OH NO! I just dropped our baby dragon on the floor!!!!!

[CEHSTJ]

?How could I forget Smaug was sleeping on me? I got up to plug in the laptop and then suddenly remembered that I had her sleeping on my chest. When I first looked on the ground I could only see the small fleece blanket, sized for Smaug, lying there. I frantically looked around and found Smaug lying on her belly as if nothing happened. My son's t-shirt was right beside her and since I heard no sound of her landing I am hoping that she fell onto the shirt and then crawled off. She was just lying there. I was terrified that Smaug was dead! When I picked her up she wasn't moving. I gently started to rub her back and she woke up. For the past ten minutes I have been checking Smaug out and seeing if she can walk. She seems fine! Smaug has full use of all of her limbs and has no visible injuries. How irresponsible I am!!! How thankful I am that she is ok (I pray).

I will continue to watch her and make sure nothing is wrong. At the first sign that something is off, it's off to the vets we go! What am I going to tell my son? It is his daughter (he's 8 years old). Maybe I won't have to say anything if she is alright, then again I could use it to teach him how careful we all have to be (especially me). We will see in the morning. I have read other posts of where their bearded dragons were not as fortunate as Smaug. I feel bad for them. I will definitely be more mindful when taking Smaug out for a period of time.

What signs of injury should I be looking for? As of now she is sleeping again (this time on my belly) and has a white belly and chin. I will update later after feeding time - to be sure she is eating normally. Please don't be too hard on me - I am doing a good job of it myself. Oh, by the way, Smaug is our female baby bearded dragon who is four months old and only 9 inches long (I am not sure why she will not grow - we have set everything up as the advice on this site suggests). Has anyone else dropped their dragon by accident and their dragon turned out to be ok?

 

[UTreptiles]

I have never dropped one while they were sleeping. I have had some of my dragons in top enclosures jump out and drop about 4 feet to the hard surface flooring. They are not as fragile as people might think they are. Even as babies they are pretty tough little guys. Did you drop her on the carpet or was it hard flooring. If it was carpet then you really have nothing to worry about. Even if it was a hard surface you are most likely ok, especially if the dragon is moving around. Just don't worry too much and fear that any change in behavior in the future is due to this mishap. She could be sore and a little stiff in the morning if she pulled any muscles, other than that she should be fine.

 

[CEHSTJ]

Yes, I forgot to mention that she landed on hardwood flooring! Thanks for the encouragement!

Cheryl

 

[Embee]

((((((HUGS Cheryl)))))),

I can just imagine what is going on for you right now. ((More Hugs)) Earlier this eve, the family was playing a board game and Cloudy was on DH's shoulder, asleep. I had to remind him that she was there, and I can well imagine how easy it would have been for him to get up and cross the room before remembering that little dearie was sacked out on his neck.

It sounds like Smaug is just fine, and no worse the wear. As you know, our 8 year old is also the beardie parent in the house. As to telling your son, well... I would understand if you just let well enough alone. I imagine if it were me, I'd confess... just my nature I suppose. I'd make it one of those lessons, as you say, to help us to remember how important it is to be careful with such a creature. I have found that DS seems to appreciate and learn from those times when myself or DH are not well, perfect. Indeed, it helps him to relax and yet, be more mindful, if you will. It's a strange irony I'll admit, but a powerful lesson none the less.

Whatever you decide, you have my full support. I'm so sorry for the night you've had, and very glad to hear that Smaug continued his dreaming throughout. Oh, those beardies. I wish I could sleep so soundly!

The best to you!

Em

 

[CEHSTJ]

YAY!! Smaug is ok (so far). She had a good breakfast this morning and then off to the bath, where she had a bowel movement and once the bath was again cleaned and rinsed, she was in there for a soak for 15 minutes. Like you Em, I had to confess to my son. At first he was shocked and then he said he forgave me. When I dropped him off at school this morning he looked at me and said that he needed to be there to supervise my visits with Smaug!! lol :lol: Where he get that from? I told him after school I would let him watch me with Smaug to make sure I am gentle and holding her the correct way. He also told me that I could buy some wax worms or horned worms for Smaug as a treat to say I'm sorry to her. So, it is off I go to the pet store in a bit.

Em, what do you think I could do to help Smaug grow more. She is only 9 inches and is 4 months old now. We have the Mega-Ray MVB and the temps are great in the vivarium. She eats more now, 30 - 40 crickets a day, plus a few bites of greens and other vegetables. Has a bowel movement every morning in between 8:30 and 9:30 am. I give her a bath every morning and also drip water on her snout every afternoon. Since she has grown a few inches, we removed the barrier and set up her entire tank (50 gal or 55 gal breeder). She seems to love having more room to run around and she also basks regularly throughout the day. When she wasn't eating we used Reptaid for one week and it seemed to really kick start her appetite. She does not particularly like worms and will only eat one at a time. That goes for any type of worm.

She rarely has stress marks and the only time I saw her "beard" or hiss was yesterday when I was standing with her by the sink. She saw herself in the mirror and she puffed right up and gave out the tinest little hiss that a fruit fly wouldn't be scared of. It was adorable. The funny thing was that she didn't change colour on her beard and her belly remained milky white. Strange Smaug. We all love her though and are very grateful that she was ok last night.

I should get ready to go in a minute to get my "peace offering" for Smaug (or is it really for my son). I hope you and your family (four legged members too) have a great day!

Cheryl

 

[chancellor91]

yes your beardie should be fine, my decides to jump from my sholder down to the hard wood flooring if she see's something she likes so dont worry this is nothing new, your beardie will be fine if she can move everything

 

[TazzysMamma]

Im sure she's fine now. My hubby JUST informed me a short time ago that LAST YEAR, he had Eragon outside on his shoulder, and he jumped to the cobblestone patio. That's close to a six foot jump! Obviously he's fine.... but Id have freaked out if Id found out about it then! LOL

HUGS!

Sandi

 

[JackJB]

don't worry about a thing your beardie will be fine . I was once handling my beardie when he was a month old (about a year ago) and as i put him down he jumped from one arm to the other and then climbed up and jumped out of his tank lol he was fine and climbed up my troussers and on to my hand i wass abit shocked lol but he looked fine i placed him back in and he was perfectly alright. Their alot harder than people think

 

[Embee]

YAY!! Smaug is ok (so far). She had a good breakfast this morning and then off to the bath, where she had a bowel movement and once the bath was again cleaned and rinsed, she was in there for a soak for 15 minutes. Like you Em, I had to confess to my son. At first he was shocked and then he said he forgave me. When I dropped him off at school this morning he looked at me and said that he needed to be there to supervise my visits with Smaug!! lol :lol: Where he get that from? I told him after school I would let him watch me with Smaug to make sure I am gentle and holding her the correct way. He also told me that I could buy some wax worms or horned worms for Smaug as a treat to say I'm sorry to her. So, it is off I go to the pet store in a bit.

Em, what do you think I could do to help Smaug grow more. She is only 9 inches and is 4 months old now. We have the Mega-Ray MVB and the temps are great in the vivarium. She eats more now, 30 - 40 crickets a day, plus a few bites of greens and other vegetables. Has a bowel movement every morning in between 8:30 and 9:30 am. I give her a bath every morning and also drip water on her snout every afternoon. Since she has grown a few inches, we removed the barrier and set up her entire tank (50 gal or 55 gal breeder). She seems to love having more room to run around and she also basks regularly throughout the day. When she wasn't eating we used Reptaid for one week and it seemed to really kick start her appetite. She does not particularly like worms and will only eat one at a time. That goes for any type of worm.

She rarely has stress marks and the only time I saw her "beard" or hiss was yesterday when I was standing with her by the sink. She saw herself in the mirror and she puffed right up and gave out the tinest little hiss that a fruit fly wouldn't be scared of. It was adorable. The funny thing was that she didn't change colour on her beard and her belly remained milky white. Strange Smaug. We all love her though and are very grateful that she was ok last night.

I should get ready to go in a minute to get my "peace offering" for Smaug (or is it really for my son). I hope you and your family (four legged members too) have a great day!

Cheryl

Hi Cheryl,

Glad to hear Smaug is doing well, and that your son was understanding.

As to Smaug size, I'd say his appetite is growing well and steadily, which is great news! I imagine the momentum will continue. You're doing wonderfully with him, and can't imagine what else you could be doing. With "Clouds" we found that when her appetite went on the rise after placing her under the MVB, it was an incremental rise, teens for a week, then into the 20's, a couple of weeks in we were at 30-40's and a couple of weeks later, 60's... and then on up, overtime, from there. After 2 1/2 months under the light, she is eating upwards of 70-100 a day, and is growing steadily, one shed cycle pretty much after another. She is 8 months, but her "adjusted age" is about 4-5 months, and she is 9-10 inches. And keep in mind that there is a large degree of individuality in their growth rates. I think if she is otherwise healthy, eating well, pooping, hydrated, excellent husbandry... that it's just a matter of time.

The best,
Em

 

[CEHSTJ]

Thanks everyone for your stories about your own beardies falling, I am reasured now that things will be ok. Smaug seems to still trust me and climbed onto my hand without appearing scared. It is great to have the support of others right at my finger tips. I would still be beating myself up and wondering if this happened to anyone else out there.

Thank you once again Em for continuously supporting me and confirming that I am doing all that I can for Smaug. I will definitely try to get pictures downloaded this weekend so you can share in the fruit of your labour. Smaug wouldn't be as healthy and happy if it were not from you and others on this site. I will try to stop worrying and just enjoy our little dragon. Once again, thanks. I am glad to hear that Cloudy seems to be better.

Cheryl

 

[Freeie]

Oh its ok i about died when i noticed that the top viv(4 ft tall) was open 3 inchs and Roo(3 months old) was missing. She jumped down and ran off. I was so worried she may of hurt herself. Shes fine tho. I think it happens to all of us at one point or another *hugs*

 

[Embee]

Thank you once again Em for continuously supporting me and confirming that I am doing all that I can for Smaug. I will definitely try to get pictures downloaded this weekend so you can share in the fruit of your labour. Smaug wouldn't be as healthy and happy if it were not from you and others on this site. I will try to stop worrying and just enjoy our little dragon. Once again, thanks. I am glad to hear that Cloudy seems to be better. Cheryl

Oh, would love to seem some pics of Smaug! And you are MOST welcome, truly. Good luck with the "not worrying." I haven't been able to find the key to unlock that particular door my whole darned life. :roll: But I remind myself often, that that's no reason to stop looking for it! :mrgreen: :wink:

The best,
Em