hiding alot

[vikingchic55]

The last few days my juvenile has been hiding in his cave more than normal. He's been eating normally. He gets a bath everyday. Everything is set up right. I do daily cleans and every 2 weeks I do a thorough cleaning. He started shedding on his nose last week but no more on the rest of his body. Is he lazy because he's using energy to shed? Would love some input so I don't have to worry

 

[YavannaV]

Is he old enough to brumate? You can do a search on here for threads about brumation if needed. This is the right season for it and if he's a big guy for a juvi (over 15 inches) it might be that. Also, if they get parasites they can slow down and hide out too. To be safe, I'd get a fecal done just to be sure.

 

[YavannaV]

I'm not sure which part of the world you're from, so the "right season" is winter which would cover the US and Europe. If you're down under in Australia or such, it'd be summer and not the right time to conk out.

 

[vikingchic55]

We're in Minnesota. I've noticed shedding on his head but nowhere else. He gets bathed every day too

 

[YavannaV]

How old is he and what's his length?

 

[vikingchic55]

Alittle over 10" and not sure how 4-5 months

 

[YavannaV]

He is too young for brumation this year then.

It may be parasites then. Fecal exams are anywhere from $12 to $36 here in the US depending on how many Vets are in your area and if you're in an urban or rural area.

 

[vikingchic55]

Its not brumation. He's eating normally and pooping everyday. Asking if its a behavior due to shedding?

 

[YavannaV]

Often times shedding will make them lethargic, grumpy, and have a loss of appetite. I've never noticed either of mine staying in their hide because of shedding though. Maybe someone else has had other experiences and could reply too.

From reading various posts in the past the three most common reasons I've seen for a beardie staying in the shade / out of the light are:
1- Temperature is too hot b/c they were using a stick on thermometer and it wasn't accurate so the beardie was hiding to get out of the heat.
2- New owner that hasn't experienced brumation yet and asking why their beardie was napping and hiding out during the day and it happens to be winter where they live.
3- Parasites

You said that your set up is correct so that rules out 1, your dragon is too young to brumate so that rules out 2, which leaves reason 3 which is why I was suggesting you have a fecal exam performed.
Hope that helps.

 

[ryback]

Hmm... Do you know the sex of your beardie. I heard females lay infertile eggs if that is the case would cause hiding. Usually breeding starts with a dragon at two years old of age. Infertile eggs not sure because beardies can't be sexed at hatchlings or a bit bigger. Am a go read your topic again and keep thinking to help ya. Parasites usually cause loss of eating and smelly stools maybe hiding out. Brumation is looking like your case. I just threw that female advice out there.

 

[vikingchic55]

He's eating normal and pooping normal.

 

[ryback]

He's eating normal and pooping normal.

How are you taking the temps with a stick on, digital probe or temp gun? If everything is normal could be to warm and usually hide.