New beardie, new beardie mommie

[Skyewalker]

Hi all. I'm a little worried about impaction, we have had our new beardie for three days now. We ran out of 1/4 inch crickets and the local pet store said it was okay if we gave him mealworms as a substitute until we could drive to the next town over to get them in the morning (this morning). However, now he isn't eating at all even though he's been great about his meals so far?

 

[AHBD]

Hi there....how big is your baby ? How big were the mealworms and how many did he eat ? And do you mean that he ate the mealies and is now refusing the crickets ? It's pretty common for beardies to snub their noses at crix once they've eaten mealies. Another possibility is that your baby is feeling sick. Is he lethargic or lively ? Oh, and mealies aren't good for babies, they have a hard shell [ chitin ] that is difficult to digest and can cause impaction. Some babies will throw them up.

 

[Skyewalker]

I've since read a lot more on the mealworms and that's why I am worried about impaction.

He is about 6-8 inches long and the worms were all less than an inch maybe 1/2in-1/4in maybe some were a little bigger. He ate about ten or so. He moves around a good bit and he moves his head when you get near the terrarium so I would say lively? I am just so worried bad advice is going to hurt my new baby. D= but he did have a poop this morning so I may just be overly worried. What should I look for in regards to impaction or common signs of sickness?

Also, thank you so much for responding.

 

[AHBD]

You're welcome. If he's active and he passed a stool then he should be O.K. If the mealies were small then it probably won't affect him. If he were to be ill he'd probably look lethargic, laying around, etc. You'd see a difference....but so far it sounds like he's O.K but now not interested in the crix because the mealies taste like candy to beardies. So just wait + see , tomorrow he may have his appetite back and go for the crickets again.

 

[annieCastanon]

If i notice that my beardie hasn't pooped in a few days I soak him in some warm water. make sure it's not to hot and let him soak for 5 or 10 min. the warm water usually helps them poop, just make sure you take him out after he poops. you don't want him swimming or sitting in dirty water.