Possible Respiratory Infection

[livsxx]

Sooo, I just got another baby, i got him from petco. When i first got him he seemed to had been acting weird so i took him back and they kept him for about 5 days, I just got him back today and they were saying they see nothing wrong with him but he’s still doing what he was doing when i first got him. He looks as if he’s gasping for air, and he’ll randomly hold his mouth open and puff up his beard as if he can’t breathe, i also noticed that sometimes he overall just stops breathing and he’ll close his eyes. Please help me!!! I would really hate for this baby to die and me had not been able to do anything about it. Also excuse the background noise in the videos i linked please, just my siblings n TV in the background. He also does this when there’s no noise around, so I highly doubt it could be stress. His ribs also seem to be popping out slightly. Had to take different videos as well since this website doesn’t let me post clips over 5 seconds long for some reason.

 

[hdochow]

looks pretty normal to me.

you mentioned petco. did they sell you their "starter kit"? if so, most of it is going to be inadequate equipment and you'll want to replace it. plenty of people around here that can help out with that if needed.

 

[KarrieRee]

Sooo, I just got another baby, i got him from petco. When i first got him he seemed to had been acting weird so i took him back and they kept him for about 5 days, I just got him back today and they were saying they see nothing wrong with him but he’s still doing what he was doing when i first got him. He looks as if he’s gasping for air, and he’ll randomly hold his mouth open and puff up his beard as if he can’t breathe, i also noticed that sometimes he overall just stops breathing and he’ll close his eyes. Please help me!!! I would really hate for this baby to die and me had not been able to do anything about it. Also excuse the background noise in the videos i linked please, just my siblings n TV in the background. He also does this when there’s no noise around, so I highly doubt it could be stress. His ribs also seem to be popping out slightly. Had to take different videos as well since this website doesn’t let me post clips over 5 seconds long for some reason.

Please go over the husbandry - no coils for uvb please-- surface basking temps and how are you getting them? Stick ons are inaccurate

 

[livsxx]

Please go over the husbandry - no coils for uvb please-- surface basking temps and how are you getting them? Stick ons are inaccurate

I already have two other beardies, I know all about that stuff and taking care of them. but i’ve got temporary stuff in the tanks until i get the money to replace it all. I currently have a stick on because i don’t have the money for a better one as of now, but i did figure it was inaccurate after watching it for a bit.

 

[livsxx]

looks pretty normal to me.

you mentioned petco. did they sell you their "starter kit"? if so, most of it is going to be inadequate equipment and you'll want to replace it. plenty of people around here that can help out with that if needed.

I sure hope it’s normal, I’m extremely worried because my other baby never did that. And i’d hate for it to be sick n me not be able to do anything about it because it would be too late. And yeah, i have a starter kit but i got it from an exotic pet shop rather than petco but i believe it was the same brand they sell. It was very expensive but i wanted to ensure I atleast had something since i didn’t have any other tank at that time. I ran myself quite close to broke from that. $356 total. Only for a 20 gallon tank with mainly a bunch of useless stuff except for the calcium, lights and carpet. Help would definitely be appreciated but I’d really hate to ask for such a huge favor, that’s a lot to ask.

 

[KarrieRee]

I already have two other beardies, I know all about that stuff and taking care of them. but i’ve got temporary stuff in the tanks until i get the money to replace it all. I currently have a stick on because i don’t have the money for a better one as of now, but i did figure it was inaccurate after watching it for a bit.

Zoo Med digital probe thermometer
Zoo Med Reptile Terrarium Digital Thermometer | reptile Humidity & Temperature Control | PetSmart
you want two of them
humidity gauge Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer | Dubia.com please place on back center wall of the tank
We can post websites for UVB's if you want them

 

[livsxx]

Zoo Med digital probe thermometer
Zoo Med Reptile Terrarium Digital Thermometer | reptile Humidity & Temperature Control | PetSmart
you want two of them
humidity gauge Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer | Dubia.com please place on back center wall of the tank
We can post websites for UVB's if you want them

 

[livsxx]

Thank you so much!! This helps a lot, i’ve always been using the stick ons, I seen the digital thermometers but they didn’t have a humidity meter so i figured i’d be better off just getting the stick ons, i’ve also seen a lot of people use them. I learned basically everything i know today on my own because i took in a surrendered beardie with hardly any knowledge about them until i started taking care of her. I appreciate it loads. The people who had her before didn’t take care of her the way they should have at all. And yeah i’ll take the UVB links as well if you don’t mind just in case!

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

He is a little cutie! Does he seem to have any coughing or wheezing sounds, or mucous in his mouth
or nose to indicate a respiratory infection?
As suggested, the stick on types of thermometers only measure overall ambient temperatures & the
humidity.
We usually recommend a digital probe or a temp gun to more accurately measure temperatures.
How is his appetite doing?

Tracie

 

[KarrieRee]

Thank you so much!! This helps a lot, i’ve always been using the stick ons, I seen the digital thermometers but they didn’t have a humidity meter so i figured i’d be better off just getting the stick ons, i’ve also seen a lot of people use them. I learned basically everything i know today on my own because i took in a surrendered beardie with hardly any knowledge about them until i started taking care of her. I appreciate it loads. The people who had her before didn’t take care of her the way they should have at all. And yeah i’ll take the UVB links as well if you don’t mind just in case!

3 UVB links recommended on this forum all for a 40 + gallon tank you can use them on 20 gallons as well we just need to adjust the screen and distance on that gallon size - all 24" fixtures
Zoo Med Zoo Med ReptiSun T5 HO Terrarium Hood (24 inch) this comes w/ a 5.0 bulb you want this one 22" Zoo Med ReptiSun 10.0 UVB Fluorescent T5 HO Bulb (22", 24 Watt) my go to places for this UVB are both out of stock
this one can be found at Pet Smart you want the 24 watt 12% bulb
Arcadia Reptile ProT5 UV-B Kit | reptile Light Fixtures | PetSmart
or this one you need the 2 ft or 24" and the bulb will need to be changed out to the one posted above the Reptisun 10.0 bulb
https://hydrobuilder.com/sunblaster...mp.html?opts=eyJhdHRyaWJ1dGU5MDEiOiI2NjEwIn0=
Please post back on here when you get the UVB so we can help you get it placed and distanced for the tank

 

[livsxx]

Hello,

He is a little cutie! Does he seem to have any coughing or wheezing sounds, or mucous in his mouth
or nose to indicate a respiratory infection?
As suggested, the stick on types of thermometers only measure overall ambient temperatures & the
humidity.
We usually recommend a digital probe or a temp gun to more accurately measure temperatures.
How is his appetite doing?

Tracie

I definitely did spot a bit of mucus when he opened his mouth at one point. Nothing is coming from his eyes or nose but i can hear a slight popping sound when he inhales the way he does as shown in the videos and possibly the sound of him wheezing as well. His appetite doesn’t seem to be doing too great either. I offered crickets and he didn’t eat any, only ended up eating a super worm i gave to him. He’s defecated since i’ve gotten him which is a good sign but it doesn’t subside all of the other signs he’s giving off.

 

[KarrieRee]

I definitely did spot a bit of mucus when he opened his mouth at one point. Nothing is coming from his eyes or nose but i can hear a slight popping sound when he inhales the way he does as shown in the videos and possibly the sound of him wheezing as well. His appetite doesn’t seem to be doing too great either. I offered crickets and he didn’t eat any, only ended up eating a super worm i gave to him. He’s defecated since i’ve gotten him which is a good sign but it doesn’t subside all of the other signs he’s giving off.

Sounds like a vet visit is in order
www.arav.org please type in a bigger cities zip code if your in a small town --- please get the lighting up to par and I would suggest keeping ambient temps at night around 80 for now- you can use a ceramic heat emitter for that also known as a CHE

 

[livsxx]

Sounds like a vet visit is in order
www.arav.org please type in a bigger cities zip code if your in a small town --- please get the lighting up to par and I would suggest keeping ambient temps at night around 80 for now- you can use a ceramic heat emitter for that also known as a CHE

Petco said they are liable for any sickness the baby gets over the next 30 days, i’ll likely end up taking him back and telling them everything you guys have told me and clarify what he likely has. They’d be in charge for any vet bill required. Y’all have been a huge help and thank you so much for that!

 

[mommatojack]

I say a visit to the vet is the best option! We took ours last week for a “check-up” and it was great because our vet was able to check her over and assess her whole body for any areas of concern. She was given a clean bill of health and it made me so happy! If you have cause for concern with your little one’s breathing and it’s not improving, a visit to the vet is a must and if Petco is going to pay for it, don’t hesitate to make an appointment. Petco would probably reimburse you for the cost of the bill in lieu of paying prior but you might want to ask them.