Warning, this is a little gross…My beardie died last night. He was bad all day and 12+ vets and ECs turned me away. I’m sad and bitter and would just like to leave him there until rigamortus starts and I know 100% it’s time (since beardies can fool you and part of me wishes he’s faking it). But, I’ve noticed his body filling up like a balloon. Also, there’s a bad smell from the tank so I figured it’s time. However, he’s still not stiff yet, his body is bloated like a balloon, and I don’t what that means; or if I should handle him just yet. I couldn’t find anything online. Has anyone heard of this and ideas what I should do?
I am very sorry to hear your dragon has passed. It takes some time for rigormortis to set in
& sometimes it can be hard to determine that for awhile. It is safe to handle him however.
Are you planning on getting an autopsy, or just burying him?
It definitely sounds like he has passed. I am sorry that no vets would help you & your precious
boy.
Rigomortis has already happened and left. Bodies don't stay stiff, its just a short phase of the natural death process.
The bloating is the body filling up with gasses. It will only get worse, bury him now if that's your plan.