I am stuck at work and my SO just reported that our beardie, Bert, fell from the ledge around our stairwell while he was out exploring. He is estimating Bert fell 4-6 feet, but he is a terrible judge of distance, so I am not sure if that is accurate. He says Bert is behaving and moving normally and does not appear to have any injuries or be in any distress. Is there anything I should look for when I get home? Any signs that might indicate if he has anything broken or any internal injuries?
Hi there, hopefully your beardie just dodged a bullet [ it sounds like it ] If he was hurt, he'd be limping , blackbeardiing + acting either very aggressive or lethargic. If he's doing none of that and is active , eating, etc then he's fine.
For future, best to not let him roam around out of your sight. How sad when a pet [ and happens to children too ] gets seriously hurt when it was entirely preventable.
Bert was never out of Clayton's sight, I think Clayton just assumed Bert would have some self-preservation instincts when it came to heights? Clayton couldn't move fast enough to save him once he decided to leap off of there. I will definitely be blocking off that ledge before allowing Bert out of his viv again and I will keep an extra close eye on him this weekend for any signs of injury or trauma.
I went out and bought two of these to string together and block off the ledge around the stairwell. They are the perfect size. Only 9 inches tall and very stable when spread out in an accordion. I am very excited that Bert will be safe now!
Bert seemed fine all evening. He was running around and looking content. No black-bearding, no limping, and no lethargy. His lights are off now and he has plopped down right where he happened to be when it was bed-time, which is his normal MO. Will keep a close eye on him tomorrow and Sunday, but I think we are in the clear. And now I have his little fence set up, so no more dangerous falls!
That is absolutely perfect, he will be safe now!
I am glad to hear Bert hasn't shown any lethargic behavior, black bearding or anything else.
I would keep an eye on him all weekend though, just to be sure.