Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My pair of beardies have little red dots coming through in between their scales, these are red like blood not black like mites. They are housed seperatly so they are not cuts from running over each other. Any ideas on what they are or what to do? Please help

there are small red mites...the beardies at one of our local pet stores have had them...

What type of substrate do you have and how often do you clean it?

I keep them on bark and I totally clean every month or so.

Will the red spots come off if you blow on them? If so they are most likely dust from the mulch. If not, they could still be mites. Soak your bearded dragon and see if the red spots come off. Mites will drown if immersed in water. Once they are dead, you can use a magnifying glass to get a better look at them. Or if you have a microscope that will be a better way to tell what they are.

If they do turn out ot be mites, you will have to completely clean the cage, soaking it in hot soapy water to drown any lose mites. You may have to do t his every week, tilll you see no more mites, or purchase any of the reptile safe mite sprays, such as Prevent a Mite or Reptile Relief. You can also take your dragon to the vet, and he can find out just what kind of mite/tick it is and recommend treatments.
-----
PHLdyPayne