Beardie with Impaction

[Annalee]

My beardie (Charmander, he's about 3 months old according to the guy I bought him from almost a month ago and 8.5 inches long) has been acting so lethargic today. He was unresponsive, twitchy, acting like he was gasping for air and was slowly but surely turning dark with stress. I called 14 different vets in my area, all of which are closed on Sunday and no one would see him on emergency basis despite my crying and pleas. I'm sure I sounded a mess. I was worried he wasn't going to make it through the night. He has done this once before but the vet ended up chalking it up to calcium deficiency (even though I feed him properly gut loaded and dusted roaches), gave me syrup to feed him and sent me on my way.

Anyway, he's acting like his normal punk self now. He pooped what appears to be straight roach backs. I'm guessing that he passed what was causing him so much grief and now he's okay.

Obviously I should stop feeding him roaches, right? What should I feed him now? I guess his stomach isn't as strong as some so maybe something softer? He has NO interest in crickets whatsoever. Worms maybe?

Help me!

A friend of mine who used to breed bearded dragons (he got me through Charmander's scare last time) suggested that I leave the light on over night so he can keep digesting what else is left in his stomach. Good or bad idea?

I'd love some help here. Please reply!

 

[mgodfriaux]

Ok first of all we need to know your setup.... Unfortunatly the wrong setup.of uvb light brand,temperaturs,substrate(ie.) Sand or anything loose can cause your babies symptoms. As for your other question do not leave the light on at night it will disturb their sleep just like it would us. But once you answer the husbandry questions I will be able to help with the rest

 

[Burra]

You said you feed gut loaded crickets and roaches. Do you also dust them with calcium and vitamins? How often? At 3 months old you should be dusting with calcium 5 times a week, and vitamins 2 times a week. What are the temps in the set up? Cool side, warm side, and basking surface. What type of thermometer do you use to monitor the temps? What brand of UV light are you using? Coil type or tube? Basking light? Any night heat? All of these this can contribute to the issues you are having so knowing what you are using can help us help you!