Baby beardie loss of appetite

[elliskate92]

Hi

We got Finn last week and he is now 8 weeks old. I heard he could have a loss of appetite while he gets used to a new home but I'm concerned he isn't eating as much as he should be. The last few days he's only eaten 3-5 crickets three times a day. Also no greens or fruit whatsoever, we tried giving a couple of waxworms in leaves but Finn picked out the worms and left the leaves!
He's doing what looks like a normal looking poop every day, seems to be sleeping/basking fine and likes a little stroke under the chin so don't think he's stressed by anything. Just worried he's not getting enough food down him!

Any thoughts or advice much appreciated!

 

[CooperDragon]

Their appetites will fluctuate. It's a good sign that he is alert and active and is pooping regularly. Probably nothing to worry about. I would weigh him on a kitchen scale and keep a log of his weight (in grams) so you can easily monitor his progress.

 

[elliskate92]

Thank you - I've been reading other posts about it and seen that shedding can also cause mood change and Finn is shedding at the moment! Also if UVB isn't up to scratch, we got a compact on advice of breeder but now thinking that wasn't great advice so ordered a tube one. All temperatures seem fine.

 

[CooperDragon]

Yep shedding can affect their mood and appetite for sure. They usually return to normal quickly after the shed is done though. Compact bulbs aren't very powerful so using a T5 tube is best in most cases. It really comes down to the dimensions of the tank and the distance the UVB light is mounted from the basking area.