New beardie not eating a lot?

[lydiaskylar]

Hi, I recently just purchased a baby beardie from petco (I know, I know, but he was just so beautiful). I’ve had him for a little bit over a week now and he isn’t eating much. No veggies, and only a few crickets. The most he’s had is 7 at a time, but usually only a couple, if any. We just finished putting the last touches on his enclosure, he has a background, a good basking spot with a Mercury Vapor Bulb, and is bathed daily. He has good energy, and rarely has stress marks (mostly when he’s just woken up or when we’re trying to feed him). But he just won’t eat! I read that scrambled eggs are okay to feed if they aren’t eating, and he ate a few bits of that which is good. He has been pooping pretty regularly, although small. We’re going to get baby food now and will continue to provide the option of live food. He’s quite small, maybe too thin? But like I said, lots of energy. He does glass dance a lot, but I assumed it’s just because of the recent move. Is he overstressed? Should I be worried? What should I do?

 

[Claudiusx]

I would say over stressed. I'd stop with the baths, it's a pretty stressful situation especially for a dragon that is stressed out about being in a new environment already.
It's not uncommon for them to have poor appetites during the first week or so. And if the stress has been continuing (such as being overhandled, bathed, etc.) the appetite could take longer to rear back up.

Just keep offering the salads daily, and keep offering the live feeders 2-3 times a day. He will come around eventually.

What MVB are you using? And what are your temps? Proper lighting and temperature play a huge role in appetite.

-Brandon

 

[lydiaskylar]

I would say over stressed. I'd stop with the baths, it's a pretty stressful situation especially for a dragon that is stressed out about being in a new environment already.
It's not uncommon for them to have poor appetites during the first week or so. And if the stress has been continuing (such as being overhandled, bathed, etc.) the appetite could take longer to rear back up.

Just keep offering the salads daily, and keep offering the live feeders 2-3 times a day. He will come around eventually.

What MVB are you using? And what are your temps? Proper lighting and temperature play a huge role in appetite.

-Brandon

Thanks for your suggestions! So I will cut out the baths and will only handle when necessary. The temp gradient is good in his habitat, around 109 on the basking spot and around 84 on the cool side. Do you think I should continue with eggs and baby food until he starts eating enough crickets?