Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We have a 3 month old bearded dragon and within the last couple of days, he hasn't really been interested in eating. I called our local pet store, the owner is a member on kingsnake, and he told me to try feeding him live cultured yogurt so that he would get his appetite back. We did it and he ate it. He also only ate 3 crickets all day yesterday. My 12 year old son is worried for his health. Any suggestions? He is small, about 6 inches long.

Not eating can be caused by many things ... stress, incorrect temps, parasites, illness... So I need more info in order to help you.

What are the temps (basking spot and cool side)? What kind of lighting/heating are you using? How long are the lights on for each day? Has the beardies been tested for parasites recently? What are you feeding him?

The reason he suggested that you give your beardie yogurt is because of the live bacteria (good bacteria) in yogurt. It helps to replenish the gut flora in the beardie. Without the good bacteria, food will not be digested properly and sometimes the beardie will lose his appetite. You can also try Acidophilus. There was a post yesterday or the day before on this subject.

Make sure you keep your beardie hydrated by soaking him or misting him daily. You can also try dripping water onto his nose and see if he laps it up. A beardie that isn't eating will quickly become dehydrated. Then you will have a whole new set of problems.

Good luck.

Veronica
Beautiful Dragons

Let's see if I can answer all of the questions:

His basking spot is 100-110F, cool spot is 75-80F. He has water and greens in his cage at all times. We usually put parsley, peas, endive, or mixed veggies in his bowl. My son puts him in the sink twice a day to rehydrate him and he will drink water if put on his nose. He has been a very aggressive eater until day before yesterday. That day we took him to the local pet store to show him to the owner. I have never had him checked for parasites. How do I check for that? He is in a 10 gallon aquarium that has the uv/b & heat bulb above the basking side of the tank. He has one climbing/basking limb, 2 climbing rocks, his hut, a water and food bowl. Hopefully this covers it.

Let me know if you can help.

Well, it sounds like you are doing everything right. The temps are good. Are you using a calcium supplement without phosphorus? Good to hear that you have UVB.

It's not uncommon for a growing beardie to take a break from eating for a few days. I'm not sure why they do it, but I've seen it happen. If this continues for longer than a few days, like a week, then I would get concerned. But as long as you are keeping him hydrated, he should be ok.

If you are wanting to get a fecal sample to the vet for a parasite ananysis you should first contact a good reptile vet in your area and see what their fees are. Some places will let you just bring in the fecal and not the beardie. That will save you a lot of money. Unless the beardie is sick of course, then you would want the vet to see him. Just take a fresh sample (less than four hours old) and place it in a small zip lock bag. Write your name and the beardies name on the bag and take it in. The vet should call you within a few days to let you know the results. My vet only charges me $10 for fecal testing. It's worth it.

Good luck.

Veronica

Thanks so much for the vote of confidence. It is hard to take care of a kind of pet that you have never had before, especially with so many people telling you so many different things.

If Velcro's eating habits don't get back to normal by tomorrow, I will consider taking a sample to the vet. In the meantime, I am on the lookout for a 40gallon breeder so that he is more comfortable in his surroundings.

Sounds like a good plan. I know what you mean by getting so many different views and opinions on things. You already have a pretty good understanding of beardies, so I'm not worried. Have a good weekend.

Veronica
Beautiful Dragons

Maybe he's a bit stressed from his trip to the pet store, and he lost his appetite for a couple days. When I moved my adult beardie downstairs for a week, while I was on vacation, his appetite dropped as well. New places, sights, and smells can stress them a bit.

Don't bother him and let him relax, and hopefully he'll resume eating within a day or two. If not something might be wrong.

Hope this helps,

andy

Thanks, Andy...Velcro is better now.. he ate 9 crickets last night and is very active now. I think you were right. He may have just been stressed out.

I would not wash a dragon in the sink. Best thing to do is get a big plastic tub and label that “Dragon Pool” and only wash him in that. Dragons can carry salmonella and can be transferred to you if you are not careful.

Sounds like you are going in the right direction and it’s good to hear that somebody who owns a pet store is also a member here too

Thanks for the great idea. I am always on my son to keep that sink clean. I don't need to have our dragon get sick from the morning's toothpaste that got left in the sink. I will get that container today.

Dawn