Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Greetings all,

I bought a pair of adorable BD babies on the 10th of July. Initially, I had them both housed in a 20gal; they were both doing fine for a few days. After about 3 days, the smaller of the two started eating less and less. When I called the breeder, they told me to separate them for a while, which made sense cause the bigger one was kind of domineering. This is her second day in isolation. Much to my surprise, today she ate a piece of squash flower; however, she still doesn’t eat enough crickets! If I am lucky she will eat 8 a day (2 wk old crickets). The larger dragon is doing great, he eats about 20-30 a day at an increasing rate. I have UV, I have a basking lamp (temp ranges from 98-~107). I think the poor thing was just uber stressed from the transition and a larger cage mate being that she is kind of on the small side to begin with.

My question, finally, how long will it take her to “snap out of it” and start eating at an increased rate? I have an order of small silkworms on the way, perhaps those will get her going. I am also going to make a vet appt. for them tomorrow.

Thanks a lot guys!

I’ll keep you posted!

CCV

that would probably depend on the individual dragon...don't forget the stress of being brought to it's new home as well as stress from being moved when you seperated them...I bought a baby beardy months ago...he ate good for like two days then wouldn't touch a thing for a week...I went crazy with worry but he's been fine since and is 81/2inches now...sounds like you are doing the right things...don't forget the water, since he's not eating much it will be easier for him to become dehydrated...good luch
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1.0.1 Bearded Dragons - Smaug and Little One (for now, till I know the sex for sure)
3.1 Bettas - Jason, Ori, Fishy Fishy Fishy, Faith (R.I.P.)
1.0 3 Legged Bullfrog - Jeremiah Sim Choy
1.0 Leopard Gecko - Spike
0.1 Guinea Pig- Oreo

Thanks for your response. I have been spraying her down gently about 3-5 times a day. I figured it would take a week or so, perhaps she will get better as the humidity drops around here.

You did a great thing by seperating them. A lot of people dont heed that advice and many dragons die because of it.

There is a lot of stress involved in everything your babise have gone through recently. Its important to remmeber that. It may be that the smaller of the two has developed parasites because of the stress, make sure to bring a fecal sample from each of them when you go to the vet

As for what you can do at home...

Most importantly, leave them alone. Except to spray them down and feed them they should be left alone completely. No handling, no staring, no petting. Nothing. They need some time to destress. the smaller one may even benefit from having a towel hung over half of the cage to create a dark space. This will help to make him/her feel secure. Make sure the smaller lizard cannot see the other dragon, even being able to see them across the room may stress them into not eating. Continue offering a variety of insects and veggies and make a vet appointment, and everything should work out fine

Good luck, and keep us updated!!!
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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
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Yea, I really didn't want to put them in different tanks, but I knew it was best. I am in kind of a pickle now whether or not my little one perks up. If they are going to beef with each other and I am unable to house them together, I am going to have to give one up. The breeder said I could keep them together throughout adulthood in a 4x2x2 wood enclosure, but now I am thinking otherwise.

Yeah, i would never keep two adults together. It can be disasterous...constant breeding can lead to stress induced illnesses in the female, and even if they are two females they may still fight, and of course if they turn out to be both males they will never be able to be housed together nomatter how big the cage. Talk to the breeder and see if he might let you return one. He probably will, especially if he knows its best for the beardies.
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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