How long do you wait before force feeding?

[namrufmot]

My beardies appetite has tanked over the last few months. He used to gobble up veggies, hornworms, and superworms with glee. He hardly eats anything now...this week I think he's only eaten 1 superworm. The week before he ate a total of 6 and a couple pieces of veggie.

I took a fecal sample to the vet and he had a MILD case of pinworms. He has had his meds but still no increase in appetite.

I weigh him regularly and he hasn't lost anything. Should I give him an appetite stim / calorie supplement?

 

[EnookiMacek]

Maybe he is preparing to go into brumation?
I wouldn't force feed him if he hasn't lost any weight..I think that is the last thing on the chart..You should do that after trying out everything..Because it is very stressful for them..

Could it now be because of the meds? Do they have any side effects? Maybe you just have to wait it out till the therapy kicks in..

Before force feeding him you should really try everything..Wiggling the food in front of him, hand feeding, different food (beardies are known for their change of heart when it comes to food).. Maybe there is still something else? Is he constipated? What about his behavior - any changes? Did you ask the vet about this problem?

 

[namrufmot]

His appetite was dropping long before he took the prescription meds.

I don't think he is constipated because he pooped last week. He is just not pooping much since he isn't eating much. I give him baths to hydrate him and massage his belly, etc.

Other than that his behavior seems pretty normal. He's always been weird in that he seems to prefer sitting on the bottom of the tank and not basking high on his platform. He hates temps over 100.

Should I worry about him not getting enough calcium though?