Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a 6 month old that was eating great until about 3-4 weeks ago. He gradually, over a period of about 4-6 days decreased his intake of crickets to nothing. He has refused to even give them a second glance since that time. He was continuing to eat his salad along with mealworms and some wax worms for the next two weeks and then in the past week has only picked at his salad and will only eat the mealworms and/or waxworms if I hand feed him and even then he is pretty finicky.
I have taken him to the vet (two weeks ago) and he gave him some Flagyl which I have given him. The vet said he tested clean for everything but thought the Flagyl would increase his appetite, and clear up anything that might not have shown in the culture, but to no avail. He has also taken to hiding under his paper substrate.
The temps in his cage (20 long critter cage) seem to be in line. Heis getting Zoo Med heat and florescent lighting and has a basking log where during the day it will hit 100 with the other side of the cage at around 80 according to the temp gun and thermometer.
As long as he was eating the salad and worms I was not too concerned but now.... If you have a suggestions regarding what I can do to get him eating right again or wnat might be wrong, please let me know.
Larry Farley

20 long seems a bit small for a 6 month dragon..........guess it all depends on the size of your dragon, but for most that would be too small at that age. I would try increasing your temps a bit also. Feeding the worms may have spoiled him.....it frequently happens to those that feed worms that the dragons stop wanting the crix and only want the worms. Im not sure that I like the idea of your vet giving meds with really no reason. If a fecal was completely clear why give anything? I never heard that from a vet. Possibly a brumation type thing going on? Hope that helps some.
chris allen
chrisallen.nj@comcast.net

we paniced and took him to the vet..he was in good health--but depressed. It was time to move to a larger cage. We found a 80 gallon tank 48 X 24X 18 for $150 at a local shop. I made a hinged screen top (it came with a glass one).

I also made him a large--takes up half the tank-- fake rock wall with caves and "stairs" for him to climb/bask on (cost about $30 total).

The day after being placed in his new home he was hunting crickets like a champ!

The vet suggested keeping a varried diet--crickets and silkworms with occasional superworms/mealies (ours wont eat pellets) and of course a fresh salad mix--which ours barely touches. The new tank also seems brighter. We have also purchased a "lizzard leash" and go for daily walks outside--he loves them!

Hope your problem is as easy to solve.

DM