Reptile & Amphibian Forums

As some of you know, I work in a pet store. I was surprised that we had about a dozen baby beardies in, all piled in one tank. We were also out of crickets so I soaked up Reptical Pellets and chopped it fine. I put the babies in the bowl and most started to eat immediately, others followed by example.

I noticed two little babies that would be too small to make it with their larger brothers and sisters, so I took not only them but another smaller one home. I wasn't sure if the smallest would make it through the night but I was determined to try since it wouldn't have a chance if it was left. I'm guessing they are about 2 months or so.

I soaked Reptical pellets in Pedilite. My son and I have been force feeding them twice a day and they are doing great. It has been two days. The little guy has even put on a tummy.

Anyway, I want to try to keep them on pellets because we have customers who want lizards that don't eat crickets and since these are already started... Also, how long before they start eating the pellets on their own. One will continue eating after the first one is forced. Another will open his mouth when you hold his head and touch his mouth. Will extended Pedilite usage bother them or can I continue because of the smell and taste?

Are there any other suggestions for me to keep these babies? Heat is good, paper towels, misting two times a day, they seem to be pooing fine.

Thank you in advance for any helpful advice.

i dont know the age limitations, but I have heard of people using fruit juice. or maybe you can just use water.

Glad to hear the babies are being taken care of!
Water or diluted unsweetened apple juice are fine for pellet soaking, and cheaper than pedialyte. You can also mix smushed up pellets with more liquid and administer the slurry by feeding syringe (The old drops on the nose technique) It's easier and less invasive than forcing little mouths open.

It's very promising that one continues eating independently after initial help and they will both probably do fine with continued good treatment and a little temporary help. You might try "bouncing" the pellets into the cage and see if the movement will attract their attention and stimulate the hunting response. Probiotics will often stimulate appetite as well.

Are they housed together now? If so, the smaller, less aggressive one might still be intimidated and might benefit from separation. (Even if you separate at feeding time, sometimes little ones are bothered enough by even that change of environment not to eat.) Give them a few more days to adjust and get strong and you'll probably have both of them eating well.

Does your pet store have parasite screenings for new intakes? Something to check into if you don't see an improvement in appetite or growth.
Good luck!
Michele

-----
4.3 Bearded Dragons (Rescues)
1.0 Corn snake (Rescue)
0.1 California King
4.5 Royal (Ball) Pythons (3 rescues)
1.1 Dogs (Rescues)
2.0 Cats (Rescues)
2.2 Humans
No, it's NOT a big house

I already have a bottle open so if it will not hurt them, I'd like to continue using it.

Probotics sounds like a good idea but I have yet to find the Adopoliz and cannot get it through our store. I have use people stuff but am afraid of dosage because it caused Merlin to get constipated (dusted one cricket with it for him)

By the way, there are three babies. The smallest has a little tummy now.

Hey, do they get color as they go along? Two of them seem to have some coloring on their heads. They do not look all gray.

I cant answer about the pedialite but.. I can tell you that when my dragon was little he was very drab, but with every shed his colors become more intense. His body is still the drab brown, but his head it the brightest and most intense orange and yellow i have ever seen. I'm hoping he shows more color on his body, he hasnt shed there yet.