Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchased a new dragon at a show. The baby was showing lots of pep and energy and eating well at first, and is now laying about lethargically and when i pick her up it seems like she can barely lift her head or even walk. What could be wrong? She has a hotspot of 105 at all times, ambient of 80, UVB 12 hrs a day, crickets, mealworms, roaches offered daily with greens offered every otherday. My other female dragon has been thriving off the same setup, so what could be wrong??

bump your temps up to 115 for babies 110 for adults in the basking spot, 70-75 for their cool spot. this is the main reason for a minimum cage for an adult being 4 feet long. babies need 90% insects and 10% greens for the first few months. increase their greens as they get old, at 5-6 months they split should be 50/50. by 10-12 months the diet should be 90% greens and 10% insects. i do not agree with feeding mealworms or superworms to small dragons, not even small worms. only worms i feed hatchlings and small dragons are pheonix worms. easier to digest. roaches are also a great staple insect to feed. i have actually cut out crickets all together and feed roaches now, lobsters and dubia are my choices.

make sure your dragons are getting plenty of water as well. i bathe mine once a week, spray them 3-5 times daily, and keep fresh water in their cages.

make sure UVB light is close enough to your dragon. 10.0 bulb reaches a max of 20 inches down.

if your dragon does not get better soon, a vet check should be made asap. good luck
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Beach Beardies

2.4. bearded dragons
1.0. Turquoise x Sunburst Veiled Chameleon
1.1. Sugar Gliders
0.2. Felines *queen athena and missy*

I agree with the previous poster. Basking spot should be 115 with about 85 - 90 being ambient on the hot side. No mealworms, they are a great impaction risk. Also Crickets should have a body length no longer that the space between your dragons eyes. I personally stick with only dusted crickets for babies, properly sized they are safe and the babies love them. They should be offered at least 2 times a day for babies. All they want to eat in a 10-15 min. period.

Use reptile carpet, paper towels or newsprint as substrate. Tank should be no smaller than a 20 Long (30 x 12 x 12 high). If they are housed together I would separate them as the other dragon may be causing stress.

Does the baby walk around at all? Rear leg paralysis is a sign of impaction. I would drip water on it's nose with an eyedropper or something to get her to drink. Warmer temps. and proper hydration are your best chance if it's an impaction.