Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey all, newbie here but I've been watching to forums for some time.

My 3 month old beardie, Quija, seems to be ill. He did not go to the bathroom yesterday, and this morning his stool was a very light brown as opposed to the normal dark brown. He also only ate about 3 or 4 crickets when he usually has 12-15. Right now he is sitting on his branch under the heat lamp with his eyes closed. The remainder of the crickets are roaming his cage. I'm going to give him a warm bath, but besides that, I really don't know what to do. Any help would be appreciated.

Also, he has grown a little, but not shed since I got him about three weeks ago. My other beardie would shed almost every other week while she was still growing... is it okay that Quija hasn't shed yet?

Thanks again!

When posting about sick beardies it always helps to go through his care, and husbandry to give us a better understanding of the situation, and factors. Such as temps basking site and ambient hot and cool side temps (how are temps being taken)? Diet what do you feed him usually? size of prey, any veggies and how much, etc.? Any changes in his diet recently? Are you using any supplements like calcium d3 or multi vitamins? How much, how often, what brands, and how is it being taken in by the dragon? Are you using any uvb producing lights such as reptisun, or powersun MVB etc. to help aid in the absorption of calcium? Has the dragon been drinking, and what methods are you using to get him to drink? What substrate is being used calci sand, reptile carpet, etc.? Is he housed alone? Has he ever been to the vet or had a fecal check? If so how long ago? These questions give us a better understanding of the dragons overall situation, and may help come to a conclusion or at least help eliminate some things that may be the cause, and help come up with a course of action to help correct the problem.
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Mystical-Dragons Website

Matt you about covered it all. Very sound advice. With a beardie it is very wise to make sure you a reputable herp vet around (may never need it but safe to know one is available).

I just got home, and he seems to be doing a lot better actually. In case he gets worse, I'll answer anyways.

I don't know the proper terms for everything, sorry. His cage ranges from about 85 degrees to 110 degrees, depending where he is... i use a thermometer. He eats 12-15 crickets smaller than a penny a day, and romaine lettuce almost every day. I use Dragon Dust (by T-Rex) as a full suppliment on the crickets he eats every day. He has a heat lamp and a UVA/B lamp... there's more to it, but I'm notn sure what it is completely, all I know is that the lighting is sufficient. I have never seen him drink by himself, and I don't force him. He has access to water, so he may drink when I'm not around. I spray him every day. His habitat has reptile sand at the bottom and he is alone. He has never been to the vet, and I've had him for three weeks. I also have a full grown beardie named Sahara, so I base a lot of Quija's progress on her.

I am also worried about Quija not shedding yet, but he has definately grown since I got him. Is that okay?

Ok His temps sound good, lighting, supplements etc. I would make sure he is drinking. Most dragons never take to drinking from a bowl, and most will not. Dehydration is a big problem in younger dragons, and is most of the time one of the most overlooked part of husbandry. It can cause the irregular bowel movements, and an overall lethargic dragon. Direct the water right on his snout/mouth once a day with a dropper or use the squirt bottle and just squeeze it slowly so only drops come out directed on his snout/mouth and he should lick and drink like that most do. As far as the salad goes I would suggest adding some healthier greens to the mix like collards, dandelion greens, escarole etc. Romaine should not make up the greens or should not be used as a staple green as it is very low nutrient wise, and basically just water. There are much better choices available. Check out the nutrient content page on www. beautifuldragons.com. For his greens T-rex makes a SDR veggie growth formula this might be good to add to his salads to make sure he is getting all the needed nutrients from it. This can, and is supposed to be used in conjunction with the insect powder you are using already. Now the reptile sand I'm not to hot on that at all. Especially for younger dragons as they risk impaction if they ingest it while hunting prey. It cannot be digested, and can cause intestinal blockage. I personally don't risk impaction at all, and don't use particle substrates with my dragons. A fecal sample is always a good thing to get done when you acquire a new dragon. Parasites are a normal occurrence in new dragons, and an outbreak can cause them not to eat, digest properly, cause runny smelly stools on top of a whole list of other symptoms. I would get that checked for 15-25 bucks, the piece of mind is worth it. As for him not shedding I would say if he grew or needed to shed he would. in time he will as he grows. Nothing to be to concerned about. Good Luck with the dragon.
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Mystical Dragons webshots pictures
Mystical-Dragons Website

Thanks a lot, I have a vert nearby and will probably take him for a check-up. He is eating better today, so I am less worried. The sand at the bottom of his cage is supposedly safe in case he eats some accidentially. The guy who told me so is very reliable and I trust him when he says that kind of sand is okay... so I'm just gonna leave the sand in there. I will try introduce more greens into his diet when his eating and pooping is back to normal.

Thanks again.