My little girl is acting strangely

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Joshewuhh

Member
This problem, if it is one, has been going on for a couple months now.
I took her to a reptile specialist I know in Baton Rouge, and he told me that she may have unfertilized eggs, and that she should be fine. Another Vet said she's going blind. And a 3rd said she lost her instincts
But I don't believe any of that, and honestly, I have not done enough research to conclude anything.

So the problem is, whenever I feed my bearded dragon (1yr 11mnth Female. 15"), she goes for her food, but can't quite "focus" on her meal.
Her head shakes uncontrollably and she can't get a control on where she strikes at to get her worm/cricket/etc.
She's been fine since I got her at 3 months, and this started around the turn of the new year.

I took a small video with my cell phone to illustrate this issue.
I'm worried about her and want to know something and what can possibly be done, if anything.

(forgive the poor quality, cell phone)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzyyhPfAS-s
 

LJean

Extreme Poster
Can you tell us a bit about your set up? This may help.

What are the temps in the tank? (basking spot, and cool side)
Are you using a UVB light?
If so, what brand and wattage?
How old is the UVB?

Have you been supplementing with calcium and vitamins>
If so, what type and how often?

Any substrate in the tank?
 
I'm sorry I can't help. I was able to view the video and saw what you are describing. I hope someone on here can give you some insight. I'll be thinking of your little one. Good luck. Jennifer
 

Joshewuhh

Member
Original Poster
Tank temps are around 95-100 on the basking side, with an 80-85 degree cool side.
UVB bulb I think... its been a while since I changed it.
I also forget the wattage, but i've had this bulb in for a few months before this started.
She gets her vitamins and nutrients 2 ways, through Dragon Dust, and a fruit/veggie gel.
Of course, protiens in the form of mealworms predominantly, but crickets occasionally. She's never been so big on crickets.
Her eating habits, tank conditions, excersize habits have not changed in the last 6 months.
She only major event in her life was 4 months ago, when I moved from New Orleans to Baton Rouge.
 

diamc

BD.org Sicko
Staff member
Moderator
We need to get the specifics of your UVB because there are some that are dangerous and others that are useless. What is the brand that you're using and is it a coil, compact or strip fluorescent tube? How close is it to her? How old is the bulb? What type of thermometer are you using to check the temps? How often are you using the calcium & vitamin supplements? How often do you bathe her or offer liquids by mouth? Any and all of these answers are very important and can cause all kinds of symptoms, even neurological if they are incorrect.

Mealworms really don't have much nutritional value so if she doesn't like crickets, perhaps getting some worms like phoenix, butters, silkies or horns should be considered.
 

Joshewuhh

Member
Original Poster
Her lamp is 2ft 3 inches from the surface area of her enclosure.
I'd rather just replace the bulb since I can't find the package anywhere to confirm anything about it.
recomendation?
She gets the vitamin supplements every other day, the same way she has since I got her in october of 07.
She does bathe every 2-3 days, and has never had an issue drinking on her own accord.
 

diamc

BD.org Sicko
Staff member
Moderator
So, her UVB is 27" from the floor of her enclosure? How far is the UVB from her when she is basking? If it is indeed a UVB, the info should be printed on the side of the bulb. Is it a coil, compact, or strip fluorescent bulb, it's very important that we know.

If you live in the US, the best strip fluorescent you can get is the Repti-Sun 10.0 that you can find here at a very reasonable price: http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-fluorescent-bulbs/504983/zoo-med-reptisun-10.0-uvb-bulb.html

You mentioned that you're using vitamin supplements every other day. Did you mean that you're using the calcium every other day or the vitamins? A beardie that is close to 2 yrs old, should be getting calcium with D3 but phosphorus-free 3 days a wk and vitamins only 1 to 2 days a wk. If she is getting too much vitamins, that would not be good for her and could cause all sorts of problems, possibly even the head shaking that she's experiencing. That's good that she's getting frequent baths. How is she doing today?
 

Joshewuhh

Member
Original Poster
Shes doing a little better each day... but the problem only occurs when she eats.
She runs around her enclosure all day long like nothings wrong.
She alert, attentive, friendly, etc... just shaky when going to eat.
I ordered a new uv setup today following what you suggested, im at a point where I will try anything to be honest.
I'm going to cut back her calcium/vitamin intake, and try to get more fluid into her.
I do let her go outside every 3 or so days and she spends an hour or so in the natural sunlight chasing bugs and whatnot.
When this is going on, she does not have the shakes.
I recently "renovated" her enclosure... could she be having some kind of nervous issue due to the scenery change?
 
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