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I bought a dragon at the Maryland show this weekend and I think something is wrong. It seems very lethargic. Since its been in its new setup, its eyes are closed 75% of the day. Its sits in one spot and just bask all day with its eyes closed. When I pick it up it will open one of its eye (while the other remains closed) and then shut it.

I gave it a bath Sunday and today, it has eaten a little. I has eaten a couple of crickets, and a few greens the other day.

I'm kinda worried. I'm starting to think I was sold a sick dragon. What should I do? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,
Khandof

First thing you should do when you get a new animal is get a fecal test done. Just the stress of the show, and moving into his new home could cause parasite levels to become unbearable for your dragon. He could also just be trying to get used to his new home (it is my experience they have a hard time with change), but to be safe, best to get a fecal. If it is parasites, there is medication that can be given to get rid of them. How old is the dragon? You are doing the right thing by keeping him/her hydrated. Also, what are your temps and what is your set up like?
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Though soaking is great, try dripping some water or even better Gatorade or Pedialyte on his/her nose to get him to drink.
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My new dragon is about 5 or 6 weeks old. It's 7inches long and weights about 10 grams. I do think that it's stressed because it has really dark circles on its belly, it's almost jet black. I also noticed that it's not opening one of its eyes all the way. I think it may have some sand or something in it (By the way, I don't use sand for any of my beardies I use shelf liner). I will try dropping gatorade on the nose.

Is it to early get a fecal done on a dragon that age?

Khandof

If it poops you can have a fecal done on it.

Has your baby pooped?

What did the dragon look like when you purchased it? Are your lights *bright* and your temps hot enough in the basking spot?
It isn't uncommon to have several days of stress after a move, and closing the eyes is a common stress behavior I have observed in dragons ("I can't see you so you can't see me and therefore this is not happening"--kinda like a toddler.) You might try closing off outside views from the cage and providing a couple of hidey caves (warm and cooler sides) for security, if you haven't already. Limit its interaction with you (and anyone else) to the minimum required for feeding/maintenance until it is acclimated and feeding well.

If you don't see an improvement in appetite/behavior over the next day or so, and you know that your lights and temps are right, while you are waiting for the fecal screening to come back, you can try some chicken and squash baby food (or smooshed up moistened beardie pellets) mixed with water and dropped on its nose to be licked off. I also have good luck with Parazap and finicky appetites. Sometimes getting some nourishment into them perks them up and reminds them that they should be hungry.

Keep it hydrated, get the fecal done and have patience, but of course be prepared to have immediate medical attention if you see things deteriorating.

Best,
Michele
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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

That's for the advice. I believe the temps in my cage are correct. In the basking spot it's around 110-115 and on the cool end it's around 80-85 degrees. (I was told the temps for babys need to be a little higher in the basking area) My basking light is a 160 watt powersun bulb and on the cool end I have (2) 18" Zoomed flouresent bulbs (all these bulbs are new). I'm highly postive the conditions in my setup are correct. If something is in correct please let me know.

I won't be able to get a fecal done until next week because of my crazy work schedule, however, I will get one done.

Thanks,
Khandof

Is the Powersun the mergury vapour bulb that puts out UVB rays, or just a basking light? If the latter, you will need to switch one or two of your 18" tubes to a repti-glo UVB producing tube (5.0 or 8.0 though Zoo Med makes teh 8.0 only, which is called Repti-sun...or it's vise versa..can't remember anymore.)

My powersun is the 160 watt UVB bulb.

I don't understand why I would need to switch my UVB tubes. All the lights in my setup emits UVB, and they are brand new.

Can you please elaborate?

Thanks,
Khandof