Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi everyone, I'm new here and just bought my MHD's about 6 days ago. Now FroggieB i've read your long and short caresheet numerous times and I am convinced i'm doing everything right. Temps are optimal and humidity is kept around 70-80%. I have a male and female MHD. The female is a great eater with alert eyes and fairly active. Now the male on the other hand is very sluggish, pretty much stays in one spot and his eyes look real lazy. I've had them both for 6 days now and the female eats 3-4 crickets by hand every day. But i can't get the male to eat anything at all yet. The pet shop (small reptile store with very helpful staff) suggested ripping the back legs off the crickets and placing them in front of him so he can see them and eat on his own, but when i have done this he barely looks at them. A trip to the vet is in order this friday for both to have them checked out but as of right now it seems I'm losing him. Any ideas anyone? I have running water and a tall approx 65 gal, terrarium set up. Some help please??

I would say you are set up OK. The vet visit is what is going to make the difference in losing him or not. In the meantime I would give some pediolyte to help re-hydrate him and hopefully to stimulate his appetite.

I would bet he is full of parasites and without treating them nothing you can do will make much difference.

Let us know how the vet check goes and I will make suggestions from there.
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Marcia - FroggieB Dragons
www.froggieb.com/MHDHome.html

Heading to the vet in a couple hours but i have a couple questions froggieB, First do you mean normal pedialyte like the one for babies, and how would i go about force feeding him? i tried pulling on his bottom jaw slightly but it won't open, also i have running water in a bowl big enough for both of them to be in at the same time but they both seem to be ignoring it, The pet store told me to turn off the running water at night but should i maybe keep it on? Thanks, Kevin

Yes, pediolyte as used with infants. To force feed pull down on the dewlap and he should open his mouth. If not try tapping on the tip of his nose or stroking from front to back along his lips. You should be able to get him to open up.

I never turn off the bubbler in my water bowls. It is constantly pumping a fine mist from the bubbles into the air which helps pump up the humididty. It isn't uncommon to not see your dragons using the water but chances are they are! These guys don't move much and water activity is basically for pooing or soaking when shedding or before laying eggs. Mine seem to drink from the leaves and branches when I mist them.

Good luck with the vet visit!
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Marcia - FroggieB Dragons
www.froggieb.com/MHDHome.html

Ok FroggieB, Just got back from the vet, My little guy is dehydrated and full of worms. The vet gave him a couple shots of fluid to re-hydrate him and got him to open his mouth quick for meds for the worms. A follow-up is scheduled for saturday to check on his progress my only hope is that he will finally eat. My female was in good health with no signs of de-hydration and very alert eyes. Well I appreciate all the help and will keep you posted