Is my baby bearded dragon having RI or relocation stress?

[Kamewu]

Hello Beardie Fam!

After a year since my 8-year-old bearded dragon passed away, I decided it was time to welcome a new baby bearded dragon into my life. I got this little guy at a reptile expo in NY last week. The breeder mentioned he’s about 2 months old. Last week, he ate around 8 crickets and 5 Dubia roaches, which feels a bit low for a hatchling bearded dragon. About three days ago, I noticed he occasionally seems to choke or make a sound while basking—2-3 times a day. (Please see the video for references, I do not know how to describe this, choking/wheezing/clicking?) At first, I thought it might be relocation stress since he’s been active and exploring his tank. He doesn’t have bubbles from his mouth or nose or show open-mouthed breathing. However, his appetite is low, he keeps closing his eyes in the basking area, and he’s not eating any veggies at all. He also hasn’t pooped in the last two days, which has me worried.

And here are some info for my tank:

Heat lamp: Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp 100W--------(NY is cold right now, the basking area is showing 95 ° F to 100 ° F, Humidity: 30%)
UVB: Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO Reptile Terrarium Lamp, 24-watt (Its brand new, never been used but I brought it one year ago, should I get another one?)
Tank size: 40 gallon
Food in tank: Veggies-----Collab green, yellow squash and carrot (He doesn't want to eat at all)
Insects------Crickets and Dubia roaches


I’m unsure if I should risk traveling to the vet in this cold weather or if this might just be stress, shedding issues? I'm worrying if this is possibly an early sign of a respiratory infection. I’ve reached out to the breeder, but it’s the holiday season, and they’re currently on vacation. I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions from the fam before scheduling a vet appointment!

Please let me know if you need any additional information from me! Thank you so much!

 

[KarrieRee]

Hello Beardie Fam!

After a year since my 8-year-old bearded dragon passed away, I decided it was time to welcome a new baby bearded dragon into my life. I got this little guy at a reptile expo in NY last week. The breeder mentioned he’s about 2 months old. Last week, he ate around 8 crickets and 5 Dubia roaches, which feels a bit low for a hatchling bearded dragon. About three days ago, I noticed he occasionally seems to choke or make a sound while basking—2-3 times a day. (Please see the video for references, I do not know how to describe this, choking/wheezing/clicking?) At first, I thought it might be relocation stress since he’s been active and exploring his tank. He doesn’t have bubbles from his mouth or nose or show open-mouthed breathing. However, his appetite is low, he keeps closing his eyes in the basking area, and he’s not eating any veggies at all. He also hasn’t pooped in the last two days, which has me worried.

And here are some info for my tank:

Heat lamp: Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp 100W--------(NY is cold right now, the basking area is showing 95 ° F to 100 ° F, Humidity: 30%)
UVB: Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO Reptile Terrarium Lamp, 24-watt (Its brand new, never been used but I brought it one year ago, should I get another one?)
Tank size: 40 gallon
Food in tank: Veggies-----Collab green, yellow squash and carrot (He doesn't want to eat at all)
Insects------Crickets and Dubia roaches


I’m unsure if I should risk traveling to the vet in this cold weather or if this might just be stress, shedding issues? I'm worrying if this is possibly an early sign of a respiratory infection. I’ve reached out to the breeder, but it’s the holiday season, and they’re currently on vacation. I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions from the fam before scheduling a vet appointment!

Please let me know if you need any additional information from me! Thank you so much!

I couldnt get the video to come up -- its coming up as Media Player -- you might want to do another video on you tube and post the link-- the UVB should be in the tank or unobstructed w/ a fine mesh screen - approx 12-15 inches directly above a piece of basking decor-and its fine if it has not been used - if hes under 6 months of age I would get your surface basking temps up to 105-110 taken w/ a digital probe thermometer -- hes eating good for a little guy going thru relocation stress - does he have the stress marks? I would get him some BSFL to put on top of his salads to lure him to the salad bowl -- see if you can repost the video again so we can see what hes doing

 

[Kamewu]

I couldnt get the video to come up -- its coming up as Media Player -- you might want to do another video on you tube and post the link-- the UVB should be in the tank or unobstructed w/ a fine mesh screen - approx 12-15 inches directly above a piece of basking decor-and its fine if it has not been used - if hes under 6 months of age I would get your surface basking temps up to 105-110 taken w/ a digital probe thermometer -- hes eating good for a little guy going thru relocation stress - does he have the stress marks? I would get him some BSFL to put on top of his salads to lure him to the salad bowl -- see if you can repost the video again so we can see what hes doing

Hello KarrieRee, I really appreciate your reply! And here is the LINK of the video. To answer your questions: the UVB is placed in the middle of the tank, with no obstruction above the basking area. He’s had stress marks consistently, which only disappear when he’s asleep. I’ve also been using a ceramic heat lamp at night, especially after noticing the choking/coughing issues. The nighttime temperature stays around 63°F. And I put him in the bath yesterday but he didn't stay long in the water

I always monitor him with a thermometer, and the camera when I'm going to work. His body temp is about 95°F. I agree that the basking temp is likely a bit too low—it should ideally be between 105-110°F. I’ve already ordered both Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamps (125W and 150W) after reading your comment. I’ll be picking them up tonight and replacing the current lamp as soon as possible.

He hasn’t pooped since yesterday and has been staying in the basking area without moving much. He also doesn’t seem interested in food, even when the crickets and roaches are actively moving around. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do, I really value your input! Thank you so much again!

 

[KarrieRee]

Hello KarrieRee, I really appreciate your reply! And here is the LINK of the video. To answer your questions: the UVB is placed in the middle of the tank, with no obstruction above the basking area. He’s had stress marks consistently, which only disappear when he’s asleep. I’ve also been using a ceramic heat lamp at night, especially after noticing the choking/coughing issues. The nighttime temperature stays around 63°F. And I put him in the bath yesterday but he didn't stay long in the water

I always monitor him with a thermometer, and the camera when I'm going to work. His body temp is about 95°F. I agree that the basking temp is likely a bit too low—it should ideally be between 105-110°F. I’ve already ordered both Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamps (125W and 150W) after reading your comment. I’ll be picking them up tonight and replacing the current lamp as soon as possible.

He hasn’t pooped since yesterday and has been staying in the basking area without moving much. He also doesn’t seem interested in food, even when the crickets and roaches are actively moving around. Let me know if there’s anything else I can do, I really value your input! Thank you so much again!

Be careful w/ the wattage on the lamps-- I would get a temp under the basking light w/ the probe -- if hes isnt feeling good I would keep the night time temps around 80ish or so -- no baths for now -- him not eating is not good he should be eating something so we need to make sure temps and UVB are on par -- please dont leave any crickets in the tank they will/ can bite -- the roaches are ok its the crickets --- I am going to have 2 others take a look at the video and see what they think - how often is he doing this?
@Drache613
@AHBD

 

[Kamewu]

Be careful w/ the wattage on the lamps-- I would get a temp under the basking light w/ the probe -- if hes isnt feeling good I would keep the night time temps around 80ish or so -- no baths for now -- him not eating is not good he should be eating something so we need to make sure temps and UVB are on par -- please dont leave any crickets in the tank they will/ can bite -- the roaches are ok its the crickets --- I am going to have 2 others take a look at the video and see what they think - how often is he doing this?
@Drache613
@AHBD

Thanks for the suggestion, KarrieRee! I won’t leave the crickets in there anymore. I’ve been keeping an eye on the basking area—he likes to stay on the green hammock, which is around 93-95°F, and the ground with the mat is between 95-101°F. I will check it again tonight once I replace the 125W lamp to make sure not over 115°F in that area. And also, do you think I should switch the mat to paper towels instead? I’ve seen some older posts recommending that too.

Regarding that strange behavior, it usually happens 2-3 times per day and started about four days ago (Thanksgiving). However, it’s not very consistent—on Saturday, he didn’t do it at all, but he did it once yesterday (Sunday) and once so far today.

 

[KarrieRee]

Thanks for the suggestion, KarrieRee! I won’t leave the crickets in there anymore. I’ve been keeping an eye on the basking area—he likes to stay on the green hammock, which is around 93-95°F, and the ground with the mat is between 95-101°F. I will check it again tonight once I replace the 125W lamp to make sure not over 115°F in that area. And also, do you think I should switch the mat to paper towels instead? I’ve seen some older posts recommending that too.

Regarding that strange behavior, it usually happens 2-3 times per day and started about four days ago (Thanksgiving). However, it’s not very consistent—on Saturday, he didn’t do it at all, but he did it once yesterday (Sunday) and once so far today.

I cant see the mat what are you using? The only suggestion so far as far as decor I would change the hammock out to a fleece one or cloth one - the green and grass hammocks are known to cause nail toe and feet issues -- like snagged nails and sprains -- we need ahbd and Tracie to weigh in on the sound hes making -- you dont want surface basking temps over 110

 

[Kamewu]

I cant see the mat what are you using? The only suggestion so far as far as decor I would change the hammock out to a fleece one or cloth one - the green and grass hammocks are known to cause nail toe and feet issues -- like snagged nails and sprains -- we need ahbd and Tracie to weigh in on the sound hes making -- you dont want surface basking temps over 110

He mat is similar to the Zoo Med Eco Carpet Reptile Cage Liner. I can definitely replace the hammocks as soon as possible, and thanks for pointing that out! I’ve also scheduled a vet appointment for this Wednesday, just to be safe.

 

[KarrieRee]

He mat is similar to the Zoo Med Eco Carpet Reptile Cage Liner. I can definitely replace the hammocks as soon as possible, and thanks for pointing that out! I’ve also scheduled a vet appointment for this Wednesday, just to be safe.

NO ENEMAS!! They are hazardous to dragons- the reptile carpet can also cause snags as well- you can get some textured NON adhesive shelf liner cut to the size of the tank - look at Walmart or your local home improvement store- clean w/ vinegar and water 50/50--

 

[LarryTheLizard]

Hello Beardie Fam!

After a year since my 8-year-old bearded dragon passed away, I decided it was time to welcome a new baby bearded dragon into my life. I got this little guy at a reptile expo in NY last week. The breeder mentioned he’s about 2 months old. Last week, he ate around 8 crickets and 5 Dubia roaches, which feels a bit low for a hatchling bearded dragon. About three days ago, I noticed he occasionally seems to choke or make a sound while basking—2-3 times a day. (Please see the video for references, I do not know how to describe this, choking/wheezing/clicking?) At first, I thought it might be relocation stress since he’s been active and exploring his tank. He doesn’t have bubbles from his mouth or nose or show open-mouthed breathing. However, his appetite is low, he keeps closing his eyes in the basking area, and he’s not eating any veggies at all. He also hasn’t pooped in the last two days, which has me worried.

And here are some info for my tank:

Heat lamp: Zoo Med Repti Basking Spot Lamp 100W--------(NY is cold right now, the basking area is showing 95 ° F to 100 ° F, Humidity: 30%)
UVB: Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB T5 HO Reptile Terrarium Lamp, 24-watt (Its brand new, never been used but I brought it one year ago, should I get another one?)
Tank size: 40 gallon
Food in tank: Veggies-----Collab green, yellow squash and carrot (He doesn't want to eat at all)
Insects------Crickets and Dubia roaches


I’m unsure if I should risk traveling to the vet in this cold weather or if this might just be stress, shedding issues? I'm worrying if this is possibly an early sign of a respiratory infection. I’ve reached out to the breeder, but it’s the holiday season, and they’re currently on vacation. I’d really appreciate any advice or suggestions from the fam before scheduling a vet appointment!

Please let me know if you need any additional information from me! Thank you so much!

Aww he is adorable! Love the video!!

 

[Kamewu]

NO ENEMAS!! They are hazardous to dragons- the reptile carpet can also cause snags as well- you can get some textured NON adhesive shelf liner cut to the size of the tank - look at Walmart or your local home improvement store- clean w/ vinegar and water 50/50--

Hi KarrieRee,
Thanks for your suggestions! I'm definitely going to try them out. Here are some updates on him:

• Last night, I kept the temperature around 80°F when he went to sleep, but I noticed he woke up at 1 a.m. with his eyes still closed. Do you think it might have been too warm for him to sleep comfortably?
• This morning, I woke him up at 9 a.m. and noticed part of his tail is about to shed!
• I saw him cough several times today:
  • The first time was around 12:30 p.m., and he coughed 8 times.
  • The second time was around 2:10 p.m., and he coughed 4 times.
  • The third time was at 3:00 p.m., and he coughed 3 times, with his body jerking slightly during the coughs.
    He doesn’t have a runny nose, but I’m wondering if something could be stuck in his throat. And here is the video LINK of how he was coughing.
• He popped today but still have low appetite to eat so I hand fed him 4 Dubia and few leaves and few drops of water.

My Husband said we should monitor him few more days in order to go to the vet because he seems still having stress. So I'm thinking to postpone the appointment to Saturday......

Again, always appreciate to you for giving me suggestions! And attached a picture of his tail that looks like about to shed.

 

[Kamewu]

Aww he is adorable! Love the video!!

Thank you so much for watching that video! He really is adorable, and I hope his coughing is just stress not RI ;(

 

[LarryTheLizard]

Thank you so much for watching that video! He really is adorable, and I hope his coughing is just stress not RI ;(

He issss, and I hope and pray that it’s not 🫶

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

He is super cute! As already suggested, go ahead & keep him around 75-80F overnight, to help boost
his immune system in case he might be having any respiratory issues.
As with most little ones, they tend to go through relocation stress which will usually affect their appetites
& behavior. Since he doesn't do this behavior often you can hold off on going to the vet in case most of
this is stress related.
Perhaps changing out the tank liner to a non adhesive shelf liner so there is minimal dust in his tank.

Let us know how he is doing.
Tracie

 

[KarrieRee]

Hi KarrieRee,
Thanks for your suggestions! I'm definitely going to try them out. Here are some updates on him:

• Last night, I kept the temperature around 80°F when he went to sleep, but I noticed he woke up at 1 a.m. with his eyes still closed. Do you think it might have been too warm for him to sleep comfortably?
• This morning, I woke him up at 9 a.m. and noticed part of his tail is about to shed!
• I saw him cough several times today:
  • The first time was around 12:30 p.m., and he coughed 8 times.
  • The second time was around 2:10 p.m., and he coughed 4 times.
  • The third time was at 3:00 p.m., and he coughed 3 times, with his body jerking slightly during the coughs.
    He doesn’t have a runny nose, but I’m wondering if something could be stuck in his throat. And here is the video LINK of how he was coughing.
• He popped today but still have low appetite to eat so I hand fed him 4 Dubia and few leaves and few drops of water.

My Husband said we should monitor him few more days in order to go to the vet because he seems still having stress. So I'm thinking to postpone the appointment to Saturday......

Again, always appreciate to you for giving me suggestions! And attached a picture of his tail that looks like about to shed.

Is that a hammock hes on? I would change that out to a fleece one or cloth -- you can find them on Etsy - the green and grass hammocks are notorious for nail and feet injuries --

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

How is your baby doing, hopefully improving more each day? As Karrie suggested, the fleece type of
hammocks are terrific & decrease the incidences of them catching or tearing the nails on the fabric.
Maybe try lowering the temperatures to under 80F. What are you using for the nighttime heating?

Tracie