Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi,
My newly aquired dragon is about 4 inches from head to the begining of his tail. The first day that I got him he ate his criks like there was no tomorrow. Now, a few days later, he will only eat 2 per serving, and then just sit there, uninterested in any of the other criks.

He is also very scared of me. Anytime I go to get him out of the cage(i feed him in a seperate tank) he runs all over and it becomes a game to catch him. He will even jump out of my hands.

Does anyone know what could be wrong with him? Is he just stressed? Parasites?

Thanks to all,
Mitch

The fact that he still eats at least a couple crix per serving suggests that his health is fine, and that he's probably just a little stressed in his new home; continue offering multiple servings a day, and his appetite will grow. Check out beardeddragon.org for care information, just to make sure his environment is optimal.

I've had my Beardie (Buddah) for 5 months now, and he still absolutely hates it if I try and pick him up with my hand. From what I've read, it's much easier to pick up an adult Beardie, as they are bigger, slower, and they become much more chill and tame. So untill then, I recommend picking up his basking spot while he's on it; wether it's a branch or rock or whatever, they hold on tight.

Good luck!

Hi...I think I know what you are going through...

I got my first beardie a month ago today, and the first say I had him, he ate like he had never seen food before, then every day after that for 12 days, he didnt touch food at all, lost a lot of weight and had me worried sick. I took a fecal to the vet, and nothing showed up...I was worried sick, until one day, he just decided to eat, and hasnt looked back since.

Its hard, but just let the little guy chill for a few days without trying to handle him, hes probably just a little stressed.
-----
Christina

Thanks for the advice. I'm hoping he snaps out of it.

Thanks!,
Mitch

Yes, most likely he is stressed, though taking a fecal sample to your vet for a parasite check is something you should do for any new animal as a matter of course. Scoop one up as soon as you see it and run it in same-day. You can refrigerate for 24 hours if you have to.

Think how enormous you are to a 4 inch baby dragon. He has no idea you aren't going to scoop him up and eat him. Leave him alone, as hard as that is, except for absolute necessities like feeding and cage cleaning, until he acclimates. Let him get used to these non-threatening actions. Keep offering appropriate foods, lighting and temperatures and he should thrive. As he gets bigger and more used to you, he will be less defensive and flighty and you can make friends.

Hi,

He ate good so far today. He had about 15 cricks during his morning feeding! Thanks for all the advice.

...