Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ok now I know I made a mistake. Picked up a little beardie a few months back. He has alot of missing fingers, and a tail nip. Guy told me the others picked on him and he didn't eat much. I felt sorry for him and bought him thinking I could help him. When I first brought him home he ate like crazy, which has slowly dwindeld off over the last few months. He hasn't grown AT ALL since I brought him home, and now he will only take baby food from a syringe. No more crickets whatsoever. He just lays around and sleeps all the time. I have treted him with parazap twice, and still nothing. Basking temps are about 100, cool side around 85. Can anyone offer me any advise

How little of a "little guy"? What is his estimated age now? What was he eating besides crickets? What size crickets? When did he last eat independently?

***First thing to do is try to get a fecal sample to the vet ASAP to test for parasites, and if you can take him in, a general check up for other infections.***

When you say treated with Parazap twice do you mean two full courses of treatments? Have you tried a probiotic like Acidophiliz (can be ordered online and some pet chains carry it as well)? Does he drink?

What substrate is he on? Does he have UV lighting? Bright lights are as important as heat.

Lots of questions, I know, but the more information you can give on his overall condition, age, size, and environment, the better someone can maybe help.
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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

I picked him up somewhere around September, and he was about 10 inches when I got him. He is STILL 10 inches long, and obviously several months old. I have no idea what to do with him. I am still in my second treatment of parazap. He does drink, if I mist him or give him a bath. Unfortunatly, at the time, I do not necessarily have the funds for a vet visit. I have several other dragons and lizards that are fine. I have my doubts on parasites or infections. He eats baby food willingly, he just seems lethargic all the time, and won't hunt at all. He has a very bright basking lamp, and UVB as well. I have even moved him into a shorter cage so he can get closer to his lights, without having to climb on anything. He is missing several digits and I don't want him to get hurt. I know its a stupid question, could he just be depressed?? This is the last time I try to play beardie superhero, and rescue a sick dragon, unless I know what I am getting into first.

Anorexia, if that's what it is, can be very challenging. We took in two dragons about a year ago who had NEVER eaten on their own since the previous owner aquired them. It took two months of work to get them feeding and growing. They're fine now, but there were certainly times I felt discouraged.

I too would check the temperatures. They really do need the heat and light to stimulate feeding and digestion. Even 5-10 degrees up can make a big difference. And add an hour to the light cycle.

You say he hasn't grown lengthwise. Is he a good weight? Do you think he has gained or at least maintained his weight or does he seem scrawny? Has he had a bowel movement recently? Have you tried incorporating a probiotic into the regimine?

The other possibility is that he is trying to brumate. He sounds a little young for it, but sometimes they just insist. Do you think this might be the case?

I have two dragons missing several digits (One is missing an entire foot, among other things). Once healed, it really doesn't seem to bother them or inhibit their climbing. Maybe he misses climbing?

Taking in rescues (or rescuing by purchasing) can be very rewarding. It can also be a LOT of work and expense and be discouraging at times. If you feel you simply don't have the resources to deal with a special-needy animal right now is there somebody you know who might? Do you have a local herp society you might be able to use as a back-up?
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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

Discouraged at this point is definitly the word. I don't want to enlist a herp society until I take every step I can. I do really like the little guy! I am going to give that probiotic you recommended a whirl. His basking spot is around 100 degrees. I have tried a higher watt bulb, but then he doesn't lie underneath it. I think that is maybe too hot. He has been eating 2-3 cc's of squash/chicken baby food one to two times a day, depending on how upset he gets. I don't want to freak him out. If he seems hungry, and is willing to eat more, I will give him slightly more than 2-3 cc's. I am planning on increasing this slightly as time goes on, until he will eat on his own again. He has a bowel movement daily, so I know he isn't blocked. His belly is also pure white, no stress lines. As for his weight. He is scrawny. My other dragons are big, heavy bodied creatures, my little stubbs is nothing like this. He is definitly not holding weight that I am comfortable with. However, he doesn't seem to be losing anymore. I am hoping, a few more weeks, and things will turn around. thanks for all the help.

I'm kinda new to reptiles, so I may not be able to help much, but I will try.

For the first little while I had my beardie, he wouldnt eat, so I took just a fecal sample to the vet. I am more than broke, but it was only $16.00...for my peace of mind it was well worth it.

My beardie also likes it to be about 115 F on his basking spot...I have a 20 gallon tank and use a 150 watt bulb cause my basking rock is about 8 inches away...this works well for me. At first my temps were only reaching around 100 F, and he was lethargic all the time, once I got the new, higher watt bulb, he snapped out of it.

I hope you have luck with you sick little guy!!!
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Christina

Have you taken this dragon to a vet since you've had it?