Constant black beard....

[luvmybd]

He's 10 months old, eats well, poops everyday, temps are all correct. I've had two other dragons that lived for 7 and 8 years. I bought him when he was 4 months old and his beard changed approximately three months later. There was a male dragon in a cage above, but it was not in his sight.

The exotic vet couldn't find out why his beard is always black (and end of his tail). He had pinworms and received an oral dewormer.

I called a few different breeders and was told he wants to breed and the black beard is hormonal. I understand the truth is they only have an urge to mate by pheromones and since there are no female dragons this is not the answer.

Has anyone had similar experience or have an idea the cause and cure?

Thank You

 

[CooperDragon]

It's true that they will often black beard during the spring for mating season. It usually comes along with relatively aggressive behavior, beard flaring, and head bobbing. If your guy is black bearding for an extended period of time and is acting more lethargic than normal I'd be concerned. Has he lost any weight? Which tests did the vet perform during his visit? I don't think pinworms would cause a serious issue unless the count was extremely high. Which dewormer did he receive? Most of the new ones like Panacur are relatively mild.

 

[luvmybd]

He doesn't head bob at all.
Not sure which oral dewormer was used. The vet also said the pin worms aren't a cause.
The vets examination included touching parts of his body and a look in his mouth. The exam was normal.
What other tests should be considered?

 

[CooperDragon]

It may be worth having a blood test done to check to see if his organs are functioning properly. Might be worth discussing that with your vet.

 

[luvmybd]

I've known this vet for 8 years and he always suggests any test that might be helpful.

He has a big appetite eating dusted crickets, arugula, and squash. Blueberries and Superworms as treats. He runs for those Supers.

His weight is good.

After I handle him for a while, he'll hiss when I put him back in his viv. The vet also noticed he hissed once while being examined.

Although he's 18.5", he's built like a bull.

 

[CooperDragon]

If his appetite is up and his weight is good then everything might be fine and he is just hopped up on hormones. 3 months seems like a long time to have a constant black beard though. I'd keep a log of his weight. If it starts to trend downward that may be a sign of something more serious going on.

 

[luvmybd]

That's a good idea. I will track his weight.

 

[kingofnobbys]

is he pooing regularly ?

a friend had a beardie who was constant bb , turned out to be impacted .

 

[luvmybd]

is he pooing regularly ?

a friend had a beardie who was constant bb , turned out to be impacted .

Everyday in his bath.

 

[kingofnobbys]

Might be the he's got a tummy issue after the treatment, maybe some probiotics and some manuka honey might help.

 

[luvmybd]

Might be the he's got a tummy issue after the treatment, maybe some probiotics might help.

He had a BB before treatment.

 

[kingofnobbys]

Might be just that he's become a stroppy teenage boy and he's developed an attitude.

I think , not an expert opinion here , that there's really nothing wrong with him other than being at an awkward age and he'll be perfectly OK in month or two once his hormones settle and you'll find you'll have a nice snuggly laid boy.

 

[luvmybd]

Might be just that he's become a stroppy teenage boy and he's developed an attitude.

I think , not an expert opinion here , that there's really nothing wrong with him other than being at an awkward age and he'll be perfectly OK in month or two once his hormones settle and you'll find you'll have a nice snuggly laid boy.

I hope so.

 

[luvmybd]

Btw, from the vets experience, he sees more health issues from morphs from trans.
These dragons eyes are almost all black/dark.
I will never buy one again.
Anyone know of a reputable breeder that does not sell dragons that have been imbred, such as the trans?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I agree, they can many times sport constant black beards during mating season or just knowing another male is around.
Which probiotics did you use for him?
I am so sorry for your loss...?

Tracie