Reptile & Amphibian Forums

So my little rhino I picked up about two weeks ago has not realy ate anything. He is getting a little skinny. I have tried several different types of greens, squash, fruit. I haven't tried crickets yet and would like to stay away from the protein if I can. Any suggestions? I have had a ig go a week or so without eating, but they eventually give in. This little guy is stubborn! His heat spot is around 115 and cool side is about 78-80. Any help is appreciated. thanks
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"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an egg-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

0.0.1 Rhino Iguana
1.1 Black Pinesnake
1.1 Hypo Brooksi Kingsnakes
1.0 Albino Argentina Horned "Pacman" Frog

After that long, you might be dealing with issues of dehydration. His initial anorexia might have been stress related, but dehydration might be a bigger issue now. How does he tolerate handling?

I haven't worked with rhinos per se, but I rehab herps, and have sucessfully rehabbed a few other iguana species. I would guess that similar techniques will work for rhinos. You can try this: get some ReptIAid herbivore stress recovery forumla, mix it on the thinnish side, mix it with just a little soy yogurt or fruit baby food puree, and see if you can get him to lap it. You might need to put a dab on the end of his nose or even work a drop into his mouth to begin. Once he laps or licks, take advantage and add more. The fruit taste should appeal to him. Try to get a litle down him several times a day until he starts looking better or regains his apetite.

Beyond that, if bugs make him eat, feed bugs in the salad, at least for now! You can wean him off of them later, I promise! But I would make it more nutritious bugs than crix. I got a young rescue spiny tail to eat using silk worms. Those are super good nutrition, high in moisture, and are very easy to digest if he does have a dehydration issue. This spiny tail started eating salad within a week of getting hydration therapy and the silks. Now he gets bugs maybe once a week IF he's a good boy and eats his salad.

stubborn, cyclura? 2 weeks isnt so bad. Are you messing with him, handling or putting your big mug in his face, or have you left him alone. Is he moving around, does he use the temps you provided. Have you tried brightly colored food, red stuff always works. I will guess that he hasnt settled in yet. Does he have a place to hide, completely hide. There are so many variables to this, re- check your hubandry. I'm not saying its bad just make sure its not something you are missing. Dont force feed, too much stress, that should be a final option

Sorry to hear of this situation. You posted this last week, "Beautiful little guy! The Rhino I just got, is from Glades Herps. They have top notch animals!My guy is fiesty as well, best thing to do in my opinion is just keep holding him daily. Good luck with him!"

You may have answered your own question there. Sounds like you stressed the bejeesus out of it. I'm not sure about it's condition at this point so you may want to seek Vet care. In the meantime, close off all contact with the animal both physical and visual, provide fresh food, correct temps, a hide and leave it be.

There are threads on here dealing with proper handling of Rhinos, read the ones by the breeders.

didn't handle mine for a year. Almost not at all. He's a little over three now, and he's easy to handle- point is, that others are making too, taming is not a priority. It will happen. Mine didn't eat for 17 days. Like Joel said: bright red foodstuff, and leave him alone.

I appreciate everyones help! He is still hell on wheels and moving around. I caught him drinking water the other day, so I dunno if its a dehydration issue, it very well could be? I handle him about once a week at the moment, because time does not permit anything else. I will try something redin his food and see if that works.
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"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an egg-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

0.0.1 Rhino Iguana
1.1 Black Pinesnake
1.1 Hypo Brooksi Kingsnakes
1.0 Albino Argentina Horned "Pacman" Frog

If he is drinking on his own, then just add red colored food like red hybiscus flowers or red rose petals, try a few bugs in the salad, and leave him be until he has settled in and has started eating. Don't handle him even once a week! Also, make sure there aren't other stressors present, like noise. I don't think the "hold them even if they don't like it" method works very well for iguanas. It stresses them out.

If he starts slowing down and still doesn't eat after you remove the stress, then a vet visit is highly recommended, as lizardrc said, to make sure he isn't dangerously dehydrated or sick.

Thanks for the advice. I will do. The little guy has been moved to the spare bedroom with the door shut. Hopefully tht will help? No Handling for awhile now!
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"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an egg-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

0.0.1 Rhino Iguana
1.1 Black Pinesnake
1.1 Hypo Brooksi Kingsnakes
1.0 Albino Argentina Horned "Pacman" Frog

its not dehydration, not yet. Cyclura and particularly cornuta drink often. not a bad idea to check your humidity though. these guys live a long time if you take care of them right. you have plenty of time to hold him, like the next 70 yrs if your are lucky. It wouldn't surprise me if your diet is different than what he was getting and he is holding out. he will adjust. patience.

Strawberries. The magic food. Bright Red seems to be a key as everyone has said.
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Cindy
PHFaust

Email Cindy

Land of the Outcasts!

Absolutely! They also help if there is mild dehydration.

I saw you guys mentioned bugs, throw a few superworms in with him, they seem to catch their attention as they wiggle buy and they usually want to see what they taste like. Most rhinos can't resist them. Be patient, thay can go a long time without eating. Also, dandylion greens seem to be one of their favs. Hang in there. KB

Tried some strwberries mixed in with greens and saw him peck at it today! So there is hope! Also he had a bowl movement today, so he is eating a little here there it seems! Thanks again for all the advice!
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"The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an egg-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'."

0.0.1 Rhino Iguana
1.1 Black Pinesnake
1.1 Hypo Brooksi Kingsnakes
1.0 Albino Argentina Horned "Pacman" Frog