Reptile & Amphibian Forums

A vet I went to told me I could give baby food formula to my lizard if she isn't eating. I've been hand feeding the mixture to her now for a few days, was wondering if the doc was right about it being compatible or not?

Is the baby anorexic? Why are you having to hand feed?

Baby food chicken and puree is often fed to lizards that have issues, but I prefer ReptiAid carnivore formula because it isn't just protein and calories. It has electrolytes, nutrients specifically needed by reptiles, and an appetite stimulant that encourages them to start eating on their own again.

It's not a baby, it's my full grown. She is also being given Baytril. She hasn't been acting well lately, the vet said it may be due to the colder season and/or have to do with reproduction. She always goes through this type of thing this time of year, where she gets less active and more lethargic, she hasn't been eating so I've been hand feeding her this formula and giving her the Baytril. I've upped the temps and removed the sand as well.

Oops I just noticed I put Baby food formula instead of BABY BIRD food formula. I meant, Baby Bird food formula by Exact.

I really don't think that formula is appropriate. It is designed for baby seed eaters and isn't nutritionally complete for omnivorous birds, much less carnies, and is especially not appropriate for lizards, whether they are herbivores, omnivores, or carnies.

Get some ReptiAid carnivore recovery formula, and I strongly suggest that you also get SOY yogurt to mix with it, or some other type of probiotic since she is on Baytril.

But why does the vet put her on Baytril? Is there a definite underlying infection??? Baytril is a great drug to use for infections, but I or my vet would never just put an animal on it unless there is obvious infection, either visibly or by blood test. It is just too dangerous to put them on it without a darn good reason.

Does she obviously lose weight during this time? Couldn't it be partial brumation?