Beardie won't Eat NOT BRUMATING HELP

[Turtleman0987]

My three year old beardie won't eat. Well, he will, but it's just like two superworms a day and nothing that doesn't move. He hasn't really eaten salads for a really long time, and hasn't eaten much for a while. He is however making regular movements so hes not impacted. I give him baths daily so he isn't dehydrated. I've mostly been giving him super worms because he won't eat much. He appears fine, though and isn't really skinny. I love him so much and will do anything for him! I feel so bad for waiting this long. I forgot how to post pictures. He's about 16" long, he has a place to hide and bask, a uvb reptisun(may be to far away). Is there something wrong with him? Am I being a bad owner?

 

[AHBD]

Here is how to post pics : https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/
Or you can load them to a site like Photobucket, then copy/paste the img here.
It's normal for some dragons to just slow down on the eating but not go to sleep. He's fine if he's eating a bit + pooing. What types of greens + veg do you offer ? You might get him to eat salad by tossing his superworms in there or you can try popping in a leafy green while he's eating a super.

 

[Turtleman0987]

I've tried putting supers in his salad. The latest I've offered is a mix of kale, collard greens, and two others I've forgotten but I know they are really good for beardies. He doesn't really look that skinny, I'm just really worried because I love him to death and want him to be happy, healthy, and live a long life! How active and alert should he be? I don't give him very many supplements until lately.

 

[Turtleman0987]

Please someone help. He's fine for now, but this isn't healthy for him!

 

[Turtleman0987]

It's been happening for to long to be brumating. I don't want my friend to die please help! I'm planning on going to the vet soon after Christmas but what do I do to help him now?

 

[CooperDragon]

What kind of ReptiSun UVB light do you have? If you can post photos it will help. How old is the bulb? What is the temperature range in your enclosure?

 

[SIZEMICT]

It's been happening for to long to be brumating. I don't want my friend to die please help! I'm planning on going to the vet soon after Christmas but what do I do to help him now?

Russell slows down in Dec beginning with not going to the bathroom for 3 weeks or so and not eating followed by 3 months of deep sleep from Jan sometime in April his weight holds well and he is very healthy and fat built up in his head, neck and legs. I was worried the first time he went throught it. He hasn't ate for 3 weeks is awake and out in his room today. Keep an eye on his weight and he should be fine as long as he is not sick.

 

[Turtleman0987]

It's a reprising 10.0 the warm half about 95, the cool 75 or 80. How to post pic again with this site? I'm just don't feel like I had been caring for him right before, and feel like because of that, this isn't normal. Btw, something notable, accasionally hwjen I take him out he runs around for a short period on the floor then finds a place to hide and sleep.

 

[CooperDragon]

Is it the tube style ReptiSun? How far above the basking spot is it? The temps sound OK. It's normal for them to explore and then find a cozy spot for a nap. Both of my guys did that too. You can upload photos here https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ and then post them using the XIMG button.

 

[Turtleman0987]

It is a tube and id say a foot above his basking spot. I've gotten him to eat like five superworms a day, and little or no salad. He just seems lathargic when hes in his cage and out most of the time. He has no fat on his tail, kegs, head, anywhere.... It scares me. I want him to be healthy, happy, and fat! Also im doing this on mobile. I uploaded it, if you cant go and see it under my photos tell me. Ill upload more soon. Thats all I have as of now.

 

[CooperDragon]

I can't see the photos. Can you try posting them using the XIMG button? It should work from your phone.

Do you know if your UVB tube is a T8 or a T5 (skinnier, brighter)? They have different outputs and optimal distances. The T8 works best at around 6-8'' with nothing between the bulb and the basking area. The T5 is best at around 12-14'' and is strong enough to go through a mesh top if needed.

It's not good that his fat reserves are depleted. I'll take a look at the photos but if he's depleting his fat reserves you may need to syringe feed him or bring him to an experienced reptile vet if you can.

 

[Turtleman0987]

Will he be okay if I take him to the vet? What should I do? The bulb says its a reptisun 10.0 I'll check the series in the morning.

 

[Turtleman0987]

My parents say we can take him to the vet. Im so scared for him. I love him so much.

 

[CooperDragon]

He actually looks like he's a good weight based on that photo. He may just be in a semi brumation. I would get a digital kitchen scale if you don't have one and start keeping a log of his weight. If it stays relatively stable he is probably OK. If you see a downward trend I suggest a bet visit. You want to ensure that if a vet sees him they have experience with bearded dragons though. An inexperienced vet can wind up doing more harm than good.

 

[AHBD]

His body condition looks good, we are used to seeing some very fat dragons on the forums but your guy looks healthy. If he's eating 5 superworms a day he's fine....like was mentioned it is the brumation or slow down period for many dragons. Also, at that age beardies look lazy/lethargic because they really have nothing to do....they don't need the extra nutrition + energy to hunt and they have no where to go so they set a lot. Try not to get so worried, his behavior is normal. And remember, if you ever take him to a vet, only go to one that has a lot of experience with beardies. Some vets don't know about the winter slow down and can cost you money for nothing or even stress your dragon out with un necessary treatment.