal?
If not, how long should we allow this behavior to continue before finding a vet?

Thanks in advance.
Drac

How are your temps? What substrate is in the cage? Has he gone to the bathroom? Do you have a UVB bulb? Another thing to add is that I have 2 dragons that are deathly afraid of the outside. A shadow or a bird freaks them out so bad. Sounds to me if all the questions above are correct and he has gone to the bathroom that he is intimidated by the other dragon, and possible the window. When I first get dragons I cover all sides of the tank so they settle in faster.
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Mystical Dragons

Hi Mattman.

The temps are okay, I think. 80-85 on the low end, 90-95 on the other, with the basking area being 110-115. And yes, both are/were going to the bathroom regularly, up until yesterday.
The substrate is a "Lizard Litter" made from finely ground walnut shells, that I'm not entirely happy with, and will replace soon with something else... Probably a clay/sand mixture. ( Lots of red clay, here in TN. ) Yes, we have a 24" UVB light, plus a regular 60 watt bulb, and a 75 watt vapor spotlight on the basking area. And there's also a "black light" bulb and an under-tank heater for this winter, if things turn too cold.
I'm not sure that "outside" is bothering either of them, since they try to chase the butterflys and such that come by the window, but it is possible.... And as to being intimidated by the bigger dragon, well, I'm not sure about that either, since the small one goes into a panic when it's away from the other one... And they seem to share food extremely well. Or did.

It's been storming here, the last couple of days, and I've had the thought that it may just be the bad weather throwing the small one off... Or maybe not letting them sleep well, with all the thunder, a night or so ago... I know it keeps me awake sometimes. Might be the same for beardies, no?

I've raised iguanas before, and even managed to keep a ctenosaur alive and well for 4 years, until it got too big and cranky, and had to be donated to the local zoo, so I'm not a complete idiot when it comes to herps. ( And I managed this despite all the WRONG info and advice from the pet shop. Ended up spending a lot of time at the Nashville Zoo's Herp house, back before they moved. )

But I've gotta say, this one is a real mystery to me...

Anyway, that's our story thus far.
Thanks for the help.
Drac

i would seperate them and see how the little one makes out, the bigger one is probably stressing him out. youll probably find that after a day or two of being on his own he will improve. If he continues not to eat you can start feeding him by hand if it comes down to that, also getting a fecal for them both is probably a good idea just to rule out any parasites.
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reiko
photos

Sleepiness can also be a sign of parasites. If you could take a poop sample in for a check, at least you could rule that out or get meds, whichever the case.

Also, a product called Parazap, sold online only at www.parazap.com, kills parasites/worms (not Coccidia) and has an added benefit of an appetite stimulant.

Another idea would be to partition your tank off so they each have their own area and see how that goes. Be aware too, that unless you happen to have two females, they will not be able to live in the same tank very long.

If the lil ones feels intimidated, it can cause him to stress and feeding seperately just won't be enough.
Good Luck!
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TheClassyLizard

Thanks folks.

We'll give the separate tanks a try, and see what happens.

I've just been hesitant to change things too much, so soon.
They have only been here a few days, and I don't want to add stress on top of stress...

Anyway, we'll set up a second tank this evening. Can't hurt, I guess.

Drack.

I would get them off the walnut shells quick like. If you want use very fine strained play sand its way cheaper than that walnut and much safer,

Split them up. I bet that will solve allot of your problems

But make sure you get a fecal exam done by a good herp vet.

If they have parasites I would worm them with panacure and maintain them with parazap.
it is my experience parazap does NOT kill parasites it helps the animals keep a strong immune system so the parasite load stays small and doesn’t bother them much.

I have in my possession right now an animal that was sent to me who was kept on parazap by someone who sells dragons And parazap on this board, that came full of pinworms, so I doubt the validity that parazap KILLS parasites it only helps to keep them under control.

You will most likely have coccidia as most dragons do. Treat it get rid of it and don’t reintroduce it and you will never have to worry about it again.

Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions

Mat Price

NP
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Derek Affonce
DeKeAff Exotics
dekeaffexotics.com

np
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