I think my baby beardie is dying....

[AmandaSmith]

I appreciate it Im going to try absolutely anything I can to get him better. I really do appreciate any and all advice, criticism, anything to get my little one healthy. Also, if anyone can tell me exactly how I can "force" (I hate even using that word) feed him, I would be so grateful. I tried coaxing his mouth open the same way I had been giving him water, by dabbing a bit on his nose/snout, and it took SO long to get him to open his mouth for food. And even when he finally did, I couldn't get the syringe in to get more in and he would only eat a very small amount. I also tried to run my finger along his mouth but he is so small that I worry I'm using too much pressure and that I'll hurt him.

 

[Esther19]

Try parting his lips at the side of his mouth and squirting a bit in so he can taste it. He probably won't really open his mouth. He'll just lick it when you dribble it on the tip of his nose once he knows what it is. Offer food as often as you are able; every few hours or so. Try making a slurry of greens and water in the blender. Strain it so it can go through your syringe. He might take that more readily than plain water. Good luck! You're doing an awesome job!

 

[SukiLove]

If the tank stays around 70 degrees at night you won't need a light for heat. If you find it's getting too cold at night you can use a ceramic heat emitter, lights seem to bother them at night. As for a hydrometer, I would get a digital one with a probe that can be left in the tank to maintain consistent readings.

Hope everything works out for you guys. If he was that dehydrated it will take him a little while to bounce back, I would keep trying to give him liquid foods and soaking him.

 

[AmandaSmith]

I can't thank you all enough, I can tell that just over night he is doing SO much better. He doesn't have much energy but he's opening his eyes every time I walk into the room or make noise near him. He's so much more alert than he had been the past couple days. THANK YOU all so much. I will try to let you all know how he's doing by the end of the day or tomorrow, and I will ask any questions as they arise. Seriously, thank you all so much!!

 

[destiny1998]

Glad hes improving !!!!!

 

[AmandaSmith]

Update: He (or she), is doing even better than this morning. As per all the suggestions, the tank is in order and he's on the right track to hopefully getting healthy. I know now that I'm going to have to figure out a way to up his food intake once he's back to what he was already eating but other than that, the baby food and baths are working. Thanks again everyone!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is wonderful, it sounds like he is doing much better!
Have you gotten food & fluids into him easier now? I hope he is enjoying his baths, too. You have done a great job getting him back up & active.
I am glad he likes the baby food it is very helpful in getting them to eat again & picking up the appetite, too.

Keep us posted on him.
Tracie

 

[AmandaSmith]

It has taken a lot of time and patience but he is doing so much better. He looks like he's back to his pre sickness weight. Still have a ways to go though, to get him to a healthier looking state. Each day he's looking better and better. YAY!! He is starting to like the baby food. It has taken a lot of convincing but he's getting the hang of it. I've been giving him two short, warm baths each day to get him hydrated, as well as mixing water with the baby food too. I seriously appreciate everyone's help. I don't think I would have known what to do without all the advice here. There just isn't enough info for newbies like myself, trying to figure out what is right and wrong. But again, thank you everyone. He's been awake and somewhat active today. Much more than he has been the past few days anyway.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is wonderful your baby is doing so much better now, I am happy to hear that. They normally do really like the baby food eventually so that must really be helping him out a lot then.
I am glad that he is recovering nicely & should be getting back to normal.
It is difficult finding the correct information when there is so much incorrect information floating around.
Please do keep us posted on his progress!

Tracie