Odd Behavior [Please read]

[Zach7]

Hello, my beardie Sheldon hasn't been eating a lot in the past few days, and I'm not sure why.
I've had him since December 29, 2012, but I don't know how old he was the day I got him. I have him in a 40G tank, with a 10.0 Reptisun UVB bulb mounted on the inside of the tank.

 

[Zach7]

Bump

 

[Zach7]

Good news! The heat light bulbs I was using were starting to die out. I replaced them with new 100W bulbs, and he is out of his cave basking. I will try and feed him in the morning though just to be sure that the it was the temperatures that were causing it.

 

[Zach7]

Temps are fine, he ate his collard greens, he is still in his cave near the basking area. I need some responses as to what may be the problem

 

[Derobmi]

Just a thought - could he be seeing his reflection in the glass of the tank? My male beardie became very stressed by his reflection about the age of yours. You can test it by taping some paper on the inside of the glass. It might take a few days before he responds, if this is the problem.

When was the last time you had a fecal test done?

 

[Zach7]

Just a thought - could he be seeing his reflection in the glass of the tank? My male beardie became very stressed by his reflection about the age of yours. You can test it by taping some paper on the inside of the glass. It might take a few days before he responds, if this is the problem.

When was the last time you had a fecal test done?

Well the reflection hasn't been a problem until now if that's what is causing him to hide. Where should I tape the paper? The sides?

I haven't had a fecal test done at all. I should be taking him to the vet soon for a check-up.

 

[Derobmi]

I taped it on the back and 2 sides from the bottom up to high enough that he couldn't see over. If you put it on the outside, it will make it more reflective, I think, so if you decide to try this, make sure to put it on the inside. My beardie never seemed bothered by his reflection, and then when he was about 10 months old, he stopped eating. The vet couldn't figure out what was wrong and I had to syringe-feed him for about 3 months. One day while he was running around on the floor, I noticed him charge his reflection in the glass of the wine fridge and so I covered up the walls of his cage. Two days later, he started eating again. Now he's fat and I'm trying to get him to lose weight.

Anyway, it's just an idea that is fairly easy to try. I think when they become sexually mature the reflections can bother them more because they think it's another beardie.

It's good to get fecal tests done every so often, I think every six months is what's recommended. Beardeddragon.co does a fecal by mail for $10. I've never used the service before, but I've heard positive things from others.

 

[Zach7]

Thanks I'll try it!

 

[BrendaKay]

Maybe take the hide out during the day? That way he has to bask?

 

[Zach7]

Maybe take the hide out during the day? That way he has to bask?

Well he uses the top of the hide to bask sometimes, plus when he's hiding in it, he's still in the basking light

 

[BrendaKay]

Yeah, mine does too. Ive noticed him actually using his hide AS a hide this past week. He's usually just on top of it. If he uses the hide to much, I'll turn it around or block it off, but so far I think after he warms up, he realizes he's home alone, sulks, and goes in there for an hour. (I have a motion sensor camera on his tank while I'm at work.)

 

[Zach7]

He's still not eating, I have no idea what's wrong. Could it be lack of calcium?

 

[Derobmi]

How old is his UVB light?

 

[Zach7]

His UVB light is about 7-8 months old

 

[Derobmi]

His UVB light is about 7-8 months old

That might account for the lack of appetite. The Reptisuns should be replaced every six months. I know it says on the tube that it is good for 12 months, but the UVB output diminishes (or something) over time and for sun lovers like beardies, it's best to replace after six months of use.

Do you have reason to think he is calcium deficient? You mentioned it a few posts ago.