Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Bearded dragon constantly getting parasites. Cage is kept very clean. Bearded dragon prefers to do his business outside of cage.

Use sand on bottom of cage that I get from Home Depot, Childrens play sand. Could this be the cause of the parasites. They say the sand is washed yet who really knows. It is stored outside at Home Depot therefore I would assume it is possible.

What other beding do people use for bearded dragons? Has to be inexpensive because the cage is 5 ft long by 2.5 ft wide. So I am putting in about 3 large bags of sand right now. The pet store calcium sand is not an option.

Are there any products that people use that are safer than a water bleach ratio?

Thanks for you help

The dragon could be getting parasites from crickets if he is eating those as his stable insect. Contact with other animals could also be the cause of parasites. Do keep in mind that dragons always have a certain amount of parasites in their systems, its only when they get out of control that they become a danger to the dragon's health. If the dragon is under alot of stress that could contribute to a high parasite count.

Other substrates to use that are safe for dragons are papertowels, butchers paper, unprinted newsprint, non stick shelf liner, plastic tablecloth or reptile carpet.

Thank you for the info. I will give the little guy the medicine the vet perscribed and try changing the substrate for a couple months. If that doesn't work, I will try changing my supplier of crickets.

I noticed you said unprinted newspaper. If you have time, I am just curious why unprinted?

The thing that concerns me is that every four months I am giving him medicine for parasites. So I need to get the problem fixed.

Thanks again!

n/p
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Joel R

Coming Soon!
www.SpikesAndScales.com

Not sure exactly but maybe this can help you out.

I was given two medicines: Pancur suspension (I think for deworming) and Albon (for parasites)

Is it normal that beardies have a lot of parasite/worm problems? I have had this guy for a little over a year and it seems like every 4 months we are giving him medicine for this problem.

Like I said earlier the cage is kept clean, I am guessing it may be the sand or the crickets. I buy my crickets in bulk from Fluker Farms, never had a real problem with crickets dieing fast or looking sickly. Is there a particular cricket source you are happy with. Maybe I should try a different source.

Thank you for you help

I recommend Armstrong or Reptile food. There are others out there but those are the two I have had luck with, in order. The CO. you mentioned does not have a good track record with healthy animals or feeders.

As far as the panacure,, that's for worms i.e. pin, round, etc. The Albon would be for Coccidia which almost always accompanies the parasites when stress is put in the mix (shipping and or adjusting to a new home). Even changing a type of light bulb has it's stress factor.

I would take them off the sand ASAP, at least until the parasite problem is taken care of. Otherwise, you may never beat it. Change your cricket supplier, permanently. (just my opinion) Keep the cage spotless during the treatment. Also treat with Acidophiluz (sp?) on opposite days of the albon and for a week or two after treatment.

Good luck.
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Joel R

Coming Soon!
www.SpikesAndScales.com

Thanks I will look into those two crickets suppliers.

What symptomology is your BD exhibiting. Many vets like to treat every single outbreak even if it's only very light. I personally don’t believe in this approach. as a responsible pet owner, you need to ask the vet what he is treating and how heavy an infestation there is. As a general rule, if the animal is eating well, pooping well and acting normal... I would be hesitant to treat. If a fecal reveals heavy infestation then I would consider treating. There are several articles about the over treatment of parasites in BDs.

Coccidia is nearly impossible to eradicate. Hooks and pins are a different story.
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Bennett

Home of the Florida Orange
www.beardiedragon.com

Bearded is an odd character. Ever since I have had him he usually deffacates only one a week. He is offered different greens everyday however never eats them. Eats crickets every other day usually between one and two dozen. I usually get him tested every 4 months for parasites, worms, etc. I know something is wrong when my beardie starts to eat every day and two dozen or more crickets in a sitting. Also when he has no interest in running around when taken out and just walks to a corner and sits. I am aware of brumation and this beardie has gone thru it before, but this is a different type of behavior. Another reason I took him to the vet this time was because we had a hard time defficating.

Thanks for the help

I agree with the above post & to add on the possible re-infection due to sand.

The problem with sand is, when you scoop out the messes, your not getting it all. When they go & there is a lot of liquid involved, it goes straight to the bottom & spreads outward. So when you scoop what you see, there is still some there. Also, if you are sifting, then the sand that falls through, could have been in contact with the fecal matter, etc. & staying right in the cage.

I think the above risk is more of a problem than the impaction issues with sand. That is "normally". You do get those licky dragons who think it's their job to clean their cage & get rid of all the sand. lol,, no seriously, there is a risk of impaction but I think the risk of parasites & disease transfer with the use of sand is higher.
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Joel R

Coming Soon!
www.SpikesAndScales.com