My new beardie won't eat!

[Nashville]

I just acquired a young bearded dragon. Based on his size I'd say he is between 3 to 6 weeks old. I am concerned because ever since I brought him home he has not eaten much. I tried feeding him chopped up crickets (due to his lack of size) and he wont open his mouth to eat! My brother was able to feed him a tad bit of spinach today, but other than that he won't eat. Should I be alarmed? I brought him home two days ago. The first day he didn't move much, and today he seems much more energetic. I believe this is due to his adjusting to his new home. Is this feeding problem related to that? Should i be concerned? Any ideas?

P.S. I tried hand feeding him and feeding him by spoon as I have not yet purchased chopsticks or tongs to feed him with.

 

[AndyAMP88]

It is called relocation stress and is very normal. He may not eat till up to a week. Just give him time to adjust and probably should not handle him right away either. Make sure all of your temps are good also. Offer food smaller than the size of his mouth, and don't pressure him. He should be fine in a few days or a week.

P.S. Use your hands!! Everyone else does. :wink:

 

[StLDragonMaster]

I would also try to keep the noise and movement down around his viv for this 1st week. Anything to limit stress on him.

 

[Nashville]

thanks guys! i'll give him some time. i'm just worried lol. Thanks for the advice. any changes and i'll let you know

 

[pimmsoclock87]

Can't you get small crickets? at the petshops in the UK you can buy TINY TINY crickets for babys.

Your beardie might go for actual live crickets as the movement will trigger his hunting instincts! my beardie won't touch anything that isn't moving (that includes his veg :roll: )

 

[Nashville]

i'll have to check. that isn't that bad of an idea

 

[pimmsoclock87]

Just wondering how you got on? Did you manage to get smaller crickets and is your beardie eating alright now?

 

[Nashville]

I got some small crickets from the local pet shop and watched Na'vi gobble a couple right up. She hasn't warmed up to the idea of me hand feeding, but we can wait on that. Thank you so much for your insight! You probably saved her life.

 

[pimmsoclock87]

They do tend to get us worried! when i first got rex he hardly ate anything that i got to the point of thinking he was going to die

But alot of it was due to relocation stress and me being ill advised on his lighting from the petshop. He is now doing well and eating TONS!

Glad to hear your beardie is starting to eat now

 

[ColoradoRiverRafter]

Glad that your beardie is starting to eat! Good luck!

 

[StLDragonMaster]

So where did you ge Na'vi and is that name a referance to the movie Avatar? That gray coloring is awesome!!

 

[Nashville]

I got Na'vi from a friend of mine who didn't realize one of his two females was a male. And you guessed it! Na'vi IS a reference to avatar.

 

[StLDragonMaster]

its a sweet flick good luck with her IM sure she'll be fine is your friend a breeder?

 

[Nashville]

Well, he isn't exactly sure whether he wants to breed them or not. I asked him today and he'd love the money, but he isn't sure it'd be worth his time. He's only 17, so I have no idea what he'll do.