Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Darwin has been acting as bit odd and not eating as much. His breeder said it may be the beginning of brumation (he is only 6 1/2 months old). He went to sleep at 6:00 the other day (usually 8:30-9:00) and he is not eating as much. He is pooping and seems OK, otherwise, but tonight I noticed his tail/hip area seems to be a little sunken. Maybe it is something I have not noticed before so want to get others' opinions. 2 days ago he weighed 252g and 15" long. It is the dark area just behind his legs along his tail

thanks,
lele

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Chameleon Help & Resource Info

0.1 Veiled Chameleon - Luna. She's now hanging from her big jungle gym in the sky
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Lita
0.1 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.3 Mad. Hissers (2 died ;(
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha

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sig file edit for oversized logo/graphic 8/12/05

his hips do look a lit sunk in but not too bad. My dragon is acting the same way, not eating much and sleeping more then normal. I have found that he will eat silkworms and crickets better then his normal roaches so maybe you could try darwin on a different kind of insect.

My aunt has over 30 dragons and when hers brumate they usually just lay down one day and go to sleep for a few weeks and I've never seen one lose weight before hand.

It also could be a parasite problem, has darwin ever had a fecal ran? I've never had a fecal done so I am having one done next payday. I don't have a herp vet around here but the local vet will still run a fecal for me and give me any medicine I might need but its up to me to know what kind of meds and dosages.

His hydration is fine - he gets daily baths, drinks when spritzed and his urates a bright white. Is eating fluctuates a bit now but I give him anything he wants - who me? spoil him?

I have read that if healthy they will not lose weight during brumation. But isn't this a bit early for him? both the time of year and his age? I live in NH and it is still quite warm up here.

I can't believe your aunt has over 30 bd's!! They must have their own house! Or have they banished her to the enclosure and they have taken over! lol!
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Chameleon Help & Resource Info

0.1 Veiled Chameleon - Luna. She's now hanging from her big jungle gym in the sky
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Lita
0.1 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.3 Mad. Hissers (2 died ;(
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha

i had similar circumstances with my beardies except for the sunken hips, and it turns out they have worms. they're in their 2nd week of treatment now. i strongly suggest a fecal.

www.badassbeardies.com

I called the vet today to see if I could bring one in without him seeing Darwin for a full visit (he hasn't met him yet) and they said sure. So I will get one to him this week for sure - Fortunately, Darwin is a pretty predictible pooper! lol!.

thanks!
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Chameleon Help & Resource Info

0.1 Veiled Chameleon - Luna. She's now hanging from her big jungle gym in the sky
1.0 Beardie - Darwin
0.2 felines - Kyndra and Lita
0.1 African Clawed Frog - Skipper
0.3 Mad. Hissers (2 died ;(
0.1 Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula - Rosa Leigh
0.1 Goliath Bird-Eater Tarantula - Natasha