My first clutch of beardies hatched about 2 weeks ago and all of them are doing great except 3 smaller ones who are very lethargic. One will occasionally chase food but not much and the other two sleep all day long. They do lap the water up when misted but that is it. I am starting to get really worried. I have tried to put those 3 in a seperate place to eat food, but when picked up they just assume the sleeping position on my finger and the same when I set them down. I mashed up a bit of apple and put it on their nose to see if they would lick it off but no luck. When they do get up and walk (which is rare) they are clumsier than the rest who are running and jumping around no problem. The rest of the babies are growing fast, alert, active and super cute! Is this normal to have a couple that are slower? Suggestions? Thank you.
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Lethargic Hatchlings- Help please
Replies (2)
There is always an attrition rate.
The hearty will survive and occasionally a few will be very weak. Try your best to get them jump started... if they dont make it... dont fret.
It is natures way.
My treefrogs from Bob at Sandfire Ranch is croaking as I type this. lol
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hard to say whether they are just failing to thrive due to reasons out of your control, or something else is wrong. As it is, it sounds like they are either too cold, or too weak due to not eating for so long...If they have never been active and alert since coming out of the egg...unlikely they will survive no matter what. If they were active, eating for a few days or more then went down hill...I would be more inclined to think its a husbandry issue..either stress from being housed with others...and not yet having time to adjust to being separated from each other and the other babies.
Double check all your husbandry. House each one alone, in an appropriately set up cage. Make sure temps are right, and UVB is good. As they do seem to be willing to lap up water..add a little chicken broth to a eye dropper, (home made would be best, so its not full of salt as most pre made or powdered broth tends to be)This wil get a little nutrients into your dragon as well as keep them hydrated. Try small active feeders, like phoenix worms, small crickets or small butterworms. They may catch the babies interest and get them to eat.
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PHLdyPayne
Forum Princess
