Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone. I'm Jeremy. I just got a BD 10/2/2004 and he's about 6 inches.
I've been researching BDs for a while and finally decided to get one.
When I saw him, he was active and stared at me and followed my finger when i moved it. I held him and was calm. I couldn't see anything wrong. So I got him.

He's in a:
20 gal tank
paper towel substrate
repti glo 8.0 flourescent bulb adjacent to a 50 watt heat bulb for basking spot.
Water dish

Day 1:
Ate food i offered it.
Day 2:
Wouldn't eat, pooped. Poop seemed normal and not runny or anything.
Day 3:
Still wouldn't eat. Still keeps an eye on me and I try interacting with him by letting him get use to my hands inside the tank. Runs away from me though.
Day 4:
Still won't eat. just no apetite. Pooped though, similar poop from day 2. This day he shedded.

After he shedded he seemed so tired. and just lied on his belly most of the time.

Questions:
1. Is this normal for a BD to be tired after shedding?
2. What can I do to increase apetite?

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

It is normal for animals to lose their appetite temporarily in response to stress, which moving into a new environment is.

Check the temperatures in the basking spot with a good reptile thermometer. There must be a 100-115 basking spot for babies to stimulate feeding and growth.

Otherwise, keep him hydrated. The water dish is really not necessary. Use a mister or dropper to drip water onto its nose and you should see the dragon lick the water off. If you don't see any licking after several drops, sometimes it helps get them started to *very* gently pull one side of the 'lips' open just ever so slightly to let a little water enter the mouth. You can also soak him in warm (not too hot) water but don't let him soak so long that the water cools and stays cold. Keep offering high quality veggies available throughout the day and offer size-appropriate (no bigger than the space between his eyes) prey like crickets. No meal worms. No superworms. Don't offer too many at a time, but offer all he will eat in 10 minutes or so at least three times a day. Be prepared for the number of crickets that this represents to astonish you as he grows.

Make sure he has a little hidey cave at each end of the cage to retreat to. I know he's cute , but until he starts feeding reliably, limit your handling of him for now to the minimum required for feeding and maintenance and if there are any other animals or little people around, make sure they aren't staring hungrily at him when you aren't watching. You will make friends and socialize him once he feels secure.

As soon as you can, drop off a fresh (or refrigerated for a day if necessary) poop for a fecal parasite screening. Any vet clinic should be able to do this. Ideally you have a qualified reptile vet you can see for a baseline health checkup and to consult should the need arise for veterinary care.

Enjoy your dragon!

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

Thanks for the advices =)
He started eating now, at least 8 crickets this morning powdered with Bone Aid: Microstick Calcium Powder

Whenver I try to mist him though he gets scared and tries to run away. He's seems scared of water.
Is there a better way of introducing water?

Instead of misting him, mist the side of the tank. The movement of water droplets off the side of the glass should catch his attention. Just wet one area of the glass not the entire cage. Make sure it dries completely so your cage doesn't get moldy, between mistings. You could also try luke warm water in the mister instead of room temperature. Maybe he finds it too cold.

Very glad you and your new litlte buddy are here

Seemes Michele, gave you some great advice and answers.

So I will just say , I wish you the best with your new beardie, and hope he grows into a HEALTHY BIG GUY ! Just be patient and let him settle into his new home.

There are many here that love talking beardies, and are good people, willing to help!

We would love a pic, when you get a chance !

ENJOY!
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Eve / PHEve