JamesTheLizard
Member
I noticed today that my beardie James, who I have had for over 7 years now, has developed a dark brown crust over/around his nostrils- I'm freaking out a bit, please help. I couldn't figure out how to post a picture.
Drache613":2hzahmqi said:Hello,
Are you sure his nostrils are not getting ready to shed?
Does he exhibit any signs/symptoms of a respiratory infection?
Please review your tank setup such as the temperatures, substrate, UVB lighting, etc so we can be sure it is all correct.
How is his appetite doing?
Tracie
EllenD":hrcqbd0j said:Okay, we need a photo of the area...Now, you've got some enclosure/set-up issues that are huge...
Please get rid of the loose, ground chestnut substrate immediately, he can become impacted very easily from it whether you feed him in his enclosure or not. It is also a breeding ground for fungal and bacterial infections, which could be what is going on with his nose. Use only solid substrates like ceramic tile, paper towels, non-adhesive shelf liner, reptile carpet, etc. Do that immediately.
What brand/model/wattage of UVB and basking bulbs do you use? How old is the UVB bulb? Is it a long tube? Is his basking light a bright white bulb? We need specifics, as these too could be causing skin problems.
And you need to get a digital thermometer with a probe on a wire immediately as well, you absolutely cannot go without knowing the 3 important temperatures in his enclosure: hot side, cool side, and his main basking spot. Move the probe to his main basking spot, let it there for 20-30 minutes, the read the temperature. Then repeat by moving the probe to the floor in the middle of the hot side, and then repeat again by moving the probe to the floor in the middle of the cool side. Make sure you wait 20-30 after moving the probe to read the temperature. Inappropriate temperatures can not only be causing the skin problems but also will absolutely cause digestion and appetite problems eventually. The digital probe thermometer costs $8.99 at Petco.
Vandy":3qep3b7u said:It's prolly just from him digging around in the chestnut . Is the crust the same color as the chestnut?
Drache613":1uum2f0n said:Hello,
The loose substrate is definitely the cause of the brownish coloration on his nostrils. Definitely go for a solid substrate, it keeps everything so much cleaner, overall.
The basking temperatures are a bit low, did you leave the probe on the basking area for at least 20 minutes? It should be in a range of 95-110F with a cooler end of around 78-82. The ambient temperatures shouldn't exceed 83 or so because they can get heat stressed.
The UVB is a basking type of light, correct & not a spiral compact/coil light? It should have the brand stamped on it somewhere, on the base, this is important.
You can click on the XIMG button in the message box, to upload your pictures then paste them onto your message.
It is unlikely that this is a respiratory issue, especially if you haven't seen any symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or a mucous type of discharge from the mouth or nose, then he doesn't have any respiratory infection.
Tracie
EllenD":3e091jt3 said:Yes, get him off of that crap immediately, paper towels are better. It doesn't matter if it says it's for bearded dragons, it's junk and it's harmful.
Please make sure that you ditch that coil UVB bulb and order a proper tube bulb. I don't know what length your hood is, but you need a 10% UVB tube, the best available is the Reptisun 10.0 (make sure it's 10.0 and not the cheaper 5.0, that's for tropical reptiles) T8 UVB, either an 18" or a 24".
Vandy":8stx6zo5 said:I think that is build up from him digging around in the chestnut. You should clean his nose than place him on paper towel until your mat comes in and see if it comes back