Help! New beardie 6 weeks won't eat!!

[burkieb0y]

Hi All,

I have recently purchased my first ever bearded dragon, however my cousin has had one that i have looked after for a couple weeks whilst he was away, before I bought my dragon I did so much research and feel I have quite a good knowledge on them for a new owner.

However I purchased my dragon yesterday, when he got home I fed him 5 crickets which he ate all of them. It has been 11 hours since his last feed, I tried to feed him crickets this morning but he didn't touch them, so i took them out and again tried as soon as I got home from work, still he won't eat them, I am putting a tiny bit of calci dust for obvious reasons. Even when I dangle it in front of him he won't eat, I have also given him a bath to see if that helps but still nothing.

The temperature in the hot part hits 40 degrees celcius which I thought is perfect and cold side is around 35-37 celcius, can anyone give me advice or help? Would also appreciate any general help and top you could give me for future reference also, not just regarding feeding. Please help I'm worried about my dragon.

 

[destiny1998]

Hi. He probably has relocation stress. That can last for a week or 2. He just needs time to settle in

 

[burkieb0y]

Hi. He probably has relocation stress. That can last for a week or 2. He just needs time to settle in

Thanks Destiny, would would you suggest I start to introduce him into crickets again? At the moment I just change his salad bowl daily with peppers included etc.

 

[destiny1998]

Yes. Babies need lots of protein. 80% protein and 20% salad. He should be fed 2x to 3x a day for as much as he'll eat in 10 mins.

 

[burkieb0y]

Yes. Babies need lots of protein. 80% protein and 20% salad. He should be fed 2x to 3x a day for as much as he'll eat in 10 mins.

Sorry destiny I meant to say when, if he currently isn't eating them yet?

 

[AHBD]

Hi Burkie....just wanted to chime in that if your cool side is 35 -37C, that is much too hot. You'll want it around 27C on the cool side.

 

[burkieb0y]

Hi Burkie....just wanted to chime in that if your cool side is 35 -37C, that is much too hot. You'll want it around 27C on the cool side.

Do you have any tips how I can lower the temp? I have a log thats koine of like a cave for shade but would like the temp lower, I only have the two UVB lights and the basking light on, I need to keep the bask on so how would i make the other side cooler without affecting the basking side?

 

[burkieb0y]

3rd day and still has only eaten 1 cricket! Anyone help

 

[AHBD]

Hi again....if you've only had him for a few days, don't worry too much. Beardies often go through a period of relocation stress and won't eat much before they settle in. What size is your tank, and what brand + type of lights do you have ? Post that info here + someone can help you if you need adjustments. Also, try dripping some water on his nose for a drink, he may be very thirsty. Get a lower watt bulb to lower the temps.

 

[burkieb0y]

Hi again....if you've only had him for a few days, don't worry too much. Beardies often go through a period of relocation stress and won't eat much before they settle in. What size is your tank, and what brand + type of lights do you have ? Post that info here + someone can help you if you need adjustments. Also, try dripping some water on his nose for a drink, he may be very thirsty. Get a lower watt bulb to lower the temps.

It's reptile flow lights and a 4ft vivarium, I will try and post a pic tomorrow, can't upload from my phone. I'm so worried, I take him out and handle him for. 15 mins to cool him down

 

[BeardedKing27]

As said ubove it looks like relocation stress. As long as you keep offering it to him he should eat. I wouldn't worry to much at the moment. Just keep tring. Best of luck!

 

[ElimtheDragon]

When I first got my beardie, she didn't eat much of anything for the first 2-3 weeks. Have you tried offering the feeders and leaving the room?
I thought mine was sick since she had been going so long without eating until I put her in a separate container with about 12 crickets and left the room. When I came back, they were all gone. It turns out that she was just shy.