abused neglected beardie please help

[ShannyBeard]

Oh, he looks so much better. I am so glad for you both. Like Tracie said, that UVB will really help. Just the UVB alone was giving my Smurf a lot of energy. He could tell he needed it, because he would position himself right under it on a low ladder I have for him. I am so glad you have given such a beautiful beardie a new chance at life.

 

[ashlee1638]

You guys think so?? I'm so happy to hear that! I looked at an older post on here from a girl and her beardie in pretty much the same exact situation, and her's ended up not making it ): I'm glad you guys think he will be ok I think so too! As I said though I'm going to get the uvb as soon as I get the money. Should I start feeding him crickets now or what? Thank you guys for all the help and support!
Ashlee

 

[ShannyBeard]

If he can eat live feeders, then yes I would feed him crickets. I get the large pre-adult for our bigger dragons. Papa Smurf can't chase them down, so I had feed them, one at a time. If your dragon can go after them and eat them, that's even better. I really think that feeding whole food - live feeders - is the best for them if they are able to eat them. As with any recovering animal, do gradually introduce the new types of food. For Papa, I gave him about 3 crickets the first time, then increased the number by a few each feeding. It's just that I've heard from other, more experienced people, to be slow and gradual with all changes as lizards are slow to change and recover.

Just wait until you see how he is with that UVB - I am excited for you.

I know other people have taken in sick and malnourished/neglected animals and they don't always survive. I had someone one here tell me that they had dragons like my Papa Smurf live about 1-1/2 years after being rescued. We just don't know how their organs are and at what age the neglect started. Maybe they had UVB while they were young and growing, or maybe they didn't. I would think that would affect how their organs mature and function. :?: So there are no guarantees. Shoot, there aren't any guarantees with people either. Any healthy appearing human can have cancer ticking away inside them, or something else. We just have to hope and do the best we can!

 

[Valerie]

I think you have a done a wonderful thing. He looks great!!
I do want to add something I learned on this group. When it comes to using regular household bulbs you need to use "Reveal" bulbs or full spectrum as the regular white household bulbs are not good for their eyes.

 

[ShannyBeard]

I think you have a done a wonderful thing. He looks great!!
I do want to add something I learned on this group. When it comes to using regular household bulbs you need to use "Reveal" bulbs or full spectrum as the regular white household bulbs are not good for their eyes.

It's the need for a bright, unfiltered bulb to constrict their pupils. This website is unreal. The stuff we learn here is amazing.

 

[dragonlover3]

OMG! Ashlee,
His eyes are bright and wide open!
He's basking in an upright position!
He looks just wonderful!
He will gain the weight with your
good care! Just AWESOME
Amanda

 

[ashlee1638]

Ok so should I stop baby food? He loves chasing the crickets and eats them well. And I've read that adult's diets should be 20% veggies/80% protein, as well as 80% veggies/20% protein. Which one is better for them?

OMG! Ashlee,
His eyes are bright and wide open!
He's basking in an upright position!
He looks just wonderful!
He will gain the weight with your
good care! Just AWESOME
Amanda

Ahhhh thank you! I'm so excited to hear that you and everyone else think he looks good and will continue to improve This makes me super happy! I will continue to take pics, probably each week to show you guys the improvement.

I'm about to post pics from when I first got him.. tell me if you see a difference!

 

[ashlee1638]

http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/ashlee1638/beforee.jpg

http://i1166.photobucket.com/albums/q604/ashlee1638/saveee.jpg

 

[AtlasStrike]

Adult diets should be 80% veggies and 20% protein feeders. Babies get a lot more protein.

I know you are working on it, and I don't mean to nag, but the sooner you get the UVB the better. Being able to metabolize calcium is really important, and if he is growing and putting on weight without proper calcium, his risk for MBD increases every day.

You are doing a really wonderful job with him, and I would hate for it to end in MBD, seizures or anything else scary. He looks wonderful in the new pictures. Keep up the good work!

 

[ashlee1638]

Dino has a white spot about the size of a nickle in and around the vent. Like it looks like it's coming out of it and is on the skin underneath the vent. Pure white. I can't post pics because I'm on my phone and no where near a comp. Anyone know what this could be? It's not his poop, it looks like his actual scales just turned white. It's not him shedding either. And I have given him 2 baths since I've noticed it. What could this be???

 

[Valerie]

Do you have any pictures?
I am wondering if it is the nutrates [spelling, I am drawing a blank to the name], and constipation??? I would wait to see what others say but pictures would be great.