Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I have a male rhino ig who is nearly 3 years old( I'd have to look at his certificate to be more precise) he is approx 42inches long in total length and weighs 3 kg. he is not fat at all,infact quite lean with a chunky tail base. I got him just over a year ago where he measured about 32 inches total length( I'm unsure what he weighed then)
My concern is he doesn't eat a great deal.
A few months back I sent a faeceal sample off to the vets and it came back with salmonella. The vet said it was nothing to worry about as most reptiles carry it. He did give the iggy a course of anti biotics though which I injected every other day. We then re sampled and all was clear.
The iggy then started to eat like a champion,clearing his plate daily. He has now gone back to not eating much though...
I keep him in a 12ftx4ftx4ft enclosure inside my heated garage. He has fresh water daily,temps ranging from 90-80 with a basking spot of 140F. A hide spot, climbing places and a basking shelf.
He is very alert, bright eyed and defecates regulary. He has a good quality uv source that is changed regulary.
Hs diet consists off spring greens( these are collard greens in the states I believe) watercress, rocket, mixed leaves salads that contain escarole, endive etc sometimes a bit of kale also.
With that he has buternut squash,green beans, sugar snap peas, parsnip, turnip,bit of carrot, some herbs like parsley.
And every other feed he has a bit of fruit such as mango,papaya,blueberries,grapes ,apple,pear,strawberry etc etc
He also gets some mazuri pellets now and then.
I did feed daily but have dropped to every other day to try and increase his appetite. He will pick at it but then it just gets left. Some days he will eat the full bowl. I know if I just put a bowl of grapes and Banana or pellets in he would eat that though so my question is, do you think another vet visit is needed or is he just being picky and needs a bit of tough love?!
Many thanks
Dan

see sept 20 thread "Feeding" pretty similiar. People run into the same issues which in a way is comforting. It sounds to me like its picky. Season changes affect mine even with a consistent temp environment. Mine always eat less if its winter out.
scroll down that thread may help

jf

Many thanks, yes I saw that thread but wanted to give my own story incase anything I said helped me out, it does seem very similar to robs problems though.
I was wonderingif the season changes would affect them,even though the temps in the cage stay the same.can I ask the frequency you feed yours and what, also, does my rhino igs weight sound right for his age and size?
Again, many thanks, much appreciated
Dan

I usually feed everyday but sometimes go every other in the winter when his appetite is less. The amount changes with the seasons too. No real science to it, its just by feel and the 16 yrs I've had him. I feed him a mix of dark greens and squashes, potato, yams, parsnips. assorted fruit if its in the house. I also use the mazuri tortoise chow soaked, maybe once a week. I have no protocol I've been making salads so long its routine. I can peel like an army cook!

jf