Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For a couple of months I have watched the pet store up the street go from two collared lizards to one. One of them died, don't know what from but it was extremely skinny. I was hoping someone w/some experience w/these lizards would get them, as they weren't expensive and WERE healthy. Well, I have a weak heart and yesterday I stopped to get crickets for my crestie and they still had one. It used to be FAT, but now you can see all it's bones! I was soooo heart broken. I couldn't sleep last night and when I did I dreamt of him all night. So, today I went to the store and got him. I paid half price because they didn't want to just give it to me (heartless jerks!). I did a lot of reading on the care of them, but have some more questions. I am taking him to the vet Saturday (only time I could get an appt w/out paying for an emergency visit), but I'm also not sure how much they can tell me either as he isn't pooping from lack of food (I am assuming). Just an FYI, I also have two bearded dragons.

My question is should I give him all the food he can eat or should I limit it for a couple days? I don't want him to over eat and die. Should I offer crickets or/and waxworms...or something else? I have both and they are small enough for him. I also have supers, but I know those are way too big. He is actually quite active for being skinny, but if he doesn't eat on his own should I force feed?? And if so what? Would a meat baby food be good w/supplements?

I will post pictures of him soon. Thank you for any and all advice. I really want this guy to make it. I am already attached to his cute little face.

Carrie

Well start feeding him no matter what. If he is hungry he'll eat anything. If he is weak I suggest mealworms that just went into larva stage. They are vert soft and juicy.

Give him the right amount of heat 85-105 and a night temp of about 75.

Fluids are important too. He/she might be dehydrated. I use a pippet to make them drink, works wonders.

For now the temps are the most important!! Since most pet stores seem unwilling to pay for all teh elctricity needed to heta the housings properly!

Learux

I am definitely going to feed him. But can it hurt him to eat a lot after not having any food for so long??

I have the basking/heat lamp and UVB too. I also have a heating pad on half of the bottom. He was so cold when I got him. He is on paper towels until I see him go to the bathroom.

"I use a pippet to make them drink, works wonders." --what is a pippet and where do I get one? I am currently dripping water on his snout til he stops drinking.

Did I forget anything?? Thank you so much for the help! I really do appreciate it.

Carrie

At least try some moths, or other flying insects. They tend to spark an interest sometimes. If it were me, I would definately try the baby food. Find some with the highest protein content. I like to use a meat/carrot or squash, since it also has some beta carotene in it as well.

If he does not eat in a few days, go with forcefeeings. I would not over feed, like you mentioned. Just a couple crickets and a waxworm. If you notice any droppings in the cage, go for two feeding a day.

Also, the problem is probably stress related, so if you can put up some type of blinder on the tank, so the lizard cannot see out, that may help him settle in too.

Hope he pulls through,

John Eddington

Thank you for the support.

I don't plan to force feed unless he won't eat on his own. Where do I get flying insects? My husband might kill me if I get those though.

I have the tank covered, except where the basking light and UVB goes through the screen top.

Is there anything else? Thanks again for your help.

Carrie

A light on outside at night and see if you can attract some moths, usually works, also if it not a baby I would put a superworm down and see if he goes for it, I feed all my collareds superworms they love them and it adds weight also. If he is real weak I would not start with them, but if he is just skinney and will to eat, try it ! Hope he makes out okay let us know how he does! :0) Eve

n/p

I am not sure if it is an english word since I am from teh Netehrlands.

A pippet is a littl eglass tube with a rubber end, that you squeeze to get the water out. What you are doing is the same.

Good luck!

Learux