Recently acquired Beardie - several issues HELP

[FloraBelle]

Hello,
I recently acquired a beardie who is very very small for his age (he looks like he's only about five months old size-wise). I don't know much about his history, but he is supposedly about a year and a half old and "was always a slow grower". I have only had him for a couple of weeks, but I am noticing that he seems to be gaping even when he is not basking. He also doesn't seem to have much of an appetite. Any thoughts?

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Do you have any pictures of him you could post, along with the tank setup also?
We can review your UVB lighting, temperatures, supplementation, etc. They can take a few
weeks sometimes to get used to a new home & surroundings.
Does he have any symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, etc as you would see with a
respiratory type of problem?
You can try some bee pollen to help with his appetite & boost his system a little bit as well.
Has his beard been normal color or dark in color?

Tracie

 

[FloraBelle]

He's gone already.. :*(

 

[xp29]

Im sorry to hear that. Sometimes it's just to late. People get these when they are small and don't do any research on proper care. Care is most critical when they are babies, thats when they dont all their growing.they fill out after reaching their growth potential. Don't let this turn you off to having them as a pet. They are fantastic. Just do your research and try to buy from a reputable breeder not the box stores. Their pets come from pet mills and you can expect more health issues from them

 

[KarrieRee]

He's gone already.. :*(

. So sad you were to late ---uvb and surface basking temps are critical

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Oh no, I am so sorry you already lost him, how terrible.
It definitely is not your fault, but I am so glad that he wasn't alone & had you to help
him when he needed you.

Tracie