burmutation or seriously sick

[belladonnamini]

I have a male dragon, approximately 4yrs old. (I got him from a rescue 2 years ago, so not completely sure of his age). He has always been very active. I have changed nothing about how he is kept, fed, and washed. About 2 months ago he shed off, and acted normal for the duration. Shortly after he was completely shed, he moved in to his hide-hole, and that is where he has been staying 24-7 unless we pull him out. When we do pull him out he will eat some, but seems lethargic as he won't chase the crickets- only eat the ones in front of him.

I've checked his cage temp and everything is as it should be. He's shed twice since I got him, but this is the first time he has ever done anything like this. He appears to have lost some weight, his skin is looser than it usually is.

Cage: Glass 2ftx4ft terrarium with mesh top, Reptile carpet, circular rock cave, about 8x8" that sits on the glass, but not the carpet. AVB+Heat lamp+Nocturnal red lamp, on timers.

I live in West KY, and finding local help has been problematic, as the vets here don't have much experience with exotic pets (in most cases they said they won't even see/treat them). Local help would be very appreciated, just to take a look if all else fails. Thanks.

 

[Zaxtor99]

I am very new to owning a beardie, but what you describe could probably be the result of many different things. ...Let me verify I understand you with asking you.. He has been this way for TWO MONTHS NOW?? - Since he last shed about two months ago??

That seems like a long time to be acting this way if so. Hmmm...

I know I read here that the red lamps are a big no-no. Someone else here can probably back that up if that's indeed the case. Also, you say that you have a UV bulb in there, if its not a UV florescent light then I would change that to a REPTISUN 10 UV 24" florescent ASAP as well, and get rid of the bulb uv light. You can buy really light 24" florescent light fixtures at places like Home Depot, Lowes, and even Walmart, just make sure its all plastic and light weight not the heavy metal ones. Then attach it with the Reptisun UV to the back side of your tank with Command Hooks.

Other then that, I will let others with more experience give you better advice - but until then hopefully that helps a little. I know that I have read a lot of posts where as soon as people get the right lights in their tank, especially the Reptisun UV florescent lighting, that their beardies have perked up big time!

 

[Derobmi]

I'm just bumping this up for you.

How's your beardie doing?

 

[belladonnamini]

I'm just bumping this up for you.

How's your beardie doing?

thank You for bumping this up, we changed out a light to the correct bulb that the two people suggested and that seems to have helped. im still not sure about the red light though. He had it when i got him and i've read and been told by several people to have it and then flip the page and see it's a big NO NO so im very confussed on that point, i know that his cage will get to cold at night if i do not have something on to keep the heat up at night, and i know not to use a heat rock or anything of that kind.

so new question.. If i remove the red light what do i use to keep his heat up at night, and how many hours a day should his lights be on?

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. Colored bulbs are bad for beardies. They disturbs sleep and are not good for their eyes. Beardies need complete darknees to sleep and a cool down period. If your house does not get below 65 at night then he'll be fine. If it gets colder then you need a ceremic heat emitter. Gives off heat and no light.