Brumation or something to worry about?

[Ashleydmj]

My adult 2 year old Bearded dragon has not basked for the past few days. His temps are fine and lights are under 6 months. I have only had him for a few months so I do not know his brumation patterns. If he ever has before? He is laying down next to his basking spot on the floor a lot. If I put him on his basking spot he just lays there. I had him out for awhile Friday and he just sat by the window. He usually explores. I tested his appetite and he ate normally. Usually if I hold him for too long he gets antsy and wants to run around, but lately hes been resting on me. I checked out the blog on brumation, but I just wanted to confirm it couldn't be anything else. His eyes seem very heavy or 'sleepy'.
What does this sound like to you?
Thanks!

 

[Ashleydmj]

I would just hope he doesn't have something bad that could cause him to act that way...

 

[Jaskotch]

I suggest having a fecal done to check for parasites. Can be hard to tell by any other means whether or not they are carrying a parasite load that may be causing them problems.

 

[Spoony]

I also recommend the fecal. This lethargy sounds like Zero just a couple weeks ago. He had 4+ count Coccidia and Round Worm. Now that he's off his meds, I can barely get him to sit still to eat. The fecal would be your best bet to see any internal nasties that could be causing your baby to be so blah.

 

[Ashleydmj]

I contacted Cheryl from Rio Reptiles and she said to print out a form at the bottom of the page after following a link for fecal testing. I can't find the link Anyone know?

 

[Ashleydmj]

And where did you get your medicine? Is there a reasonable place? My reptile vet charges me an arm and a leg no matter what it may be. :?

 

[Spoony]

I got my meds from my vet. The meds were like, $10. It was the $70 for teh exam and the $50 for the fecal that sucked. I believe you can purchase the meds off beardeddragon.co

I also hear if you ask Cheryl to do your fecal, she'll send you the meds and do the fecal at a lower cost than if a vet were to do it.

 

[Jaskotch]

dern, that is expensive! i got the whole deal incl a very complete exam for $50. probably will have to pay for meds at the second and final dosage, but that will be less than 10. i guess that's california for ya!

 

[Spoony]

Yea basically. And the fact that exotic vets are hard to come by, so some capitolize on that. It could also be that they don't use their machinery enough so they have to make it worth their while. Who knows haha

 

[Ashleydmj]

How would you suggest I take it? I know I can get him to poop in warm water. Do you just pick it up with something out of the water or..?

 

[Spoony]

Fecal exams are best taken as soon as possible, sealed in a ziplock bag, and put in the refrigerator. If you're mailing it to Cheryl, ask her how she suggests you keep it fresh in the mail. If your baby only poops in the water, try and keep as much water as you can out of the baggie I would assume. Zero only poops in his viv, so I didn't have to worry about water.

 

[Ashleydmj]

I texted her. I hope that's an ideal way to contact her!

 

[sweetiepie9]

If your beardie poops in the water, use a small strainer. I use a fine mesh one and that's the only use I have for it. Cheryl will tell you exactly how to put it together, I know quite a few people who go through Cheryl for fecals and she'll send you the meds you need for your beardie, too, all for a lot less than a vet. I'm just very fortunate that my vet is less expensive than most and if I take in more than one beardie (I have six!) she charges 1/2 the price for the 2nd onwards. I've taken in 3 at a time, in separate holders (I use gym bags with large shoeboxes inside and wrap them in their warm blankies) and that's always worked. Last time I went in, 3 beardies checked, a fecal for another one and meds was $141. Still expensive, but as I'm in Canada, better than through the mail, just on shipping costs.

 

[Jaskotch]

I think I'm going to try her, if for no other reason than a second opinion! Great service she offers!

 

[Ashleydmj]

Thank you all for your help!
Cheryl suggested putting a lid or something under him as he goes.
How should I ship poop? haha