Baby beardie looking darker, more lethargic

[komododragonsrock]

We got some great feedback from our last beardie, but he sadly passed away after having him for about a month, despite seemingly doing everything right. It seems he may have had ADV because he began stargazing and seemed to have some neurological problems.

We sterilized everything and got a second baby. He was vastly different from the moment we brought him home. Alert, eating, running around. Lately, however, he has been eating less, is much darker, eyelids seem a little heavy, and much more lethargic. Not moving around his tank, not super responsive to us like he was. We have had him for about a month now as well.

He is in a 25 gallon tank right now. He has a reptisun basking bulb and using a probe thermometer his basking site stays between 95-110. We have a reptisun T5 14 inch light over his basking spot as well. He gets greens daily and dubias that are dusted. We thought we had fixed any issues we had, but I am really nervous he's showing some of the same issues as our last beardie!

What could we be doing wrong!?

 

[KarrieRee]

Raise your basking temp up to 105-110 try that --- did you get the baby from the same place as last time? It is not uncommon for them to go thru relocation stress and be off on their eating --- can you take a pic of him and the lighting please -- the T 5 bulb where is it at? Take a pic of him doing what your described --- Tracie and AHBD will be able to help w/ that issue --- the T 5 needs to be on top of that tank w/ NO screen and approx 12-15 inches from his basking decor ---
Karrie

 

[komododragonsrock]

Yeah, same place. His T5 is 9 inches above him, no screen. We need a clamp, but we have it set up like this for now and monitor with the probe. My biggest concern is the change in behavior has happened this past week. He seems to be pooping normally, but he’s become less responsive. He would perk up when we walked in, watch us, scurry around and now nothing.

 

[KarrieRee]

These people are selling sick dragons-- my guess this one is gonna have the same fate as the last one-- you need to call and inform the people selling them this --- who ever they are getting the dragons from has a problem--what did you clean your tank out w/ prior to getting this one? ADV is contagious --- so if you didnt get the tank cleaned out really good its possible it could of contracted the virus that way but it seems it would of taken longer for it to start showing signs but I am not expert on that --- Tracie or ADHB would need to comment on that one -- you could take the baby into the vet and have them do a blood work up on it to see what the issue is --- have it tested for ADV ---- but my advice is to let the people know they are selling sick dragons and to not buy from there again ---- is this a pet store your getting them from?
Karrie

 

[komododragonsrock]

I soaked it for a long time, cleaned it with disinfectant really well, then soaked it again and rinsed it out really well, as well as all of the things in the tank. It was a pet store that we got him from, because that was really the only place around here that sold them. We know people who have gotten them from pet stores and heard about how easygoing and hearty they are, but that has not been our experience here. I was worried I had done something wrong, even though I have spent so much time researching!

 

[KarrieRee]

It sounds like they got a batch in from a bad breeder or I dont know ---- something is obviously wrong here --- what did you use for a disinfectant ? Wipe Out from Zoo Med or something else--- F 10 is about the best cleaner I know and that stuff you cant find it anymore either --- you can try finding it on Ebay or google it --- this is what it looks like https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/4092-large_default/f10sc-veterinary-disinfectant-34-oz-100ml.jpg
I havent been able to find it --- for some reason UVB fixtures T 5 bulbs like Repitsun and Arcadia have become almost obsolete like TP and freezers ---
Karrie

 

[komododragonsrock]

Yes! That’s why we haven’t upgraded the tank because it seems like the bulbs and fixtures we would need to upgrade are sold out. I’m so upset by this.

 

[KarrieRee]

I dont know what you want for a tank but the size recommended is 75-120 gallon - you want one w/ front doors - you can try for a used one on FB marketplace or craigslist --- or you can go for new --- I have 2 Zen Habitats and from what I understand they are behind w/ orders --- you can start looking now if you are going to get another dragon -- here is a website to get fixtures and bulbs--
https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/2934-large_default/reptisun-terrarium-hood-t5-24-zoo-med.jpg
I recommend this size its good for tanks 75-120 gallon and this bulb
https://www.reptilesupplyco.com/4445-home_default/d3-12-uvb-t5-bulb-22-arcadia.jpg
they currently have them in stock ---
Karrie

 

[komododragonsrock]

Thanks. I’m probably going to go ahead and order either way. We took him out and gave him a warm bath, just to see if he would perk up, and he seems to also be having trouble walking. It’s like his shuffling and he’s all uncoordinated. I feel pretty sad that we got another sick bear die, because I think I’ve done everything right since we’ve gotten him.