Dragon not eating much...

[rescuebeardies]

HI! i NOW HAVE A QUESTION IN REGARDS TO WHAT TO GIVE A DRAGON WHO IS NOT EATING. i RESCUED A BEARDIE ALMOST A WEEK NOW. HE IS N THE BEGINNING STAGES OF MBD; EYES ARE SWALLOWEN AND THGE MOUTH IS SOFT. I AM GIVING HIM/HER LIQUID CALCUIM EVERY DAY (HE TAKES IT LIKE A CHAMP) HE DOES EAT A FEW (2 OR 3 AT MOST) DUSTED CRICKETS AND DUSTED WORMS (HE LIKES THOSE, BUT i DONT WANT TO SPOIL HIM ON THOSE TO MUCH), HE HAS THE PROPER LIGHTING. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF THERE IS SOMETHING ELSE THAT I CAN GIVE HIM THAT IS HEALTHY? I OFFER ROMAINE BUT HE DOESNT TAKE THAT (BUT THAT IS NOT A CONCERN FOR ME YET). AS OF RIGHT NOW,HE IS NOT SKINNY BUT I DONT WANT HIM TO START TO GET THAT WAY. I WOULD JUST LIKE FOR HIM TO EAT MORE CRICKETS!!!! BEFORE I TAKE HIM TO THE VET I AM ASKING FOR ANYONES ADVICE ON THIS MATTER- THANK YOU---KAREN

 

[Buggsy]

well he/she will prob be going through some relocation stress if youve only had him a week, but a run down of your set up would be usefull.
For instance, what brand UVB are you using, and is it a tube or coil? Also what temps are you getting in the cage and what are you measuring them with?

 

[rescuebeardies]

I Think you may be right about relocation stress, but I will be more than happy to give you a run down on my setup. Darwin is housed in a 18 x 18 x 36 critter condo. Basking spot is currently reads 105. Basking light is a Zoo Med 60W bulb connected to a Helix thermostat set at 105. The cooler side stays around 85 degrees. I do have a little Zoo Med thermometer to back up the temp shown on the Helix. The UVB Bulb is a Zoo Med Reptisun 10.0. I use newspaper for substrate for ease of cleaning. Like I said, Darwin Loves calcium dusted superworms but I dont want him to get used to them. I really would like him to increase his cricket intake. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Buggsy.

 

[Buggsy]

The thermometer, is that the round one or the digital with probe, i know exo make both.

The tank sounds good as a whole, but the supers are very good as a feeder also, he is over 16" right?? (make sure they are supers and not hormone treated mealies, they are very different!) Most beardies generally go off crix at some point, they must not taste too good! I know my female would never touch one! If you are in the UK you could get locusts, they are my girls fave! Butterworms are also good to tempt them into eating!

 

[rescuebeardies]

Buggsy: Thanks for the help. Going to look into the butterworms; never heard about them before. Take care.---KAREN