PICS+NEW OWNER/FIRST DRAGON-issue with rash??

[Cuttubus]

Hello everyone,

I just adopted my first dragon. I built his enclosure myself. I have had "Cheech" for 3 days and my first observation is that I haven't noticed him poop in his cage yet. After quite a bit of reading, I have read many contradicting posts that are offering advice.

I gave him his first bath and hoped he would poop. He just seemed to enjoy the water. He didn't swim hardly at all but did drink a little. He seemed to like the temp of the water and sort of flattened out and closed his eyes for a while. After about 15 minutes I returned him to his cage.

So far he has eaten mealworms. He hasn't touched the mustard greens that I put in a dish on the other side of his cage.

My MAIN concern now is that he is showing small round spots on his hind legs that weren't present when I purchased him. I have also noticed that something seems to be protruding from his reproductive area. Check out the photos and lend me some advice.

THANK YOU!!

 

[Esther19]

Cheech is one handsome beardie. The bumps you see going across his legs are femoral pores. Completely normal. The material coming out of his vent is probably part of a sperm plug. Again, normal. All that does look alarming, though, doesn't it? Do not pull out the sperm plug. It will come out on its own, especially with bathing. It sounds like he enjoys his baths. I does not hurt them to bathe them daily.

Mealworms are not good feeders for dragons. Low in nutrition, and with a hard shell that can cause impaction. Dubia roaches are highly recommended. Check out the section on this forum on feeders for more info. Here is another helpful site: http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html

There are many helpful care sheets and guides to the right of the page under "Top Content." We are also happy to answer any and all questions that we can.

 

[Cuttubus]

Wow!!

Thank you. I feel so relieved now. I really appreciate the advice!! I will look into better nutrition for him! He has not shown much interest in the greens yet.

As an experienced owner, do you feel that my enclosure is suitable?

Any idea why he hasn't used the bathroom yet?

Thanks again and check out this striking pose!!

 

[MsWanda10166]

WOW! Cheech has a really nice beard. I think mealworms are part of the issue with the BM. I would try some baby food applesauce, a little olive oil, or some unspiced pumpkin. He does look like he is going threw a little stress, his tummy has lots of marks on it, and a happy dragon has a creamy belly.
I do not know where you live, but I am concerned if the temp and humidity will be ok for him with all the screen. Your viv looks nice, I am just not sure it is good for your dragon. The other thing I believe I am seeing in the pics, is that you have a screen between him and his UVA/UVB light. Its important that the light not be obstructed by the screen. So it is best to mount it inside, if possible.
Having your viv right in front of the window may cause you some issues. UVB light cannot penetrate glass, but the heat from the sun could get a little intense, but this again depends on your house, and the climate you live in.
I hope this helps.
Wanda

 

[daner923]

To add - you should be using a bright white basking light instead of red during the day. At night, you want total darkness for him to sleep in. Congrats on your new, handsome dragon, though!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

He looks great! What a nice colorful beard he has, too.
Yes, those are femoral pores & likely a sperm plug too which will eventually work its way out. It is just dry & hardened right now. You can try soaking him in a warm bath that can help also.
The screen you are using is hardware cloth correct? Which UVB light are you using, the Reptisun 10 tube bulb? The screen will filter out some of the UVB, but luckily not as much as the mesh type would. Though he would get better exposure if you could attach the light below the screen so he can get within 6-8 inches.
You can use the 3M Command hooks or wires to attach it to that screen. I use the same type of screen too.
Be sure to get a bright white light for basking to help protect the eyes from the UVB emissions.
Maybe add a large basking rock or something on the other side of his tank for something else for him to climb on.

Tracie

 

[Cuttubus]

Late response, but thank you all for the nice comments and expertise! Yes Tracie, I am using hardware cloth. I am taking your advice to attach the UVB inside the cage. Is there a negative to the red basking light I am using? I'll take it back for a white one if that is wise. They recommended the red one but I'm still a beginner. Reading these forums has really helped. For anyone who has read this thread, Cheech is very happy and healthy! He really seems to enjoy his space and has favorite spots. He changes colors quite a bit and always seems very alert but comfortable about being handled (which is very gently and on a 2-3 times a day schedule so that I can associate me with feeding time). I bring him to the backyard in a safe place every morning where he can roam and explore for a bit and he always seems to run to the grass and use the bathroom! As soon as he's done he crawls right back over and lays on the rocks.

Thanks again everyone and I will upload photos soon! (In the other forums).

-Chris

 

[Esther19]

Yes, ditch the red bulb, or return it if you can. Cheech looks great! Glad to hear he is doing well.

 

[Gail]

They need a white basking light to help cut the glare from the UVB bulb.