New owner - Mealworm question

[qronus]

I went out and bought a baby beardie today, and so far I love the little guy. However, before i bought him, he ate 4 fairly big mealworms which i know are not good for him, especially babies.

Being a new owner, i just would like reassurance that it wont hurt him. or, advice if i need to do anything about it.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

How large were the mealies? Normally a few are ok, but how big is your new baby dragon?
As a precaution though you can give a few extra baths to help him pass it. If you feel he is impacted then you can attempt getting some sugar free applesauce, canned pumpkin & a drop or two of olive or mineral oil into him to help also.

Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

 

[qronus]

Hello,

How large were the mealies? Normally a few are ok, but how big is your new baby dragon?
As a precaution though you can give a few extra baths to help him pass it. If you feel he is impacted then you can attempt getting some sugar free applesauce, canned pumpkin & a drop or two of olive or mineral oil into him to help also.

Let us know how he is doing.

Tracie

i dont know exactly the size of them, but they were definitely bigger than the space between his eyes. id say hes about the size of a crayon without counting his tail.
i can get an exact measurement later today if needed - i just wont be home until late afternoon.

he also has rather dark stress marks on him. im thinking that this is most likely moving stress and hopefully has nothing to do with the worms, but i thought i should mention it.

 

[qronus]

he's doing great so far. very lively and very active. he has a great appetite. he hasnt pooped yet, but its been only a day.

if the mealworms do end up doing harm, what are some ways i can tell, and how soon do you think these symptoms will show?

 

[CooperDragon]

The activity and continued appetite is a good sign. You can put a few drops of olive oil on his nose to try and get him to lick it off and help things along a bit. It may take a few days for everything to pass but look out for lethargy, black beard for an extended period, and no poops for more than a few days as signs of a possible problem. My guess is that he'll be just fine though =)

 

[qronus]

good news! he took his first poo today. i think you guys were right, and he'll be fine. i was just worried is all! id rather be too cautious than not at all.

 

[CooperDragon]

I'm glad to hear it! Did you see any undigested worm pieces? It sounds like it didn't affect him negatively but I agree it's good to err on the side of caution.

 

[qronus]

I'm glad to hear it! Did you see any undigested worm pieces? It sounds like it didn't affect him negatively but I agree it's good to err on the side of caution.

not that i noticed, but i didnt really inspect it. it looked like a normal looking poo to me. im gonna keep an eye on his next one too just in case, but i feel much better now after that.

thank you lots for your help, even if nothing turned out to be wrong!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is terrific to hear that he went to the bathroom already! At least he doesn't seem to have had any problems passing the worm. I am happy to hear that.
It sounds like he is going to be just fine. Be sure to update us with his progress, since he is such a young little one.

Tracie