Dark all over

[jessicaLuck]

So recently my beardie has been very dark. His temps are on and he's eating. But his beard is dark he's got really dark stress marks. Just all around dark. What might be causing this? He hasn't had coccidia meds in over a week and I'm waiting for him to Poop so I can get a fresh sample to check to see if the coccidia is gone. Nothing has changed. If anything he's eating more. Should I worry? I took him outside for a few minutes and he lightened up a bit but when I took him back in he went right back to black. I have not wanted to hold him much incase he's stressed. Can anyone give me some input? Thank you. He's about 7 or 8 months.

 

[Goonie]

[Moved from General to Behavior]

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Had there been any changes to his viv or the room where he lives? The slightest change (addition/removal of furniture, color, noise) would upset them.

 

[btrot95]

Bearded Dragons have a tendency to show distress through color change, as you stated you are aware of. A key sign to what is wrong, is that when he was taken outside, he lightened up. Here is what I think is the possible problem: he is lacking the vitamin D3 that is usually obtained through UVA/UVB light. I recommend getting a bulb that puts out those rays, that is NOT being blocked by the glass, which filters the UV rays. Also, decrease the distance from his basking spot, to allow a bit of hotter rays, but still allowing enough difference in temperature for his cold side. I recommend giving that a try. Let me know!

Best of luck!

 

[jessicaLuck]

I have a repti sun 10 in there and I worry if I lower it it will be to close to him?

 

[jessicaLuck]

Also he lightened up in the house a bit today after I took him out from his hide rock.

 

[btrot95]

Is the sun lamp able to send rays across the entire tank without any obstructions? When it comes to the heat however, moving it might be a smart thing to try. If he spends more time under it once its moved closer, then that means that was exactly what he needed! If he tries to avoid it once it's moved, or tries to get to a lower spot than usual, then move it back to where you originally had it. I would say that after a week or so, if the change in lamp placement and sun say changes don't fix the problem, I recommend seeing an exotic veterinarian and taking him to the vet. Best of luck!

 

[PudgysMom]

Have you tried soaking him so he'll poop? Also, how new is your bulb? And how are your humidity levels?