Very active beardie with no appetite

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IvyBeaLou

New member
Hello.

I have a 3 year old female bearded dragon that I have owned since she was a baby. She woke up from brumation a couple weeks ago and has been active since. In the last week and a half she has become even more active which I would normally assume means she's gravid but she has completely lost her appetite and she usually eats a lot before she lays eggs. She has been running around her tank, "glass dancing", scratching the glass, and occasionally pounding her nose on the glass walls. I have seen this behavior with her before but this time she won't respond to her favorite insects (super worms) or vegetables that I have been offering daily.

I bought her a new tank about a year ago that is much larger that her old tank. I'm starting to get worried that she is not getting the proper amount of UVB light. Her coloring has also become dull in comparison to when she was younger.

Here is some information about her tank set-up:

Tank size: 48" wide, 24" high, 19" deep

Basking platform: Reptile hammock
Basking temp: 93-95 degrees F
Cool temp: about 75 degrees F

UVB: Reptisun 10.0
The hood does not have a reflector in it but I just ordered a new Reptisun Ho hood with a reflector along with a new Reptisun 10.0 T5 Ho UVB bulb.

I offer vegetables daily and insects twice a week. She usually devours insects immediately but will sometimes pass on the vegetables. I sprinkle calcium power on her food every other day and vitamins once a week.

I also bathe her every week which she usually loves but lately wants nothing to do with it.

I have been researching the symptoms but I find conflicting answers online that confuse me even more. If someone could please give me some advice on what might be wrong and what I could do to fix the problems I'm having I would greatly appreciate it!!

Here are some images of her enclosure...
102851-3513196949.jpg
102851-3787204335.jpg
102851-5865057488.jpg
 

leo2526

Member
good idea for uvb lights and maybe her basking spot could be a little warmer other than that she looks fine. off topic but where did you get your tank?
 

kingofnobbys

BD.org Sicko
IvyBeaLou":1wcjabmi said:
Hello.

I have a 3 year old female bearded dragon that I have owned since she was a baby. She woke up from brumation a couple weeks ago and has been active since. In the last week and a half she has become even more active which I would normally assume means she's gravid but she has completely lost her appetite and she usually eats a lot before she lays eggs. She has been running around her tank, "glass dancing", scratching the glass, and occasionally pounding her nose on the glass walls. I have seen this behavior with her before but this time she won't respond to her favorite insects (super worms) or vegetables that I have been offering daily.

I bought her a new tank about a year ago that is much larger that her old tank. I'm starting to get worried that she is not getting the proper amount of UVB light. Her coloring has also become dull in comparison to when she was younger.

Here is some information about her tank set-up:

Tank size: 48" wide, 24" high, 19" deep

Basking platform: Reptile hammock
Basking temp: 93-95 degrees F <<<< I'd nudge that temperature up to 100 degF , 93-95 degF is fine for the warm zone.
Cool temp: about 75 degrees F

UVB: Reptisun 10.0
The hood does not have a reflector in it but I just ordered a new Reptisun Ho hood with a reflector along with a new Reptisun 10.0 T5 Ho UVB bulb.
I'd change the order to an Arcadia T5HO 12%UVB tube , aim to have the basking spot about 12" from the tube (if in a reflector hood) , if no reflector in hood the UVA & UVB are essentially halved at the same distance ==> will explain her lack of appetite (inadequate UVA).

I offer vegetables daily and insects twice a week. She usually devours insects immediately but will sometimes pass on the vegetables. I sprinkle calcium power on her food every other day and vitamins once a week.
NOT ADEQUATE : see this for the appropriate feeding schedule and diet for an adult bearded dragon - viewtopic.php?f=18&t=236074

I also bathe her every week which she usually loves but lately wants nothing to do with it.

I have been researching the symptoms but I find conflicting answers online that confuse me even more. If someone could please give me some advice on what might be wrong and what I could do to fix the problems I'm having I would greatly appreciate it!!

Here are some images of her enclosure...
102851-3513196949.jpg
102851-3787204335.jpg
102851-5865057488.jpg
 

Drache613

BD.org Sicko
Staff member
Moderator
Hello,

She is beautiful & looks quite healthy, too.
The Reptisun 10 T5 is fine. It isn't quite as strong as the Arcadia but still a good light nonetheless.
I agree, bumping up the basking temperatures a little would be a good idea, along with calcium 3-
4 times per week especially if she may be developing follicles.
Did you make a laybox for her this year?

Tracie
 

IvyBeaLou

New member
Original Poster
Thank you so much for the advice, everyone! It's very helpful. The food pyramid is very helpful too. I've got a lot of conflicting information on how often to feed insects. I will start feeding more frequently once her appetite comes back. I had a breeder tell me that super worms are a good staple insect. Is this true or would you recommend crickets or roaches instead?

And yes I do have a lay box set up for her. She hasn't touched it yet though.
 
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