My baby bearded dragon wont eat, drink, or move

[mochivated]

I recently purchased a baby bearded dragon as my first reptilian pet as did my sister. Both are housed in the same tank (40 gallon). My beardie is the largest of the two and was originally being active and eating well. As of recent he's been barely moving and will only move to arm wave at me. The other beardie has also been sitting on top of mine, blocking him at the basking spot. Should separating them fix this issue? Should I be using food other than baby crickets and greens?

 

[NicoleR]

It sounds like your beardie, despite being the larger of the two, is being dominated by the other. The arm waving is an act of submission, and the other beardie sitting on top of yours to bask is an act of dominance. What's your set up like? Bulbs, UV, temps? Feeding small crickets and greens is fine for babies, but make sure you are dusting them with calcium.

Separating the two might be a good idea. As babies, beardies can do okay in pairs or groups- but they are still solitary animals for the most part. I don't think it will do any harm to separate them and see if anything improves.

 

[mochivated]

We have a UVB and UV light set up, tempo range from 100 to about 80 on either side. We're going to try getting another enclosure so they don't have to fight over basking spots and food

 

[rcmorelock]

We have a UVB and UV light set up, tempo range from 100 to about 80 on either side. We're going to try getting another enclosure so they don't have to fight over basking spots and food

Hello it sounds like you are having that same exact problem I had. First thing if you have sand in the enclosure take it out immediately and replace it with a garlic bedding that you can get at a pet store. He might be impacted ( constipated ) mine was. If you have sand in there that is most likely what his problem is. Clean your sink and put a little bit of warm water in it and hold your dragon in your hand and rub on his belly for about 10 mins. And to get his appetite and strength up get some wax warms. Even if he is the submissive one he should still be eating. And make sure you have a cool side of the tank it should be 80 degrees. I hope this helps.

 

[rcmorelock]

fabric not *garlic* bedding

 

[NicoleR]

I agree with rcmorelock, if there is sand in there absolutely replace it. Otherwise, it really shouldn't be impaction if you are feeding the right size of food. Your set up sounds good though, is the UV compact or linear? I'm sure you are already aware of the difference- but make sure to stay away from the compacts.

I think separating them will help lower your guys stress level, and hopefully he will start eating and moving around. It could potentially be a health problem, but I think that would be the best place to start and see if there is any improvement.

 

[rcmorelock]

Yeah it would be a great idea to separate them. If you do not have the money and need to save up for a 2nd enclosure you cam find some way to divide the tank in half. I wouldn't use anything they can see through it and make sure you disinfectant it with a non toxic cleaner. And make sure there is a basking area on both sides. This will last for a little while but they will need more then 20 gallons at the 4 to 5 month age.

 

[kingofnobbys]

Yes, Separate them immediately. (Or partition so they can't see each other.) Your's will be lot happier and will no longer be stressed all the time by his sibling. Should come good in very short order once he has his own digs.

No sand OR OTHER PARTICULATE BEDDING , best to floor tiles with rough texture as bedding.