Baby not eating

[Lisadee216]

Hi. I am new to the hobby, I got the entire setup with a pet grant for my classroom, Fuego is home with me for vacation. He is young, I've had him a week. He's about 6" .long. I have a long 20 gal. Tank, reptile carpet, a 100 watt basking lamp, a 100 w infrared heat lamp, a 5.0 UVB light, water and food bowl, ledge to climb on, a cave, a plant. The temp. Under the heat lamp is about 110, I just bought a new thermometer this morning, I thought it might have been colder so I got the extra thermometer, heat on the other side is about 85. I dust his crickets with calcium. He was doing well the first week, eating, perky. In the past 3 days he has thrown up twice and is not eating crickets. I gave him a warm bath this morning, and he pooped. He has fresh veggies but isn't eating them right now either. I had him under the air conditioner vent, air is not on, but moved him yesterday realizing that was not a good spot. His color is very dark and he's not moving around much. He did climb on me after his bath, but I am worried. Any suggestions?

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. Nix the red light. Those bother them. It makes them see things in the dusk. Also he needs a reptisun 10.0 tube. Those 5.0 do not give off the proper amount of uvb. Make sure that you give him water with a syringe. Since he's puking he will get dehdrated fast. What kind of thermometer are you using? If he doesn't improve in a day or 2 I'd take a fecal in and see if he has parasites.

 

[AHBD]

Hi there, I agree with Destiny to get rid of the red light immediately. Did you have it on at the same time as the other bulb ? If so he has probably been way overheated and now in critical condition. Keep offering water with a syringe and you might also try some baby food chicken and squash for nutrition.

He may have vomited too if the crickets were too large, can you remember exactly what size they were ? I hope little Fuego pulls through.

 

[Lisadee216]

I had the red light on only at night. The thermometer is digital ,but the kind that sticks on the tank.
The crickets were very small, 1/4 inch maybe, smaller than the width of his nose. I will get him a stronger light and try the baby food. Thanks for the help. I hope he pulls through, I am already attached! Who would've thought!

 

[AHBD]

I know, baby beardies are so endearing ! It's good that you've come here for help for the little guy. The crix are the right size, so that's good. But no red lights for beardies, I wish the pet stores would quit selling them, it's just a money maker. The only time you'd need heat at night is during the winter if it went below 65F.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

When you feed him, were you giving him at least 2 hours of time under his basking light before lights out/bedtime to digest also?
How is he doing today?
Also, he may have gotten too cold if he was that close to the air conditioner. Can you keep him a little warmer at night, around 80 or so in his tank with a ceramic heat emitter or a heating pad on LOW with a towel in between him & the pad?

Tracie

 

[Lisadee216]

Fuego didn't make it. He died last night. But I am going to try again, now that I learned a few more things...no red light, and a ceramic heat emitter for the winter. Thanks for your help. I'll let you know when I get my new beardie. BTW, love this site and forums.

 

[AHBD]

Aw, I'm sorry about the poor little guy. Sometimes at that size they are fragile and something can take them down quickly. If you get a chance, try for a larger baby this next time. My condolences to you for your loss !

 

[Lisadee216]

Thanks for your help. I went back and got another beardie today, he is bigger, and a bit chubbier, hopefully he will do better.