Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A couple months ago I got a small dragon from a co-worker who took it from her room-mate. The dragon was bought at about a month old, and was put in a large tank. She was fed about 6-12 crickets/week and no greens. The crickets were not suplimented. There was one heat lamp in the tank, and a normal flourescent tube (not a UV bulb), both of which were left on 24x7. Apparently this guy thought the dragon was dead for a couple months, and didn't feed it anything. When I got her she wouldn't move around or anything and was probably a little over 3" long.

For the last couple months I've been trying to do the best I can for her. She will eat 3-5 crickets 3 or 4 days a week (and yes, I've tried more but always have to pull the extras out). She will also eat a few wax worms a week (really seems to enjoy them) and a few bites of her greens. I've also got her on the correct heating and lighting. She has grown a little since I've had her (she's a little over 4" long now). Oh, and by the way, she is almost 11 months old... Another positive thing I've been noticing is that sometimes she can be quite active. A few days a week she will just lay in her sand and sleep all day long. But if I put food in, pick her up, or mist her (which she hates), she will run around the tank quite a bit.

Anyway, my wife really loves this little thing, and I'm kind of curious how long I can expect this dragon to live. Is there anything else special I could do for her to help her live longer/happier? Any advice or experience some of you may have with a situation like this would be greatly appreciated.

That has got to be the smallest dragon for that age I have ever heard of. It sounds like you are doing everything you can.
Have you had it's poop checked for parasites/coccidia?
With the stress it was under, the coccidia levels may very well spiraled out of control.
The only other thing I can think of that you might try is ordering some Parazap. It has an appetite stimulant in it that turned one of my runts in to a pigboy that is now a normal size.
You can check out the link to PZ from my site.
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TheClassyLizard

I second Christy's recommendation - have it checked for parasites right away. An overload of parasites will inhibit appetite, and stop growth. A simple treatment, and you may have a dragon eating like mad to catch up in size!
Please keep us updated on the little guy.

Thats what its all about. People need to take responsibility! Thanks, as far as the dragon is concerned get him supplements ie calcium etc but im sure you know that. I have also found that wax worms with some vitamins works well for under feeders, mixed with just a few greens. hope it helps, scott

I wish there were more people like you! Thank goodness you found this poor little beardie in time. I agree with Christyj - get a fecal done and get some parazap. Also, are you giving a good calcium supplement. Calcium is very important for the growth of strong bones.

I can't believe how small this 11 month old dragon is. I would love to post your story and photos on my website since rescue is one of my hobbies. I have rescued several dragons and know what you're going through. I wish you the best of luck and keep us updated at Kingsnake.

Veronica
Beautiful Dragons

I don't think dragons that are newly hatched are that small, from what I have read most tend to be between 3 and 4 inches but I could be wrong. I am sure those who have hatched dragons can confirm that.

You sure it is a bearded dragon? If it is a bearded dragon, it may be a Rankin's instead of an Inland Bearded dragon.

I recommend doing what others have already indicated, getting a fecal done and all that. In fact I would add the little guy should see a vet himself as well. One final thing, I would get rid of the sand you are currently using and stick to paper towel. Though he is old enough to be on sand, I would not do it due to his size. Wait till he is around 10" long if he makes it that big and his fecals come clean.