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Various Questions/concerns

phil32010 Aug 15, 2005 12:45 AM

Hello everyone, I have had my Dragon for about 2 months and he is about 5 months old now. Everything has gone well until recently I have noticed a few things that are concerning me. About a week ago he began shedding and around the same time that he started shedding I noticed he would Puff his neck out then open his mouth, he has been doing it a bit since then. I think he does it more after I handle him. Its like he pushes air into his neck to make it big then he opens his mouth. I never noticed this before he began shedding? Also the past few days he has had a decreased appitite. Usually when I feed him he is on the crickets within seconds, now he isnt eating them or at least not at first. I think a few of them have been disopearing over time but its hard to say if he is eating them, the crickets like to hide in the tank. He hasent eaten any greens since the day I got him, he just doesnt seem to take to them(But I keep offering). Im watching him closer now to try to moniter what is going on and if he may be sick. His head has started to shed along with his tail, Ive been trying to soak him in shallow water but it seems to stress him out. Is all this normal? I had a Water Dragon years ago and I remember that when he was shedding he didnt like to be handled, I was wondering if the fact that he was shedding could have anything to do with it? I have noticed he has been under the heat lamp more often the past week, the hot side of the tank runs about 100 and the cool side around 82. Any Advice would be appreciated....

Thnaks In Advance
Phil

Replies (3)

jakentbc Aug 15, 2005 07:28 AM

when your dragon is shedding he is a little stressed. So he'll slow down on the mass consumption of food...and will seem a bit irritated. He should act 'normal' when finished.

shedding such a thick layer of skin as dragons and reptiles in general do, isn't such a wonderful experience for them.
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a free range dragon is a happy dragon

Christyj Aug 15, 2005 01:03 PM

Hi

The throat action you are seeing is most likely your dragan trying to loosen his shed. You can help him out a bit by giving him warm water soaks (baby bath warm) for about 10-15 min in water up to his shoulders. If you've not done this before, roll up a washcloth and place it in the water to give your dragon something to hold on to for security.
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www.classylizard.com
Home of the Classy Lizard Hammock

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keia89 Aug 15, 2005 04:37 PM

hey hope i can help.. ive owned my beardies for 7 months now and they almost completely stop eating and get really grouchy when theyre sheading or about t shed... try taking ur lil guy into the sink n giving him a warm bath to loosen up any tight skin.. plus it will make it easier and more comfortable for him to shed.. hope this helps

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