| Member |
Message |
|
#2262694
Hotumn
View Profile
|
I had my water dragon for a week and he wont eat...HELP PLEASE!! 
My name is Autumn and I want to start off by saying I’m NEW to this whole thing as well as a NEW water dragon owner. I got my water dragon exactly one week ago today. He was vibrant green at the pet store, I watched him/her eat a pinkie and maybe 6 crickets before we brought him home. My fiance and I had everything set up before we brought the water dragon home. My fiance was a previous reptile owner but never experienced a lizard that wouldn’t eat after a week. We have a 2 by 2 and 3 ft. high aquarium. With branches, basking area, water bowl, a heating pad on bottom. We have a hot side and a cool side. We just got a 100 watt bulb because the 75 watt wasn’t giving enough heat off. We have 3 sides of the tank covered. The humidity is at 80, we do have a drip set up. With all of this being said I have no idea why he wont eat...Well guys while I was writing this my fiance wiggled the pinkie in front of his face AND HE IS EATING IT AS I’M WRITING THIS!!! Thank the LORD above because I LOVE this little guy or girl. They are amazing creatures!! One more thing the room I have my water dragon in I also have a litter box in there for my cat. Is this a problem? My cat does his business then leaves the room. He never bothers the dragon. I would greatly appreciate any information that could be given to me. Thank you, Autumn!
|
|
04/14/12 10:54am
|
|
|
#2262695
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: Hotumn In reference to Message Id: 2262694
I had my water dragon for a week and he wont eat...HELP PLEASE!!
Hey there, welcome to the forums! How large is your dragon? Pinkies are great as treat foods but not really good as a staple as they are pretty fatty. You can feed them pinks about 3 times a week though, be sure to use bugs and such too. They will frequently go off food when they are older, my dragon is about 4 years old and he will not eat every day and sometimes only will eat every few days. I offer food every day but he does not always eat. Your tank sounds like its ok, do you have a UV light? i cant remember from your post :P Your temps and humidity sound great, and i wouldnt worry too much about the cat unless he starts bothering your dragon. Be sure to dust your food items with calcium as well :) You can check out some of the care sheets on here as well, but it sounds like you are pretty much set :) Good luck! (p.s)- if he goes off food for a while, try offering different types of bugs and fruits and veggies, they can be picky eaters and variaty helps them not to be bored :)
Rexx 
|
|
04/14/12 11:05am
|
|
|
#2263709
Hotumn
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2262695
 I had my water dragon for a week and he wont eat...HELP PLEASE!!
Hey Rex thanksss for the info! Our dragon is about 1 ft. The pet store had him for 2 months and they are unsure as to how old he is. We are sure he is a baby considering the sizes we have seen on the internet. We had no clue as to how big they can get. Wow, they get pretty big but they are so cool! We have UV light, I think were okay in that aspect. From what I have been reading up on, I have to keep the humidity up. We have a drip, it drips down leaves into his big water bowl. He loves sitting under it as the water gets him all wet!! He is by far the coolest with his big brown eyes! What fruits and veggies do you suggest I feed him?? I’m also wondering why he has yet to turn back to the vibrant green color he was at the pet store. His belly is bright green as well as the stripes on his back. I’m wondering if he is still adjusting to his new home... I hope so because I’m trying to make him feel comfortable. He has been crawling all over the cage and hanging out in every spot possible. I have his lights on a timer, he gets 8 1/2 hrs. Do you think that is enough? Anymore information would greatly be appreciated. Thank you very much!!!!
Autumn!
|
|
04/21/12 08:07pm
|
|
|
#2263816
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: Hotumn In reference to Message Id: 2263709
I had my water dragon for a week and he wont eat...HELP PLEASE!!
Hey no problem, he probably is still adjusting. I would give him about 9 hours or so
Rexx
|
|
04/22/12 06:30pm
|
|
|
#2263826
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2263816
I had my water dragon for a week and he wont eat...HELP PLEASE!!
Sorry about the short reply earlier, i was on my phone and it was dying haha. ANYWAY! I reccomend giving blueberries and strawberries, you can try a little bit of mango. Rexx really loves his blueberries and bannanas, he will also take kiwi and papaya. You can try collard greens and dandelion as well, and endive and the like. He loves spinach! Keep offering different mixes of things and offer them when he is at his hungriest, he will be more inclined to try them. Also try adding bugs to the mixx, he will get some by default and find out they taste yummy! As far as turning brown, he possibly shedding and still adjusting, im sure he will in time return to his normal green. Its good that he enjoys his drip system, Rexx loves being sprayed with the spray bottle. I found they enjoy running water rather than water that just sits there. (at least with mine anyway) Hope this helps! Good luck!!
Rexx
|
|
04/22/12 07:05pm
|
|
|
#2263888
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2262695
New waterdragon own..any info would help!
Rex, thank you so much!!! Our Water Dragon is 1 ft., we are sure he is a baby considering the pictures we’ve seen of older dragons. The pet store had him for 2 months, they are unsure as to how old he is as well. How do you tell how old they are? We have a UV light, I think were okay in that aspect. I’m pretty sure you have to change those bulbs every 6 months, right? I also read that the humidity should range from 60-80. We have a drip, it drips down a bunch of leaves into his big water bowl... He loves it, he sits under it as the water gets him all wet. He is by far the coolest creature ever!!!! What kind of fruits and veggies do you suggest I feed him?? As of right now he eats crickets and pinkies but I definitely want to try fruits and veggies! He ate just the pinkies head Saturday, I wonder what that was about? I appreciate any and all information you supply me with as I am very new to this whole thing. Thanks again! Oh by the way I made a new account because I wanted to change my nickname and couldn’t do so. So my new nickname is DragonLadiee (I still have the Hotumn account but I’m going to be using this one). Sorry for the confusion!!!!
Thanks again! DragonLadiee 
|
|
04/23/12 09:44am
|
|
|
#2263891
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2263888
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Sorry I didn’t think my first message when up....hahahaha
Hotumn/DragonLadiee
|
|
04/23/12 09:50am
|
|
|
#2263893
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2263891
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Rex sorry for all the question but what kind of bugs do you suggest I feed him.
Thanks, DragonLadiee
|
|
04/23/12 09:55am
|
|
|
#2263895
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2263891
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Hey that’s ok! No problem! The usual rule of thumb for telling how old they are is how long they are. I believe yours is probably close to a year old, give or take a few months. Yes you should change the bulbs every six months or sooner if they go out haha. As far as frutits and veggies I had a list I listed above, Rexx sometimes bites his mice just in half and refuses to eat any more of it. Their weird sometimes :p haha. They are very cool, and amazing to work with! I love them.
Rexx
|
|
04/23/12 10:00am
|
|
|
#2263896
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2263895
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Thanks Rex you clearly know a lot about water dragons and I appreciate everything, your AWESOME! Should I try silkworms and mill worms. I know its good to rip there heads off because they could come back out.....yuck!
DragonLadiee
|
|
04/23/12 10:05am
|
|
|
#2263908
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2263896
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
You’re very welcome :) I’m very passionate about these critters so I love to help :) you should try both actually, and you don’t have to worry about tearing the heads off, they will die when they are chewed up and soaked in stomach acid, its a myth! Common misconception, you aren’t the first, I believed it too at one point in time. The real truth is not to leave live food in the cage unless it is in a container that the bugs can’t climb out of or they will chew your lizard at night. :)
Rexx
|
|
04/23/12 12:11pm
|
|
|
#2263931
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2263908
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
I can’t thank you enough!!! Thanks Rex!!!
DragonLadiee
|
|
04/23/12 04:38pm
|
|
|
#2263940
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2263931
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
No problem! Im always around, so if you ever need anything feel free to ask!
Rexx
|
|
04/23/12 05:44pm
|
|
|
#2264043
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2263940
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
I’m not sure if i have a boy or girl, but I decided to name him or her WILLY!!!! So I’m hoping it’s a boy....hahaha!!! I talk to Willy all the time and it’s truly amazing how he sits there and moves his head all around looking at me. I always say "Willy your sooooo cool!" That always gets his attention, never fails. I didn’t realize how smart they are nor how big they can get. My fiance and I are going to start to build a huge enclosure for when he gets bigger. This is so exciting for me, I never owned such an amazing and interesting creature in my life. You have a lot of great ideas and I’m thankful that your here when in need!!! I want to put pictures up so you can check Willy out but it wont let me. Do you know how to do so???
DragonLadiee
|
|
04/24/12 11:30am
|
|
|
#2264045
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2264043
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Thats awesome! I love watching Rexx clamber about his house and the way he seems to listen when i talk to him. He responds to his name and to several different phrases :) He knows when he sees the harness he gets to go outside and will go to the door of the enclosure and sit patiently while i strap it on him.
As for pictures, you can go to Photobucket, create a free account, upload the pics to that, then take the image code and post it here and the image will show up every time! :) Hope this helps, and im glad to help!
Rexx
|
|
04/24/12 11:34am
|
|
|
#2264118
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2264045
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
This is my Willy, he is just too cute!!!
DragonLadiee
|
|
04/24/12 08:39pm
|
|
|
#2264119
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2264045
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Another picture of Willy!
DragonLadiee
|
|
04/24/12 08:47pm
|
|
|
#2264121
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2264119
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Oh my goodness! He is so adorable! Hes still just a little bitty bobble head :) How cute!!!!! I love baby pictures. He looks great!!
Rexx
|
|
04/24/12 09:07pm
|
|
|
#2264123
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2264121
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Willy.....
DragonLadiee
|
|
04/24/12 09:33pm
|
|
|
#2264125
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2264123
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
My goodness i cant even contain the cuteness. :) Hes got such a sweet little face
Rexx
|
|
04/24/12 09:37pm
|
|
|
#2264338
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2264125
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
So Willy is shedding!! Do water dragons eat less when shedding? I noticed he’s not eating all his crickets in his cage. I’m just concerned about my baby!
DragonLadiee
|
|
04/26/12 03:37pm
|
|
|
#2264348
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2264338
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Yes they go off food while shedding, sometimes can get a bit grumpy too, its like a bad sunburn :)
Rexx
|
|
04/26/12 05:06pm
|
|
|
#2264430
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2264348
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Rexx, like I mentioned in the previous post my Willy is shedding. I feel really bad for my lil man. I read it’s best for minimal contact while shedding. I was wondering if it were okay to put him in the tub to swim around for a while. I’m not even sure as to how long I should keep him in there for or the amount of water to put in the tub at that. This would be my first attempt. His poor little head is peeling!! I’ve noticed Willy is much more greener, that whole time I was worried. He was getting ready to shed. Haha It’s better to be safe then sorry. Know, do they start peeling head first?? How often do they shed? I never experienced this and of course you have with your lovely man ReXx! He sure is a fine water dragon if I ever seen one!!! They sure are fascinating creatures!! All I want is to make him the most loved and happiest wd ever!! :))) It still amazes me how much you can do with water dragons. I would have never thought you could take them for a walk, leash and all. I’m sorry if I may repeat any questions as I’m still very very excited about Willy!! Haha! He makes me so happy!! I’m seriously use to cats and dogs, now this is so much more interesting! Thanks again for all your help you truly been a major help!
DragonLadiee  
Willy’s face shedding..
|
|
04/27/12 08:29am
|
|
|
#2264454
Rexxaroo
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2264430
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Hey no problem and thanks for the compliments!! :) they truley are amazing critters, you will start to see him brighten with each shed he has at this age. I saw your other post as well. You can let them swim in the bath all the time, just be sure that the water is lukewarm, not too hot and not too cold. too much of either can hurth them. I use olive oil or mineral oil in rexx’s baths to help him shed better. Both have benfits to their skin and have antifungal properties that will keep them from getting scale rot and and fungal infections :) It is best to keep handeling down to a minimum while they are shedding, you are correct. I saw your other post and responded there as well :)
Rexx
|
|
04/27/12 12:23pm
|
|
|
#2264492
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Rexxaroo In reference to Message Id: 2264454
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Rex should I keep the UVB light on longer than the heat light? I have his lights on a timer, the UVB comes on at 8:30-7:30, the heat/ comes on at 9:30-6:45. I wanted him to get more UVB. I had them both set to go off at the same time, then switched it up. What do you think?
DragonLadiee
|
|
04/27/12 06:35pm
|
|
|
#2264532
Cphill58
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2264492
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Was just reading along...isn’t Rexaroo a gem to have here...she sure is helpful and knows what’s up.
I wanted to assist a little with some food charts that we transfer over from a couple of other lizards. Bearded dragons eat very much the same and we try to get the items (fruits / veggies) which contain higher calcium ...these charts will help you determine that as well. Calcium is always the first number in the ratio
We strive for ratios of 2:1 and higher --- 2.5:1 ---4:1 etc. Phosphorus is the other number and the insects contain plenty...also too much P is detrimental to the growing bones and causes the dreaded disease MBD (metabolic Bone Disease) That’s why we dust the insects in a baggie (shake and bake)with calcium powder and then offer the bugs.
So here are two great sites with food charts to read over
Beautiful Dragons
They have tons of other tips to read up on too....lots of useful info that apply to all reptile / lizards.
green iguana
Be careful with spinach u’all...to much oxalates will bind the calcium and render it useless... you can offset it with other stuff as well ...just keep an eye on the oxalates content...
Cute dragon ...dragon ladie
Chris
|
|
04/28/12 12:44am
|
|
|
#2264566
DrgonLadiee
View Profile
|
Message To: Cphill58 In reference to Message Id: 2264532
New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Thanks Chris!!! I really appreciate you taking time to help me. Yes ReXx is a GEM, she has been a huge help. I’m truly thankful for the forums, all the people who have a passion for these beautiful creatures and all the people who take there precious time to help. THANKS EVERYONE!!! Chris and ReXx I put waxies, mealies, blueberries, and romaine lettuce in a bowl for Willy yesterday. Well lets just say he LOVED the waxies, didn’t touch the mealies and may have gotten some romaine by default... I got a picky eater on my hands. Like I posted in a previous post, I will be putting up pictures of Willy’s private area I would appreciate any and all opinions on his/her gender... I’m going to make a new post titled "Willy’s Sex opinions please!" I have a feeling Willy is a female but I’m hoping everyone will say a male.....Haha!
DragonLadiee
|
|
04/28/12 07:50am
|
|
|
#2264796
Varco
View Profile
|
Message To: DrgonLadiee In reference to Message Id: 2264566
 New waterdragon owner..any info would help!
Monty will not eat from a bowl or anything like that and your little guy might be like that, I have to give him food out of my hand except crickets he will run after them, I’ve also noticed he likes to eat after play time and cuddling. You can always try that play around and see what works
|
|
04/29/12 10:47pm
|
|
