Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a bearded dragon whom has been a slow eater from the start (about a week and a half now). It seems that as of late when I spray her - she doesn't stick her tounge out and drink, but seems like she is drinking from her nostrils maybe? Becuase she bloats and unbloats her neck as the water is dripping down. Is this possibly a sign of some prolem (respitory or something) which would explain why she's not eating well? I know that at first she did drink with her tounge but now she';s not (about 10 inches long juvenille)

Also - it almost seems like it is tough for her to open her mouth or smoething, becuase sometimes I hold a worm to her - and she looks at it and focuses in, and just barely cracks her mouth, and then decided not to.

Any insight on this one?

Thanks

Hmmmm.... My stock reply is "Go See a Vet" or find a local herp rescue group as they will have someone who is a vet or at least has enough exp. to guide you.

from what you posted I would be concerned about possibly an injury to the mouth, an infection in the mouth.

but sometimes they just are not ready to eat... how old was the dragon? if 1 year old not eating for a day or two is not always bad... if less than a year I'd be getting a hands-on checkup by a pro. *NOT* the local pet shop staff unless you *KNOW* they are well trained with herp care etc...
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Draconis is just as stubborn. Sometimes he'll take food directly from me, sometimes he'll turn his nose up to me. And sometimes he turns his back completely to me as if to say "If I can't see you, maybe you'll go away!!!"

He also doesn't like misting at all, and does the exact same thing yours is doing. He gets his water now from his dish, his baths, and his showers (yes, he loves him his showers, just like rain!!!) So I just don't worry about it. Now, if I can just convince him to come out of hibernation... LOL
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im not sure what to say about the nostrils but mine is the same size as yours and she only rarely sticks out her toungue ive asked and they say there's other ways of them gettin the water. i guess it helped because she's grown a lot and is now turning orange

when ever i mist mine or bathe him he does the same thign with his throat so i dont think its abnormal *mine is healthy as a whistle* i do think that is what he is doing is drinking

I agree with the first guy to reply to your thread, go see the vet. You could try and have a look in his mouth for signs of stomatitis, (mouth rot) you can do this by gently pulling down on the beard you may need to get someone to help you hold him. Inside the mouth should be pink and clean looking, if theres any cheesy goo around the teeth/gums there may well be a problem, and if so needs treating straight away. Stomatitis can get out of control and end up being fatal.