Reptile & Amphibian Forums

We sell bearded dragons where I work and one wasn't doing so well so I brought it home to look after it. The others were active, but this one was a bit sluggish. I have an adult beardie who I've raised since she was a baby and she's amazing and doing great! So I know how to care for them and I've been doing everything I can, but there still seems to be something wrong. I am keeping mine out of view from the baby cause I know that can stress them out. Some good signs are that it's eating occassionally and pooping, however it often keeps it's eyes closed and almost plays dead. But then when I pick it up and move a little it wakes up and runs around for a second. It's so strange! I have been trying to take it outside in the sun for a while everyday, because it seems to perk up a bit more when it's outside, but I'm still concerned. The main thing bothering me is it rubs the side of it's head sometimes on me or the ground. I wonder if it has itchy eyes or something. I read when they are young and shed this could bother their eyes, but I don't see signs of shedding. Sorry this is so long but I don't know what to do and was hoping for some advise. Please let me know if you have any ideas. Thank you!

Well First Off, How Old Is This Baby Dragon. If It Is At Least 2-3 Months Old You May Want TO Try Using A Product Called Jumpstart. You May Also Try "Solar Drops" By T-Rex. Use Both Of These Products By What THe Manufacture Says. As FOr THe PLaying Dead THat Is The Part Of It Beign Lathargic(Hope That's Right. The Rubbing The Head Is Not Really Unusual. My Babies Do It Right Before They Shed. Even If You Can't Notice Any Signs Of Shedding.Make Sure To Mist It Down At Least Once A Week. ANd Remember Nothing Bigger Than The Space Between Its Eyes To Eat
Hope This Helps. Keep Us Informed
Andy Walker
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Thank you so much for the quick response! Unfortunately, they are usually shipped to us at the pet store, way before they should be, so I think this baby is younger than 2-3 months. It is incredibly small! Do you think I can still try those products? I have been misting it daily, so I hope that is helping. And I have been careful with the size of the crickets, they are smaller than the space between it's eyes. I know the likely hood of such a small baby surviving isn't too great, but I'm going to keep trying. I will go look at those products and see what they say. I'm glad the head rubbing thing is pretty normal. Thank you again for the advise.

A little sun might do him some good as well, it always perks my boys up. Just be sure he can get out of the heat and direct sunlight.

I am having the same problem with one of my babies. Please keep me posted with what you are trying to do.

So far I'm just trying to do the normal stuff. I'm feeding it small crickets (but not leaving them in there all night just in case they start to nibble), misting 2 times a day...and definitely try to take yours out in the sun. If yours isn't eating, take a few crickets out with you in the sun. Mine was only really perking up and eating in the sun. Still doesn't look so great though, I'm just crossin my fingers! I will keep you updated though with what seems to be working, please do the same for me. Thanks!

So far I'm just trying to do the normal stuff. I'm feeding it small crickets (but not leaving them in there all night just in case they start to nibble), misting 2 times a day...and definitely try to take yours out in the sun. If yours isn't eating, take a few crickets out with you in the sun. Mine was only really perking up and eating in the sun. Still doesn't look so great though, I'm just crossin my fingers! I will keep you updated though with what seems to be working, please do the same for me. Thanks!

So far I'm just trying to do the normal stuff. I'm feeding it small crickets (but not leaving them in there all night just in case they start to nibble), misting 2 times a day...and definitely try to take yours out in the sun. If yours isn't eating, take a few crickets out with you in the sun. Mine was only really perking up and eating in the sun. Still doesn't look so great though, I'm just crossin my fingers! I will keep you updated though with what seems to be working, please do the same for me. Thanks!