I killed my water dragon :(

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heartdog

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I'm so upset! I thought I'd give my water dragon some natural light, put him in the reptarium, and went in to do a few things. It is hot today, but I put a shade cover on half of the cage. Stupid I didn't watch him, and I did notice he was gaping immediately when I set him in there, but I figured it was just stress from being handled. I came back out, and he was in the corner, lifeless. I rushed him in and put him in cool water, and have been watching him, but I'm afraid it's too late :( No breathing, no signs of life. I feel horrible!! It's about 90 degrees out, so I didn't think it would be a problem for a half hour!
Do they ever come out of it when this happens? I tried to read some info online, and a few things said reptiles can appear dead, but then snap out of it. I guess I'll wait, but I'm pretty sure he's gone.
Poor guy :(
 

h0ndap0w3r

Sub-Adult Member
putting glass outside is not a good idea at all they turn into ovens . . . i am very sorry for your loss. . . =*(
 

LJean

Extreme Poster
I don't know what to say. Maybe putting him in cool water after being too hot wasn't a good idea. Do you think his temps should have come up more slowly? Was he gone when you brought him in?
Sorry that this happened to you. I don't have a water dragon and am not exactly sure of their care. Just wanted you to know I have done something that has caused a reptile demise and so sorely regret it myself.
 

heartdog

Member
Original Poster
Yeah, he was totally gone. He wasn't in glass, that's why I didn't think...though I put the shade cloth over half. I didn't realize the real heat is different than what the atmosphere heat says. Yeah, 90ish, but I took the digital thermometer out there, and it quickly reached 130! He was there for almost an hour, so he was long gone, I'm sure. Probably passed out right away. I just hope he didn't suffer horribly :( It sucks when you're responsible for their death.

I wasn't bonded to him like I am my beardie, and in fact was considering giving him up to a rescuer guy for free. I should have done that. I wanted to sell the Vision tank so I can get a different one for my beardie. I already felt bad that the water dragon had a bit of MBD, cuz he vapor light wasn't working anymore. I didn't notice until I saw his front arm folded in weird. That's why I thought some sunlight would do him good.

The heat here in CA was thru the roof today for April. I turned off the beardie's light early, cuz he was even gaping. So the other guy might have even expired in his own tank, since I don't have AC in here. Yeah, that doesn't make me feel better :(
 

h0ndap0w3r

Sub-Adult Member
sorry to hear that bro. . . yeah the doors on my tanks are wide open and have been for the last like 2-3 days, the heat in CA has been stupid, its supposed to rain next week =T. . . again sorry for your loss
 

Fogles

Juvie Member
It was an accident, you didn't know that would happen, don't be too hard on yourself.

Sorry for your loss.
 
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