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Suggestions on force feeding

barker109 Feb 15, 2004 05:47 PM

This is the scoop so far. Bought a beardie. Came in and had coccidia, pins, and tapes. Dosed 3 days albon then every other day until today. Gave Panacur once which will be due again the 23rd. Soak daily, give T-Rex Electrolytes and have given Acidophilus three times (natures bounty). Well, now he's not eating at all. He's lost 4 grams started at 43 and now is at 39.
I started force feeding baby food last night. Turkey, green beans and beef and vegetable. I've been giving him a 1/2 cc. in the morning and 1/2 cc. in the evening. I need to know if that is adequate or too much. I have also given him parazap tea for eight days. My gut tells me to stop all meds for now and try to get him eating. What do you think. He's a great little guy, loves to hang out on my shoulder. I just want to do the best I can. If you have any ideas please share.
Thanks so much!
Take care,
Karen

Replies (12)

Pennebaker Feb 15, 2004 07:08 PM


Yea, one of the scariest things about meds is when they go off food and start to lose weight (and it is common of course). My gut would say the same as yours. Stop the meds and stick with the babyfood, electrolytes, water, and beneficial bacteria. Maybe some vitamin B also to help with stress and appetite. And of course, just trying to leave him be as much as possible.
That is what I would do anyways.
Hope it gets him eating!

Dana

barker109 Feb 15, 2004 07:29 PM

Hi Dana,
Do you have a suggestion of what type of B suppliment? I have the Rep-cal Vit, but you mean in additon, right?
Thanks and take care,
Karen

Pennebaker Feb 15, 2004 08:04 PM

It is the B1 and B12 that you want I'm pretty sure. There used to be some reptile products specifically for stress and appetite that was B vitamin based--I'm not sure what they have now (I use a discontinued version that is no longer available--I stocked up before they went out). You can probably find something comparable for reptiles or birds. Or even going to an herb/vitamin place.
I know the parazap has a strong appetite stimulant, I'm just not sure as to weather you want the dewormer involved with it. I cant remember what the herb in the parazap is that makes the appetite go up... maybe someone else knows... and try just picking up some of that?
I've tried other "stress formulas" and "appetite stimulants" that they sell and none seem to do much of anything except that B vitamin stuff and the parazap.
Hope that helps.
Dana

Pennebaker Feb 15, 2004 08:08 PM

np

barker109 Feb 15, 2004 08:19 PM

kb

beardiedragon Feb 15, 2004 08:03 PM

I have not needed to force feed any of my beardies lately but you might want to try soaking 5-10 juvie pellets in pedialite with a probiotic and using a syringe to squirt it in his mouth 2x a day. That way he gets all the nutrients he needs.
-----
Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

barker109 Feb 15, 2004 08:10 PM

That sounds like a good idea. I have the pellets, and probiotics. What about alternating baby food in the morning, pellets in the evening or visversa(sp). The electrolyte formula I have is similar to the pedialyte(sp). What do you think?
Take care,
Karen
They do have a grape flavored pedialyte, that might work well. hmm!

beardiedragon Feb 15, 2004 08:31 PM

I would stick to the rep-cal as it is ballanced for BDs. Mine love their pellets and it actually got a couple of them to fatten up. I would stick with the rep-cal as it could be used as a complete meal. If your BD aquires a tase for baby food it might be hard to get him back on regular food.
-----
Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

barker109 Feb 15, 2004 08:57 PM

Good point Bennet. I switch to the Rep-cal pellets tomorrow.
Thanks you
Karen

barker109 Feb 15, 2004 09:14 PM

Is 1/2 cc. twice a day to much, not enough, what do you think?
Thanks again
Karen

beardiedragon Feb 15, 2004 09:21 PM

I have seen and counted my smaller BDs between 50-100g eat 5-10 juvie pellets per meal. Just make sure that he is pooping adequitely.
-----
Bennett

www.beardiedragon.com

barker109 Feb 15, 2004 09:37 PM

kb

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