Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Okay guys its me again...Well Blue seems to be recovering some but she has not eaten since she fellon Thursday and she has always been a great eater....she even turned her nose up to superworms and those are her absolute favorite. I was also thinking that she might have been a little dehydrated. I gave her a warm bath last night and she really seemed to enjoy it. I have heard of appetite stimulators but I don't know if any of them are safe for her. I also don't know how long I should wait before I should try to have her force fed. My vet offered to do it and so did the guys at the pet shop where I got her. I seem to trust the pet shop more because all the guys that work there are either active naturalists or zoo volunteers with years of experience with various reptiles including Uros. The vet did not seem that familiar with the breed. I appreciate all the support you guys have given to me(yes Renee, you too) and would appreciate any advice. What's wierd is that my Yellow Nigerian Thor has been very cudly and gentle with her since she got hurt which is very out of character for him since he is usually a grump.

Brian

0.1.0 Mali (Blue)
1.0.0 Yellow Nigerian (Thor)
0.0.12 Hermit crabs
0.1.0 Rottweiller (Colossus)

Brian,

I would try a few more food options before you opt for the force feeding route. Do you have a good gram scale to track her weight during this time? I would continue soaking her if she is drinking during the soak as hydration is important.

If you have dandelions in your area that you know have not been sprayed, try to offer a flower from one. Uros sometimes love frozen (and warmed) peas and usually go nuts over a 'little' bee pollen. You might want to try a few of these if you haven't already.

I don’t think I need to tell you that you should minimize holding or moving her due to the fracture. If possible, I would consider moving the geryi and any other roommate from her enclosure until she has had time to heal. Do not move her- she is stressed enough.

I was told that a reputable breeder uses the appetite stimulant 'Jump Start" on ornates with success. I do have a tube of this 'just in case' but have not had a need to use it so I cannot personally recommend it or give you information on results. Based on the analysis and list of ingredients, I would use it very sparingly.

Glad that I'm not on your poop list .

I agree with the other poster as far as trying some othing things. I know mine go nuts for the dandilion flowers (pretty abundant where I live right now). Also the bee pollen, the peas (altho when eating good, use more sparingly). Maybe also try some hybiscus flowers (if you know of anyone who has them without pesticides). also maybe just trying some different greens that she hasn't had in awhile may help.

Worse case scenario, you can force feed with a syringe and baby foods with vitamin suppliments added.

As far as how long....She could be not eating just because of not feeling well. But at most since she has already been down for a while I'd not go past 1 1/2 weeks tops. Even earlier wouldn't hurt.

Also keep up the soaks every day for about 20 minutes if you have the time. Without her noticing, see if she puts her head under the water (thats how they drink) so you can maybe keep a log of when she is drinking etc to make sure she is remaining hydrated. If you go with the baby food method, she may not want to drink so much as the food itself is quite watery so she'll get plenty that way. You can also just do a syringe (maybe 3 cc's )of water and force it.

Hope you can get her back on her feet soon! (but not until that injury is healed!! )

Good luck
Renee