Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My two (1yr old) male beardeds don't poop every day.
When the do poop, it is a runny diarrhea that has a bit of a stink to it. The diarrhea has been persistent for about 6mos. now.

I have been feeding them collard greens, turnip greens, yellow squash, carrots, and string beans for veggies. I also feed them crickets, mealworms, and wax worms as proteins.

They eat well, and do not appear to be loosing any weight.
They are also very active. No signs of lethargy at all.

I use playground sand as a substrate and make sure that they have the proper lighting and heat.

Weather wise, it’s been fluctuating between the mid 60s to low 20s where I currently live. I keep my home thermostat on 75 degrees.

I am worried that my boys may have and internal parasite or gastrointestinal disease.

If they don't poop within 3 days, I bathe them in warm water for 30mins, and that usually does the trick, but again all that comes out is runny diarrhea.

Is there any medication that is not harmful to my lizards that I can purchase over the counter at a pet store or pharmacy? If so, what dosage should I give them that is “safe” or appropriate?

Also, are there any other methods I can use other than bathing that will help my lizards relieve themselves and become regular again?

PLEASE HELP ME!

* All input is welcome...

*** But, I am primarily seeking professional advice from those Bearded Dragon hobbyists who have had years of experience with their bearded dragons and have gone through similar if not the same problem and have successfully treated it with healthy and happy beardeds in the end. ***

Again, all input are definitely welcome.

Thanks so much for your time and insight!

Tisha
My 1st webpage using frames - let me know what you think )

You need to have a fecal test to find out if your dragons have parasites.
There is nothing over the counter you can buy. You can check oput www.parazap.com and order online. but, you still need to know what you are dealing with.
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www.classylizard.com

I have noticed that in the winter months, despite my keeping the thermostat at a steady temp, and the ambient temp indoors being the same as in the summer months, the temp in my beardie cage can vary. I am not sure if this caused by draughts, external humidity, natural daylight or what.

As a result the basking temps may not reach optimum, although the change may be very subtle and not noticed without accurate temperature measurements. This drop in heat too, can cause the metabolism to reduce, and the resultant fecal matter to have an abnormal consistency.

Sorry if you already checked the temps as a solution, but it may be worth a try if you haven't already checked.

Steve

Well, though I am not a professional bearded dragon owner or highly experienced in reptile care but in my honest opinion, given what I have read others saying in the past for similar cases, I will state my opinion.

I would bring a fecal to a qualified reptile veternarian to test for parasites and an overall checkup. I would also cut back on the squash, carrots and string beans since all three do have a high water content. Add in instead more dark leafy greens like endive and escarole.

Thanks for the suggestion.

I will definitely get a stool sample the next time they move their bowels, and take it to get examined.

I will also change up their veggies to see if that helps.

Everyone’s advice is appreciated!