Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently purchased a 5 month old BD. He eats crickets very well at night but in the morning he is not eating much of his greens. I tried some kale and green squash and now have switched to romaine, which he takes a bite or two more of. Is it normal at this age to do this? What can I do to get him to eat a little more of his greens?
He also doesn't seem to be drinking much. I have a shallow bowl, which I know they don't drink much from. I have tried misting him and the tank walls. A local pet storeowner told me to soak him in a half an inch of room temperature water for 20-30 minutes a night. Under his eyes there is also a slight discoloration, it looks a lot like when we get tired and haven't slept. He does sleep well though so I think it may be his water intake water. He is not as active as some other people tell me theirs are at this age, he is very handleable. Is this a good thing or is it related to greens, tank temp, or water (or a poss. combination)? Any input would be greatly appreciated on his drinking situation.
This could be linked to his tank temp which was running a little high so I moved it to an area that now does about 88-93 hot end and 80-85 cool end. I was getting the open mouth thing a lotwhen temps were 95-105 hot and 88-95 cool(he is in a 40 gallon breeder w/a 160 watt zoomedics power sun combo bulb). Thanks

I recently purchased a 5 month old BD. He eats crickets very well at night but in the morning he is not eating much of his greens. I tried some kale and green squash and now have switched to romaine, which he takes a bite or two more of. Is it normal at this age to do this?
-At 5 months, insects are still a big part of his diet. no lettuces or kale, try collards, squash is good, look at this list: http://www.reptilerooms.com/Sections index-req-viewarticle-artid-98-page-1.html

What can I do to get him to eat a little more of his greens?
-Try mixing the greens with pellets or such, but don't worry about it.

He also doesn't seem to be drinking much. I have a shallow bowl, which I know they don't drink much from. I have tried misting him and the tank walls. A local pet storeowner told me to soak him in a half an inch of room temperature water for 20-30 minutes a night.
- a water dish, IMO, isn't neccessary, mine get all the water from food and misting *on head*. For once a pet store is right, soaking can help and mine like to swim almost everyday. I fill sink to their shoulders.

Under his eyes there is also a slight discoloration, it looks a lot like when we get tired and haven't slept. He does sleep well though so I think it may be his water intake water. He is not as active as some other people tell me theirs are at this age, he is very handleable. Is this a good thing or is it related to greens, tank temp, or water (or a poss. combination)?
-How long have you had him? is he on a timer? make sure he's on a 12/12 or 14/12 day/night schedule. I would cover tank so you know he's sleeping OK at night.

This could be linked to his tank temp which was running a little high so I moved it to an area that now does about 88-93 hot end and 80-85 cool end. I was getting the open mouth thing a lot when temps were 95-105 hot and 88-95 cool(he is in a 40 gallon breeder w/a 160 watt zoomedics power sun combo bulb).
-the original hot temps were perfect! why did you change them? 93 basking is not hot enough to digest. The cool should be in the 80s. The open mouth thing is OK once and a while, they get hot, but VERY lazy. If you are worried, make the other end cooler or move them.
-Sara

My beardie didn't drink or eat any greens for 2 months after i got him. i was petrified. eventually he ate his greens after putting some meal or waxworms on it to give it some movement. i give my beardie Kale because he likes it and it has some good properties i strongly recomend that you make up your own mind about what to give him because everyone told me lettuce is terrible when actually its just water so it is good in small amounts to rehydrate them. your beardie will come round and mine stops eating greens even now i just give him a little of his favourite although they aren't good for him to get him back into them and then he eats normal again. i wouldn't worry too much i know that is difficult.

Kay

The only reason Kale is usually frowned upon is because it contains Oxalates, which are calicum binders that basically interfer with calcium absorbtion in your beardie. Having said that, it is ok in small amounts, just not as a staple. Check out beautifuldragons.com for an AWESOME list of food choices.

Try wiggling the veggies...moving them across the cage floor like insects, or mixing insects in with the veggies.

Raise the temps to where they were before, the basking sounded perfect, but the cool end was a bit hot...try getting a bit more airflow around the tank to cool off the cool end to about 80-85.

As far as water, light mistings and soaks do the trick.

As far as the discoloration, it may be normal. Most beardies have slightly dark spots under their eyes, right on the lower lid. If you could take a pic that would be helpfull.

Everything else sounds good
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0.1 mexican Black kingsnake
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I just wanted to say thanks for those that replied the input was very helpful. ttyl