Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have three beardeds in my class that will not poop unless they get a bath. I give them about two baths a week and they go within minutes. I have had battles with coccidia. They have been on panacur and albon and tested clean recently. I will have them checked in a couple of weeks. All three are in different cages. The temps range from 80 to 110 degrees. They don't seem to be in discomfort and they all are relatively active. I have switched their main food from silkworms to roaches to crickets to superworms. They all eat little salad. It has been at least three months since a free poop for any of them.When they poop it is like a sausage casing holding the poop.

Is this ok? It makes cleaning a lot easier. All thoughts would be appreciated.

They were on Albon and other meds. Okay, you need to get them some acidophilus to replenish their good bacteria. As to get them to poop without water...hm. I 've never heard of that. Do you do this everday?
Jamie

I only give two or so baths a week. It takes too much time with the cleaning of the tub and everything. I also didn't have enough time during the school day. Now that is summer, I can give more baths. The shorter the time between baths, the longer the wait for a poop. It has taken over 45 minutes sometimes. Where do I get acidopleus(spelling)? Thanks for your advice.

Brian

The treatments for coccidia tends to dehydrate dragons. The other poster's suggestion of giving them all the probiotic is a good ideal. If these are adult dragons I would cut back on insects, feeding them either just a few a day or 2-3 full feedings a week. All other times they should get fresh mixed greens, lightly misted to encourage them to eat. Silkworms are roaches are pretty much the best insect foods to give, though stick to roaches with soft exoskeletons else there could be impaction problems. Silkworms are good as they are soft bodied and have a high water content, which should help with constipation. You can also add some pureed carrot, or summer squash to their salads to increase their water intake. Getting them to eat greens is important for their health as well.
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PHLdyPayne

They just don't eat them! Any suggestions? I will try the misting and puree.

some tips for green feeding...

1. exposure exposure exposure. Make sure they have fresh greens available every day, having them their constantly makes for a higher chance of "nibbling"

2. Greens before bugs! If your beardie has just pigged out on bugs he isnt going to want his greens. Try feeding greens first thing in the morning or not feeding bugs for a day or two and offering greens instead.

4. Wiggle the greens like bugs. Some of my juvies would only eat greens if they were running away. Try dangling the greens in front of them or dragging them across the cage floor to intice feeding.

5. Put the greens in a bowl and put some mealworms/superworms/silkworms in the dish of greens. This serves two purposes, one, the dragon will go for the bugs and hopefully get a mouthful of greens as well. and two the worms crawling in the greens will make them move.

6. Go for variety and colors. Try a variety of different greens, all dragons are different and all have their favorites, go to beautifuldragons.com for a list of different veggies to try. Also, try different colored things, my beardie absolutely LOVES anything red, yellow or orange, but wont touch anything that is blue or black (like blackberries). Try rose petals, shredded carrots, sliced red, orange, and yellow peppers, shredded purple cabbage, banana's and berries. (none of these are good staples, but if you can get them to like them you can mix a small amount in with their staples)

7. Dont give up! Persistantly trying to get them to eat their veggies is the best way to do it.

Increasing the veggie intake will help with their hydration and also it may increase their bowels.

good luck!
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0.1 Bearded dragon
0.1 mexican Black kingsnake
1.1 Leopard Gecko's
0.0.1 Tokay Gecko
1.0 Blue Tongue Skink
0.0.1 Reverse Okeetee Corn
0.1 Anerythristic Corn
0.0.1 Red Tegu
0.1 Bullmastiff
4.1 Cats

You can get the acidolphilus at www.reptilesupply.com. Its called Acidophiliz . It's about 7 bucks a pop, but well worth it. Also...at Iherb.com, think about getting some grapefruit see extract. One drop every other day will help if they have any yeast problems, another issue once meds have been given.
Jamie

To All - Thanks for the help!