Breathing Worry

[petethedragon]

Update: video is too big to add I guess. His breathing is sort of like a puffing of air out and it’s pretty constant but his mouth is not constantly open. No discharge outside of nose or mouth. It’s almost like little burps of hot air but with a kind of popping sound.

New owner here, 1 week in and I’m already a nervous wreck for our little beardie. He’s about 7 inches long and we did “rescue from Petsmart (my son really wanted to bring this one home…). To provide context, we initially housed little dragon in 20 gallon but our permanent habitat arrived just 3 days later and some we moved to that for a more spacious and environmentally friendly setting. Since bringing home, appetite has been consistent and started on crickets but we’ve since transitioned to Dubias as the more staple insect and they are a big hit. But 24 hours ago, my little dragon has started breathing off. His tank seems to be in good order with temps, humidity, gradient across the enclosure and UVB exposure but I would love to have more experience owners provide thoughts. Temps: Basking spot - 96 and 27% humidity
Mid Tank - 84 ish 30% humidity
Cool side -79 and 36% humidity

UVB is HO T5 UVB combo and sits 12-18 inches from basking area. We have a 4x2x2 Meridian Zen habitat the the UVB bulb is 31 inches leaving about. 13 inches without the T5 bulb directly above.

Until I can see a vet tomorrow, I would love to be able to discuss and chat with any experienced Beardie owners in the forum!

 

[Hazel_Basil10]

@AHBD
@KarrieRee

 

[KarrieRee]

Update: video is too big to add I guess. His breathing is sort of like a puffing of air out and it’s pretty constant but his mouth is not constantly open. No discharge outside of nose or mouth. It’s almost like little burps of hot air but with a kind of popping sound.

New owner here, 1 week in and I’m already a nervous wreck for our little beardie. He’s about 7 inches long and we did “rescue from Petsmart (my son really wanted to bring this one home…). To provide context, we initially housed little dragon in 20 gallon but our permanent habitat arrived just 3 days later and some we moved to that for a more spacious and environmentally friendly setting. Since bringing home, appetite has been consistent and started on crickets but we’ve since transitioned to Dubias as the more staple insect and they are a big hit. But 24 hours ago, my little dragon has started breathing off. His tank seems to be in good order with temps, humidity, gradient across the enclosure and UVB exposure but I would love to have more experience owners provide thoughts. Temps: Basking spot - 96 and 27% humidity
Mid Tank - 84 ish 30% humidity
Cool side -79 and 36% humidity

UVB is HO T5 UVB combo and sits 12-18 inches from basking area. We have a 4x2x2 Meridian Zen habitat the the UVB bulb is 31 inches leaving about. 13 inches without the T5 bulb directly above.

Until I can see a vet tomorrow, I would love to be able to discuss and chat with any experienced Beardie owners in the forum!

please get 2 digital probe thermometers the stick ons are inaccurate -- good for ambient temps only--- you want 105-110- I would also add another piece of decor directly under the UVB in the middle of the UVB fixture 12-15 inches --- 18 is too high -- about the breathing issue the popping sound is not good I need AHBD or Drache613 to chime in on this --
@AHBD
@Drache613

 

[xp29]

Your basking needs to be warmer, for babies 105 to 110.
Is the uvb inside or on the screen?
12 to 15 inches max if inside closer if its settingon a screen. The screen blocks a significant amount of the uvb.
If you want to post a video thats to big, you can create a YouTube channel and link it from there. Thats what i had to do so i know that works. It would be easier to help if we can see what he is actually doing.

 

[petethedragon]

New owner here, 1 week in and I’m already a nervous wreck for our little beardie. He’s about 7 inches long and we did “rescue from Petsmart (my son really wanted to bring this one home…). To provide context, we initially housed little dragon in 20 gallon but our permanent habitat arrived just 3 days later and some we moved to that for a more spacious and environmentally friendly setting. Since bringing home, appetite has been consistent and started on crickets but we’ve since transitioned to Dubias as the more staple insect and they are a big hit. But 24 hours ago, my little dragon has started breathing off. His tank seems to be in good order with temps, humidity, gradient across the enclosure and UVB exposure but I would love to have more experience owners provide thoughts. Temps: Basking spot - 96 and 27% humidity
Mid Tank - 84 ish 30% humidity
Cool side -79 and 36% humidity

UVB is HO T5 UVB combo and sits 12-18 inches from basking area. We have a 4x2x2 Meridian Zen habitat the the UVB bulb is 31 inches leaving about. 13 inches without the T5 bulb directly above.

Until I can see a vet tomorrow, I would love to be able to discuss and chat with any experienced Beardie owners in the forum!

please get 2 digital probe thermometers the stick ons are inaccurate -- good for ambient temps only--- you want 105-110- I would also add another piece of decor directly under the UVB in the middle of the UVB fixture 12-15 inches --- 18 is too high -- about the breathing issue the popping sound is not good I need AHBD or Drache613 to chime in on this --
@AHBD
@Drache613

Great info. The 18 inch mark is about 2/3 the way down the large climbing rock. The top of that structure is 12 inches the height of the UVB fixture. I would lower the fixture a bit to get it between 10-15 inches from this basking spot. I do have other decor items on the way but if it’s important enough to grab something now, I will pick something up!

Also, I’ll order some probes but referenced temps are from 2 different digital thermometers kept at both ends of the enclosure.

Finally, as I just went and checked on him and to adjust temps, I’ve noticed a small bit of clear liquid from his left nostril. Doesn’t look like he’s been to water bowl so now I am pretty sure he’s likely got a respiratory issue of some kind.

Thanks and looking for any advice until I can see the vet.

 

[KarrieRee]

Great info. The 18 inch mark is about 2/3 the way down the large climbing rock. The top of that structure is 12 inches the height of the UVB fixture. I would lower the fixture a bit to get it between 10-15 inches from this basking spot. I do have other decor items on the way but if it’s important enough to grab something now, I will pick something up!

Also, I’ll order some probes but referenced temps are from 2 different digital thermometers kept at both ends of the enclosure.

Finally, as I just went and checked on him and to adjust temps, I’ve noticed a small bit of clear liquid from his left nostril. Doesn’t look like he’s been to water bowl so now I am pretty sure he’s likely got a respiratory issue of some kind.

Thanks and looking for any advice until I can see the vet.

The digitals are w/ out probes your using? And yes it sounds like a RI -- I would get him into a reptile vet -- here is a website to find one around you www.arav.org
if your in a small town type in a bigger cities zip code closest to you -- please if you take him in NO enemas!! they often end in disaster --- please take a fecal in w/ you --

 

[petethedragon]

Your basking needs to be warmer, for babies 105 to 110.
Is the uvb inside or on the screen?
12 to 15 inches max if inside closer if its settingon a screen. The screen blocks a significant amount of the uvb.
If you want to post a video thats to big, you can create a YouTube channel and link it from there. Thats what i had to do so i know that works. It would be easier to help if we can see what he is actually doing.

I’ve increased heat, now up to 108. The UVB is inside the screen.

I’m trying to create a channel but seems like there’s some technical difficulty creating a channn. Trying and will post as soon as I ca .

 

[petethedragon]

The digitals are w/ out probes your using? And yes it sounds like a RI -- I would get him into a reptile vet -- here is a website to find one around you www.arav.org
if your in a small town type in a bigger cities zip code closest to you -- please if you take him in NO enemas!! they often end in disaster --- please take a fecal in w/ you --

No problem, just digital thermometers that show both temp and humidity. I only use the analog as an absolute backup and to ensure no major disparity in readings. Will invest in a couple probes to ensure accurate as possible reads at the key spots (basking and cool side)

 

[KarrieRee]

I’ve increased heat, now up to 108. The UVB is inside the screen.

I’m trying to create a channel but seems like there’s some technical difficulty creating a channn. Trying and will post as soon as I ca .

Ok make sure its 12-15 inches directly above the basking decor

 

[petethedragon]

Your basking needs to be warmer, for babies 105 to 110.
Is the uvb inside or on the screen?
12 to 15 inches max if inside closer if its settingon a screen. The screen blocks a significant amount of the uvb.
If you want to post a video thats to big, you can create a YouTube channel and link it from there. Thats what i had to do so i know that works. It would be easier to help if we can see what he is actually doing.

.

 

[KarrieRee]

.

I am not hearing anything like clicking noises see any mucous out of the nose or mouth - I think that behavior is normal - I will have ahbd take a look at her and see what she says
@AHBD

 

[AHBD]

Hi there, right now he looks pretty good and although there's a very slight chance that an R.I is coming on I don't see anything to seek vet visit for. Let him settle in for a while, keep a water bowl in during the day but take it out at night because sometimes they fall asleep in the water which can be a problem. I would have kept him in the 20 gallon until he's about 10" long, just so he can access the heat + uvb more easily if he does end up getting sick. For now just raise the basking temp. a few degrees and see how he does for the next few days.

 

[petethedragon]

Hi there, right now he looks pretty good and although there's a very slight chance that an R.I is coming on I don't see anything to seek vet visit for. Let him settle in for a while, keep a water bowl in during the day but take it out at night because sometimes they fall asleep in the water which can be a problem. I would have kept him in the 20 gallon until he's about 10" long, just so he can access the heat + uvb more easily if he does end up getting sick. For now just raise the basking temp. a few degrees and see how he does for the next few days.

So the slight puffing and open mouth venting is rather normal temp regulation? I get done of it is likely environmental stress but he’s got a good appetite and likes interaction.

Thanks for the feedback. I was obviously very worried about the new behavior.

 

[xp29]

Hey if ya didn't worrie, you wouldn't be doing your job It's always better to ask than to guess.

 

[Hazel_Basil10]

I agree. It's better to be safe than sorry!