Hunger strike??

[leann]

Brock hasn't been eating....I have now resorted to syringe feeding him....which I did not want to happen.
He started slowing down late December early January when I thought maybe he was trying to brumate, but he never actually went to sleep for the winter or anything....I offer him collard, mustard and turnip greens daily.....and the other 3 family members here say they see him pick at a couple and then run off or what ever but they don't see this everyday...he's not interested in live feed either and hasn't been for a few months. I give him water daily thru a dropper because he hates a bath...wants nothing to do w/ it at all, I get the stink eye and he's constantly trying to jump out...

Brock is about 16months old and 18" long...I dunno what he weighs and I really can't tell that he's lost any weight. His behavior is fine except for not eating. He is housed alone of course in a 75 gal. w/ tile floor, has a MVB that isn't due to be replaced untill July. Basking temp is 100 to 105, cool side 75-80...depending on the temp in the house. Temps are taken w/ digital therm w/ probe.

Lights come on at 7am and off at 8pm. he does have a hide that he goes into anywhere from 6-7pm.

I don't want him to get spoiled where I have to start syringe feeding. He loves to be out of his cage running around and loves looking out the window.

Any thoughts or suggestions??

Leann

 

[Drache613]

Hello Leann,
Nice to see you on here.

So are you positive that your dragon is male? Just checking.
How far is the MVB from him, & which one are you using right now, the Megaray?
How often do you use calcium supplementation? At his age, he still needs it 3 times per week though.
Sometimes they get bored with their food. It sounds like he is just slow to come out of his first partial brumation phase.
What other feeders have you tried with him?
You could try some bee pollen to help with his appetite a little bit. That is a good appetite stimulant.


Tracie

 

[leann]

Hi Tracie,

I get on here every so often and lurk....hehe

Anyway I'm still using the Megaray...it's about 13-14" away from him now...I had to raise it because it was getting warmer here and basking temp was hitting 108-110 or so....I'm not 100% sure hes male..but I posted some pics some months back and everyone seemed to agree on a male...so thats what I'm going off of...

He hasn't had the vitamins in a couple months... untill recently when I started syringe feeding...now I'm mixing chicken babyfood, pinch of herptivite multi vitamins and pinch of calcium and jumpstart...He has also had liquid calcium...so calcium should be fine...

How long do you think that I should syringe feed?

Thanks!!
Leann

 

[herpfreak]

I agree, it could be a delayed awakening from brumation. It could also be parasites. I read a few threads on here in which some beardies weren't eating and the owners were trying everything. Then they decided to have a fecal done, and it turned out to be parasites. Just something to consider.

Hope he starts eating again soon!