Bearded not eating normally

[Rshargani098]

Hey just need some help/advice for my bearded dragon. Had him since he was a baby and now hes pretty much in his early adult stage.

Right now hes around 7-8 months, anyways hes never been a picky eater. Crickets was his main meal, salad at least once a day. And super worms, horn worms or Dubai roaches as a snack. His temp is great, humidity like 28% and his light schedule is good. I was concerned with brumation because he did sleep a lot (like most of the day if I let him) but now he just doesn't really eat normally.

His salads he'll take maybe a bit or two or just ignore, crickets he ignores, roaches he'll ignore. The only constant are super worms. I never fed him these often so it's not like he got attached from that. I'm worried because i realize it's not good to just eat super worms since they are fattening and I do want to take him to the vet but not if hes just being really picky. As a precaution wanted to seek advice before I decide to play it safe

 

[KarrieRee]

Give us a run down of the tank and lighting--- most likely the usual cause is the lighting of the tank
post pics if you would please
Karrie

 

[Rshargani098]

Uvb tube and zoomed heating bulb. Everything is literally normal so it's not that. Like I said it's like extreme pickyness if I had to describe that. He'll eat just only super and horn and sometimes salad.

 

[Rshargani098]

 

[KarrieRee]

Can I ask what your substrate is?
Karrie

 

[Rshargani098]

I have been reading forums of other owners with this same issue and understand it's common. I wish not for him to become a "worm-fed" fattie since it isnt healthy. They mention it can be brumation like I thought or close to the 1year so hes just being really picky an stubborn, and to be strict and (sounds harsh but not in an unsafe way) but starve them a little so they go back to eating greens,roaches and crickets. Just worried you know?

 

[KarrieRee]

It's possible brumation type going on - usually brumation starts in fall and goes thru winter- mine did the semi brumation thing but that was last fall and he wasn't a year till end of jan-- now he's not eating at all not even worms-- he's been to vet fecal blood and x-rays all done--- nothing going on we've found-- I have been feeding him a carnivore/herbivore mixture every other day - still trying to get him to eat-- he's sustaining weight- I am at a loss as to why-- the vet wanted to do a barium but that is $400-- I have said no for now-- as far as yours not eating he is eating the worms-- you can let him get hungry --- they can go for a long time w/ out eating-- you can consult a reptile vet -- the vet I have taken mine to has consulted the u of miami-- she is to be getting back w/ me hopefully w/ some answers
Karrie

 

[Rshargani098]

Thanks karrie really helps a lot. I am going to try and starve him a little just so he gets hungry enough that he gives in. I will too call a vet just to see if I should come in. Anyways goodluck to you too

 

[KarrieRee]

Get a consult from vet--- you might want to keep track of his weight-- hiccup ate one bite of salad this morning and that was it---
Karrie

 

[Rshargani098]

Wanted to give an update for anyone reading this out of curiosity or going through the same issue
I safely starved and monitored Mr.Mittens (my bearded lol) for about 2 days. Today around 7:10am I attempted again to feed him Dubai roaches and he ate about 29 more or less.

Yesterday I also scheduled an appt with the vet with a fecal examination and after witnessing what happens today I did think "maybe he doesn't need to go". I'll see how he does tomorrow to see if he snapped out of his picky phase BUT still doing the appt monday to be sure hes all good.

My tip for anyone having issues, is do loads of research and read what everyones' experiences are before you make your final judgment call to take your little buddy to the vet. Best of regards.