Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A girl had this dragon for 4 years. She just got married and was moving to Australia and can't bring the dragon so for a couple months she tried but couldn't give it away. Last year it became impacted by eating a cats fur ball. She spent$2,500.00 on the operation. As a last resort I told her I would take it. I have alot of experience with snakes but none with this, As I went to pick it up, she informed me that it wasn't eating much for the past week. I told her that I love animals and would do my best for it but if it came down to it, there is no way that I could afford a huge vet bill for a lizard. She said she understood. Well it's been 2 weeks since I've had it and I figure it has only eaten about 6 super worms and maybe 10 crickets. I have the chopped greens and veggies in the cage, yes, fresh daily and also the pellet dragon food, both wet and a few dry. He doesn't touch it. Today I tried to get a spoon into it's mouth to feed him but when he fought me and I saw how hard he chomped the spoon, I figured I still needed my fingers and gave up. She told me to keep the warm side of the 75 gal. tank at 85 degrees and the cool side about 70 degrees. I knew that that was too cool so I keep the warm side at 100 to 105 degrees and the cool side is about 70 degrees. I'm probably going to have to bring him to his Vet. this week at a cost of $90.00 just for the exam. If they tell me that it will cost a fortune to make her well, I just can't. ANY!! suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance, Brian

Very difficult to say. The dragon is eating, just not very much. This time of year many dragons slow their activity and food intake. The best tool you can have is a weight scale. If she's not eating and not losing weight then she's OK. I wouldn't feed with a spoon. Certainly not a metal one. An eyedropper or needle less syringe would be a better choice. You can also use these to drop water on her nose to keep her hydrated.

The basking spot (surface temp) should be 105-110 on the hot side with an ambient in the high 80's. Are you providing UVB.