Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hey I have a beardie about 16 months old and I think he has a cold or something, he keeps doing something that looks like sneezing or coughing and he keeps his mouth open sometimes and I'm worried cause I'm pretty broke to take him to the vet. Can someone tell me whats wrong?? his temps are fine and hes eating fine and has been pooping so I dont know how he could have gotten sick. I have his cage near a window cause my room is kinda tiny can that be the problem?? please help I love my dragon!!!! thanks

From what your describing it sounds like a possible respiratory infection. What are you using to measure the temps and what is cage humidity? Do you have a water dish in there?

N/T

the window could definatly be the problem. his cage might be getting too cold at night because its next to the window and that could cause a respiratory infection. what is the temperature of the basking spot? and what is temperature of the cage at night?
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sincerely,
Jonathan D. de Kluyver
JDDK Reptiles
Quality Reptiles and Amphibianswww.jddkreptiles.com

Sounds like a respirtory infection. Having a beardie near a window is a bad idea, especially if the window is drafty.

you say his temps are good, may i ask what those temps are?

Respitory infections can kill your beardie, so unfortunately a visit to the vet is imperative. While you are waiting for the appointment raise his temps to at least 110degrees. The higher temperatures will help him fight off the infection while you wait for anti-biotics.
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Ok I raised his temps to 110 on the basking side and I put a bowl of water for the humidity to raise up a lil. I am taking him to the vet asap. I am really busy right now. Well thank you for your advice and I will take him to the vet.

If he has a respiratory infection the extra humdity will make it worse!

He needs his tank dry and warm. Hydrate him with his veggies and maybe a soak or use a syringe if needed.

AHHHHHHHHHHHHH I took it out!!!!!!!!! lol thanks and sorry I thought that would be a good thing he he ok its out though!!!!! hes eating pretty good and he hasnt done anything unusual today so I think hes doing good. thanks

Many of the causes that spark URI are too dry tissues in the nasal passages that allow bacteria to invade.

If you use a humidity gauge, levels between 30-50% are most ideal for bearded dragons. This is a common problem seen more in the winter since heat in homes dries out the air and in turn their membranes so easily.

When humidity is below 30% you start seeing URI infections, ear infections, even bleeding from the membranes as tiny vessels rupture which makes it very hospitable for bacteria. Humidity over 70% is when you can see fungal as they need that humidity level to survive.

Check the Weather chart in Australia where bearded dragons come from, they rarely fail below 30% and average around 50%
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