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 #1691055


FireGal0104
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 Need help

We have a bearded dragon. We do not know what is wrong with him. His beard like thing has been black all day. Hes not moving much at all. He nornally hangs on when we pick him up but he just lays there like hes limp. But he is alive. His stomach also does not feel like it normally does. Kinda squishy. Does anyone possibly know whats wrong?
04/05/08  11:24pm

 #1691072


Dragon Lover
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1691055


 Need help

You’ll need to tell us a bit more. What are the temps and what are you measuring them with? when was the last vet visit? What do you feed him, how much and how big? How old is he? what type substrate are you using? When was the last time you had a fecal done?

Edel
04/05/08  11:31pm

 #1691100


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Dragon Lover   In reference to Message Id: 1691072


 Need help

What do I use to take his temp. and where do i take it. As far as I know hes never been to the vet. Hes about 3- 4 years old. We just got him from My fiances dad about a year ago. He eats crickets, grapes, lettuce and squash. Every now and then a pinky. He is about 20 in long. We feed him about one to two times a day with the fruits and veggies and one to 2 times a month with crickets. He has been fine till this morning. We had a big thunderstorm but I do not think that would have any effect. SInce I do not know what a fecal is I guess he hasnt had one asd what is substrate?
04/05/08  11:41pm

 #1691116


Dragon Lover
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1691100


 Need help

The temps would be the temps in the tank. He has to have three different temperatures. A basking area of 100 to 105 degrees. The area around the basking spot of 90 to100, and a cool side of 80 to 85 degrees.

I would get a fecal in to the vet. Next time he poops, take a baggie and turn it inside out. Pick up the poop, turn the baggie right side out (keeping the poop in the bag), and take it in for testing. It is the time when most of these guys can get pin worm. It’s a parasite and usually they stop eating and stop acting themselves. If the beard is black all the time, it coule mean he is scared, or that he is in pain. Pin worm can give them some bad belly aches.

You need to change your diet and start feeding something more nutritious. The staple, everyday, veggies are chicory, collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, escarole, turnip greens, butternut squash, acorn squash, green beans, mangoes, parsnips, snow peas, prickly pear and cactus pad.
Everything else you can feed as a treat. Fruits are high in sugars, so be careful with them.
Do not feed, avocado, onions or mushrooms for they are toxic to your dragon.

An adult dragon should eat protein one or two times a day.

Pinkies are a bad idea, especially for an adult dragon. It contains too much protein and it can cause probelms with the liver and or the kidneys. Not to mention it’s hard for him to digest it.

Substrate is what you have on the bottom of the tank.

Here’s a care sheet. please read it.

care sheet
04/05/08  11:49pm

 #1691121


Dragon Lover
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   Message To: Dragon Lover   In reference to Message Id: 1691116


 Need help

Sorry, the protein for an adult is one or two times a week.
04/05/08  11:52pm

 #1691148


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Dragon Lover   In reference to Message Id: 1691116


 Need help

I do not know about the temps we will go get something to test it with from a pet shop and get a stool sample to vet asap. but I do believe the temps are roughly around that area. He did have a heat rock but we were told to take it out so its out now. And no more pinkies for him either no matter how much he loves them lol. At the bottom of tank is dessert sand or grit we got from pet shop.
04/06/08  12:07am

 #1691151


Dragon Lover
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1691148


 Need help

Do you have a UVB for him?

The sand could be a problem. When was the last time he pooped?
04/06/08  12:08am

 #1691160


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Dragon Lover   In reference to Message Id: 1691151


 Need help

We just found out about the UVB So we will be getting one shortly we have a reg bulb. Everything we have we got from his dad and been using the same since cause thats what we thought. His poops are not an everyday thing he has sometimes went 2 days before he pooped. But now its been about 3 days. Sometimes we take him out of his cage and he walks across the back of the couch or lays there.



04/06/08  12:14am

 #1691168


Dragon Lover
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1691160


 Need help

If you live in a warm area, I would take him out to get some sun for about 15 minutes a day. Until you get the uvb, which is basically the sun in his tank.

If I were you, I would remove the sand. It can cause impaction, a blockage of the intestines. It doesn’t happen right away, but it can be very painful and cause death.
I have tile in most of my tanks. It’s great for them, keeps the warmth really well, and it is very easy to clean. Use the rough tile so he doesn’t slip around.
Other options for substrate would be newspaper, paper towel, repti-carpe, non adhesive shelf liner.

Adult bearded dragons don’t usually poop every day, but the sand concerns me. Dragons taste their environment, and the sand can collect in their gut over a period of time, causing major problems and huge vet bills.

Are you dusting his food with calcium? You need to dust twice a week with calcium with no D3 and once a week with multivitamins.



04/06/08  12:26am

 #1691180


Dragon Lover
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   Message To: Dragon Lover   In reference to Message Id: 1691168


 Need help

When you get something for measuring the temps, don’t go with the stick on type thermometer. They can be off 20 degrees either way. Get a digital with a probe, or a temp gun.



04/06/08  12:39am

 #1691401


Dragongirl6
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   Message To: Dragon Lover   In reference to Message Id: 1691180


 Need help

Can you post pics of him and the set up?? Dragon Lover has covered most everything. Remove the sand, get a reptiglo 8.0 or reptisun 10.0 UVB tube that is the length of his cage, and get a digital probe thermometer to measure temps (basking spot, warm side, cool side).

Pictures would be really helpful.
04/06/08  08:37am

 #1692501


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Dragongirl6   In reference to Message Id: 1691401


 Need help

If I had a camara I would post pics. Hes still the same . We think we found out what his prob is tho. He pooped a rock today. Now we r wondering about how many did he get in his system ( thanks to my son for putting rocks in the cage.) We r hoping that was the only one and he will start to get better soon and that it fifnt mess anything up while it was in there. He did seem to be a little better after but has went bk to the same ol same ol. we had put him in some luke warm water last night and today he passed it we r going to do the same to night to make sure that was the only one.
04/06/08  11:50pm

 #1692533


Dragongirl6
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1692501


 Need help

Continue giving him baths, that helps a lot.

Remove all the substrate right away and put down newspaper for now. He should never have anything in his cage that can fit in his mouth that you don’t want him to eat. No more rocks!

Have you gotten a UVB bulb yet? How big is his cage?

By the way, he should continue to get baths about once a week (I bathe all my dragons once a week). It keeps them hydrated and aids in digestion.

Let us know!
04/07/08  12:11am

 #1692540


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Dragongirl6   In reference to Message Id: 1692533


 Need help

Will continue with the baths and will put newpaper down. We do not have a UVB bulb yet but we do have a leash that he goes on until we can get one. I have no idea how much one costs. He has a 20 gl aquarium he stays in.
04/07/08  12:14am

 #1692556


Rowdy
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1692540


 Need help

He should be in a bigger cage then that. The width should be about the length or bigger then the length of your dragon. The minimum is a 40 gallon breeder, a good size is more like 70 gallon though. Or build a cage that is 4’Long x 2’ high x 2’wide. If you do build it don’t use pine.. its toxic to beardies.



04/07/08  12:31am

 #1692588


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Rowdy   In reference to Message Id: 1692556


 Need help

It might be biger then 20 gl then cause the length of cage doubleshis length if not just a little more. he has plenty of room to move around. And is he supposed to have a heat rock? We have one he uses but we have been told to get rid of it but in a book his dad had said to use one so im a little confused?
04/07/08  12:59am

 #1692611


Rowdy
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1692588


 Need help

electric heat rocks burns the beardie’s belly so you shouldn’t use it. You can put a normal rock in there by the heat lamp that he will sit on though. Just don’t use an electric one
04/07/08  01:35am

 #1692661


Yoshi55
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   Message To: Rowdy   In reference to Message Id: 1692611


 Need help

You really need to get a UVB I understand he is on a leash and what not for his uvrays..but go to LLLreptile.com and go lok at the reptile supplies part..click on the light bulbs.. get the reptisun 10 (the length of his cage) . They are 20 dollars at this site..at normal pet stores IF you can even find this brand..they are over 40-50 bucks!! So trust me... get it there! YOu can go to Wal-mart and get the holder for like 9 bucks and just make sure the plastic is removable so you can take the bulb that comes into it out and put yours in..amke sure they are the same length too (bulb and fixture) Mine is called an under the cabinet fixture if that will help..or if you want, just uy one from the same site for 30 bucks.. your choice!

Def a no no to heat rocks! You need to have a good heat esp right now if he is pooping rocks.. (poor guy) he needs to be able to move it. I hope they were at least smooth.. :( Anyways... give him baths evrynight or every other night until you feel his belly feeling normal...squishy like. Make sure you feed him his protein (no larger than space between his eyes) I would get roaches also from LLLreptile and make sure you choose the roaches that are the size between his eyes.... cuz they have mixed sizes and also just one size.. you will see!

His temps need to be 105 basking! So, if you dont have a digital thermometer go get one from wal-mart as well for 13 bucks..with wire probe so you can put the wire on the basking spot where he lays to get warm so you can see EXACTLY what he is on... you dont want it to be too hot or too cold for he needs these temps to be right for him to digest his food!!! Also dust his roaches...with out vitd3 in it about 3x a week..since he is older...if your already NOT doing it.

Make sure he ALSO gets a good salad of collards and musturd greens...every morning if your not doing that either..... also space between his eyes!

Please keep us posted!!! And if it gets bad.. you will HAVE to take him to a vet to get it out.. it can and might block his vent and he will be in trouble.. just make sure you dont see him straning hard and his tail up in the air with his vent spread open that is a sign of distress. So, call a vet with reptile experience to let them know this may happen and to get their emergency number in case it happensat night! NO JOKE! I hope you have a credit card or something.. b/c there is no time for "I cant take to a vet". He might need it so be prepared.. this is a big deal..now that you have seen him pass a stone... good luck!!!
04/07/08  03:17am

 #1693515


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Yoshi55   In reference to Message Id: 1692661


 Need help

Thank you every one for the advise we are following it and doing everything we can hes still alive thank god and moving a little better and staying awake more so maybe that was the only stone his beard is still black tho. But maybe as he startes to feel better it will go bk to normal. we r doing everything we can we dont have the money to take him to a vet so i am hopeing this will all pass. We barly have money for bills lol but i think he will be alright once we get everything going like we need to.
04/07/08  07:31pm

 #1694102


Yoshi55
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1693515


 Need help

You really should ask a family member to help you with this bill issue for the vet. The vet can xray him and see if he is messed up still. If his beard is black stillhe isnt out of the woods..he is prollysuffering and you need to get financial help...heck the vet might even make a payment plan if yougo in there paniced and tell them you neeeeeed an xray or some help! This isnt good at ALL! Iknow what you mean about not having the money BUT you can get help somewhere! Keep us posted and dont be scared to ask a family member or the vet for help! Its’ your beardies life here... what would your owner do if youwere a beardie?? Would you pray they took you to the vet?? .......



04/08/08  01:14am

 #1695469


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Yoshi55   In reference to Message Id: 1694102


 Need help

Well hes doing alot better. We have his cage cleaned out and newspaper down. The black is going away slowly. Still no bulb tho. I do not work and live off child support and foodstamps. The foodstamps helps get his food. The veggies anyway. Hes moving around alot more and starting to act like himself again so we r very hopeful. His cage is outside so he gets some sunlight with that too . Not to much wheres hes at tho so we take him out on his leash everyday till we get one.



04/08/08  10:56pm

 #1695640


Yoshi55
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1695469


 Need help

Does he live outside in his cage?? And what kind of cage do you have him housed in?
What are the temps during the day and night? It might be that you live off of food stamps and child support but you have to be able to care for your animals...You need to have some type of money saved or something if your going to own an animal... they can get sick or eat a rock! I mean.. you have to understand these creatures are innocent and cant take care of themselves... and where did you get your info from on how to take care of bearded dragons?? Here is a care sheet for them so you can refer to this whenever... please answer the questions above though... I might be able to help you some more... Thanks Also.. is there anyway you can post some pics of his cage and him??

Link
04/09/08  12:33am

 #1698313


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Yoshi55   In reference to Message Id: 1695640


 Need help

If I could post pics I would. His cage is in garage at fiances grannies. She don’t like him inside. He will shortly be here in our bedroom or living room. His blackness is almost all the way gone. He is being more like himself more and more everyday. So he sjould be okay with his stuff out and paper in and with his diet change. Thank the lord.
04/10/08  10:33pm

 #1698436


Yoshi55
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1698313


 Need help

Does the garage get cold at night?? where do you live..or the grannie...whatever!
Do you know his temps?
I mean he could be stressed b/c of this and then ate a freakin rock!
Oh my, I’m glad he is doing better.. BUT please stay close.. you dissapear like for a couple days.. and this is a serious matter!
Make sure the beardie’s cage doesnt get lower than 65 degrees at night! They cant handle that kind of cold..and he will eventually die..not right away but the cold will effect his body and he wont be able to fight off sickness.. so please get him inside somewhere!!! This is cruelty almost!
I cant watch another beardie die from neglet like I have been on this forum the past couple days!!!



04/11/08  12:26am

 #1698480


Dragongirl6
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   Message To: Yoshi55   In reference to Message Id: 1695640


 Need help

That’s a great care sheet! I am working on a new one for our store, so it’s good to find an example that isn’t super long but also doesn’t completely suck : )
04/11/08  01:51am

 #1698583


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Dragongirl6   In reference to Message Id: 1698480


 Need help

We keep his cage warm. If its going to be a cold night like too cold for him we bring him here and he usually stays on the back of the couch or our bedroom floor but like I said we r bringing him here soon. I am waiting on them to call me bk saying wether or not i can keep him here for I live in an apartment and we have to pay 350 to keep pets but I do not think that counts with him but we had to ask to make sure so just waiting on them and as soon as they say ok hes here. And sorry to be gone a couple days like that . With him being sick like he was we stayed there to keep an eye on him. And I didnt come home that often. Kids are back from Spring Break So we had to stay here now. But he goes like 10 times a day to check on him.
04/11/08  07:14am

 #1698814


Yoshi55
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1698583


 Need help

ok well great to hear that! I cant wait till they say yes then. They will cuz its a cat or dog that costs that much money and they make you pay that much for security in case the animal ruins the apartment. I’d bring his butt now! :) Good luck and DEF stay in contact!
04/11/08  12:31pm

 #1721386


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Yoshi55   In reference to Message Id: 1698814


 Need help

Just to let ya’ll know we got him over here and hes 100% better all it was was the rock he tried to eat.
04/30/08  06:19pm

 #1721392


Yoshi55
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   Message To: FireGal0104   In reference to Message Id: 1721386


 Need help

Great to hear!! I love good news!



04/30/08  06:34pm

 #1722105


FireGal0104
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   Message To: Yoshi55   In reference to Message Id: 1721392


 Need help

We are now working on getting stuff to make him a bigger cage My step dad will be making it the one he has is big enough for him but he does like to move around alot so we decided to make it bigger Hopefully will have a camara soon and when we do we will post pictures.



05/01/08  11:53am
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