Lethargic, Black beard, not eating (??)

[Jeepgrl005]

For about 2 days now, my Beardie (he's 6) is laying still, doesn't move unless I handle him, opens his eyes, but not fully, has a black beard, and today I noticed his back (spine) looks a little humped and swollen.

 

[rlanguid]

Hi there. I'm sorry for the beardie worries!
Do you happen to have any images of your little one? It helps tremendously when figuring out what might be going on. Also, a quick background would be very helpful too - its tank size, what bulbs you're using, his diet, or anything else he/she has been experiencing during this.
The more information that you are able to provide, the better some of the more experienced handlers might be able to help diagnose an issue.

 

[Jeepgrl005]

He's in a quite large tank 48.5" x 21" x 18" (I don't know how many gallons that is)...has been for about 5 years. Lighting is on one side of his tank, with his hammock. 100 watt basking spot lamp and a 5.0 UVB/UVA compact fluorescent. then the other side of the tank is just room temp (he goes there when he gets too hot. He eats meal worms, kale, romaine, carrots (shredded) and mixed veggies (peas, green beans,corn). He won't eat anything sweet, never has...he became uninterested in crickets about a year ago. There's a reptile specialist here where we live, he said it was okay for him to not eat crickets. He's eaten well and never been sick the whole time we've had him (since a baby). I dust his veggies and worms 3x a week w calcium/D3.

 

[Jeepgrl005]

I don't know how to post a picture (?)

 

[rlanguid]

A great place to upload photos to use in forums is Photobucket.
http://photobucket.com/

Making an account is very easy, and after you do, you can upload your images to there. From there, you can either directly copy and paste the link of the image you wish for us to see in your post, or you can use the 'Img' button located right above your post editor. (It's a button that's right above where you type at)
From there, you simple paste your URL of the image into the bracketed area, like so:
{img}Post URL here{/img}
(The brackets will be "[" and "]", not "{" and "}")

As for your details, he seems to have a very varied diet. Have you spoke to a vet about his recent behavior?
Either way, thank you for the information. I know one of the more experienced members here might be able to help you out better than I might be able to.
I am a little concerned about this lump on his back though. Does he respond to it when you handle him at all? Also, does he still eat daily?

 

[CooperDragon]

I agree that some photos would help. You can also upload them directly through the site. https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/ and then post them using the XIMG button. If he only has a 5.0 UVB light I fear he may not be getting enough UVB. The black beard for an extended period of time certainly could indicate a health issue.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

I agree, he likely has not been getting enough UVB, as the compact/coil UVB lights really do not put out very good quality or emissions.
Also, if mealworms are the mainstay of his protein, those are not the best quality. If he wont eat crickets, you can also try calcium/phoenix worms, silkworms, superworms or roaches for better protein sources.
Even as an adult, he still needs protein in his diet along with greens & veggies, too.
Did you figure out how to get a picture on here with the link posted above?

Tracie