I was at work one day when a guy came in asking about beardies and if anyone knew how to care for one. He said his friend's wife had thrown the beardie into the bushes and it was there for one week until they found him. The guy asked me if I wanted him and of course I said yes. What's one more! When he brought it in it was only a hatchling. My guess is less than 8 weeks old. He is in serious poor condition. His back has a huge hump and is curved. His front legs are bowed and his back legs seem weak. He has trouble getting around sometimes but he can be quick! The base of his tail has a huge lump on it and something took a bite out of his tail midway down. It was ok for awhile then it shriveled up and fell off. His bottom jaw protrudes slightly and he seems to have very labored breathing when eating. He has a great appetite and eats pinhead crickets and mixed greens. I taught him to drink from his water dish! I dust his food and use Fluker's vitamin spray on his greens. Sometimes when he eats too quickly though he spits up his food in a very clear and sticky bolus. I have his tank set up like my other 2 beardies( I've had beardies for years so I'm sure his set up is good) I've had Benny for about 3 weeks and when I first got him he was so emaciated he couldn't lift his head. I nursed him with the baby food mix and he took to the crickets immediately chasing them down. I'm just so concerned. Is it MBD or was he deformed from birth? Is there anything else I can do to give him a better life?
Thanks for any advice.
Karen
Thanks for any advice.
Karen