Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As I mentioned in an earlier post, my vet did a consult with
a vet near Chicago who has had alot of experience with Igs.

My vet called me at 10pm last night. Basically, they both
believe that there is nothing wrong with her except perhaps
behavioral. She said that in the wild Igs do not eat every
day. I told her that I visit this forum and that your Igs do
eat everyday. She said that Beanie does not visit this forum
apparently! When I adopted her back at the end of September
last year she was only 1.1 pounds. I explained to her that
she started eating in October and ate alot! She attributes this
to the beginning of breeding season as females do this to put
on fat stores for egg-laying. She believes now what I am seeing
is her normal appetite. Still the fact is that she is not eating
anything on own from my observation but my vet thinks she is
eating a few bites here and there. It has been 14 weeks!

I am even more confused and frustrated than ever. I wish we
could find something wrong so that we can fix it and she would
start eating again. I have went over everything I have control
over to see if something I am doing is causing it. I cannot
think of anything as far as lights, heat etc. I feel very alone
and do not know what to do, if anything!

Thanks for listening!
Linda

Ive read that sunlight helps speed up appetite. Maybe you can put her outside in a sunning cage for several hours a day on warm days (be careful as to not overheat her). Then put her somewhere with some enticing fruits and if she eats them, add a few greens and work on greens. Its worth a try-Zephyr usually only eats after an hour or two out in the sun
And I do not think she is eating normally if you have to force and dont notice much/any missing food. Zephyr will eat-if im not in the room, since its my bathroom I put him in the tub with the food (easy to see whats eaten and what isnt) and i come back later and usually a lot of it is gone.
Sarah

I have tried the out in the sun also. I have tried everything!
This is the problem..everyone says it is not normal but we
cannot find anything wrong with her.

Until I can find someone who has actually dealt with an
Ig who has been gravid and then had a hystectomy I do not
know what is normal and what isn't. My vet stressed that
every Ig is different and their norms can differ

I guess I sound very frustrated and I am. Beanie has gained
a little weight and is shedding which means she is growing.
If there was something wrong would this be happening?

Your thoughts?

Thanks for posting
Linda

have you tried posting on the green ig society board? I frequent there and many of the ladies have female igs
Post for Dana, Darry or Tesa Good Luck
Green Ig Society Message Board

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Heather, Vern, Andy, Router, April And OODLES of fish

Its good that shes shedding and not loosing weight. I guess just keep at it while you try to find out whats wrong. Good luck *hugs*

Sarah

I have noticed that with my ig, (who is female) will only eat later in the day (like 2-3 p.m.). for whatever reason, she wants nothing to do with food until then. Now, there are occassions where she may skip a day but then pig out the next. so I would have to say its not TOTALLY unusual, but most seem to eat every day. Just wondering if maybe changing her eating time would help?

I also at times have to convince her to eat. Like, I have to put her down in front of her food. Usually she'll give me the cocked head then finally eat. But if she tries to walk away, I kinda hold her back, and move the dish under her until she gives in and eats. (not every day i have to do this, but at times). soemtimes she just won't leave that dang basking area to eat! LOL But yet if I take her outside, she suddenly decides to munch on the dandilion leaves and clover! lol

Just some thoughts...I sure do hope yours will eat soon!!!
Renee