Reptile & Amphibian Forums

1) I got my beardie about a month ago, and when i got him it looked like the last half of his tail was going to shed, as it was a different colour all around it. He lost a lot of weight in the first two weeks because he wasnt eating, so i figured once he fattened up the rest would come off. Hes quite fat now, but that part still hasn't shed. his tail kinda goes fat at the base, then goes much thinner at that part....any suggestions?

2) How much water a day should they drink? I soak him in a bath every other day, and I tried misting, but he hated that, so I've been using a dropper for the past few days, but hes doesn't lick it off his nose. I'm worried hes not getting enough to drink. Any way to tell if they aren't hydrated enough?

Thanks for any advice and answers!
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Christina

Tail: It sounds as if maybe his tail is "dead". This can occur from an old injury or from a bad shed. I would have my vet check it out.

Water needs: If he eats well, he may not need much supplemental water. Daily or every-other daily baths will be plenty. Unless you see signs of dehydration (sunken eyes or head pads; white mouth and gums; wrinklier than normal skin in places that are usually not so wrinkly) I would not worry if he doesn't drink much. One of my dragons rarely actually *drinks* and like yours, isn't terribly fond of misting, but he has never had a problem. They can get most of the water they need from vegetables and well-hydrated prey.
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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

Don't force water into it. Soaking everyday probably isn't good and is by no means necessary. Many dragons can get by with no more than the moisture in their daily feeding.