Red in poop + acting strange...?

[katieerin]

Okay, my beardie had a poop yesterday that looked pretty weird. There was some red in his urate, and the poop wasn't runny or loose, but it seems like there was water that came out too, because the paper towel had a yellow-ish spread stain around the poo.

Also, I came home today to find that he (or perhaps she?) had dug through the paper towels underneath a log. The only similar thing he has been doing lately is getting under his basking hammock, under the paper towels.

He gets 40-50 crickets a day (one feeding) 3-5 baths a week, mustard or collard greens 3-4 times a week. I tested the temperatures recently and they were all correct. Also, his UVB bulb (Reptisun 10) is a little over 6 months old, and I need to order another one. Does anyone have that link to the 20 some dollar one??

For reference, Pip is about 9 months old (never can be sure, got him at Petco) and has a history of parasites.

OH and, the last time there was red in the urate it was when I dusted his crickets. I stopped doing that (for about 1-2 months, seriously) and it was fine. I knew that I needed to get the calcium in him, so I tried dusting his crickets again, and... there was more red. Connected?

Thanks for any help. If you need any more info, just let me know.

Edit: Forgot to mention that he hasn't been as excited about eating lately, either.

 

[katieerin]

Anyone?

 

[diamc]

Hi, sorry no-one responded yet.

It is possible that the calcium is drying him out so increasing the baths to daily would be a good idea. The red might have been from him straining a little to push out the urates. Were the urates hard like chalk or rubbery at all? If the red continues, I would get another fecal done just to be safe.

I would also increase the greens and feed fresh ones daily, that will help make it easier for him to poop, give him all the greens he wants.

Yes, he needs a new bulb. Here's the link: http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-fluorescent-bulbs/504983/zoo-med-reptisun-10.0-uvb-bulb.html

What are his temps running?

 

[katieerin]

Thanks so much for your help I didn't check his urate for the texture - do I just push on it with something? I will check it tomorrow. Also, I will start giving him daily baths like you said.

As for greens, I have a question. What is the best way to buy them and how long do they stay fresh enough for him? There are both bagged, shredded greens, and then there are just bunches of them. I will also try to give him these daily. When you say give him as much as he wants, does this mean refill his dish multiple times per day? Because he LOVES his greens. :lol:

Thanks for the bulb link. One more question - what is the best brand of calcium dust? (And is that the best way to get him the calcium he needs?) Also, do I have to get a multivitamin as well? :\

Thanks again! (I'm checking my temps right now. It still has 15 mins to go. These are with a digital thermometer with a probe.)

 

[katieerin]

Basking temperature is 102 F and the cool side is 80.4 F.

 

[diamc]

Hi, well, I suppose you could push on the urates with something to see if it is real hard or a rubbery consistency. The urates from all of our beardies don't usually even hold the consistency, kinda flatten out instead and that's actually the way I like to see it.

Since I'm feeding 3 adults and one juvenile, I make up the greens for the week and put them in a large ziploc bag. I make sure to get all the air out so that it actually looks vacuum packed and they do last for a wk before even starting to change in their color or consistency. I buy an assortment of small bunches like mustard, turnip, kale, dandelion, collards, etc. I would at least give him 2 dishes of greens if he loves them so much as it's good fiber too.

I feel the Rep-Cal brand supplements is the best. http://www.petmountain.com/product/reptile-supplements/105551/rep-cal-ultrafine-powder-calcium-with-vitamin-d3.html Since your UVB is over 6 months old, his body won't be able to process the calcium efficiently so that could very well cause the drier urates. Since he is only 9 mo old, you should be dusting with the calcium 5 days a wk but only 1 feeding a day and with vitamins the other 2 days a wk but only 1 feeding a day. Since he is eating his greens so well, you could actually sprinkle the supplements on them depending on which supplement it is time for.

The temps sound fine. :wink:

 

[katieerin]

Okay, the new bulb is due to arrive on the 23rd. I'll probably keep using the calcium I have (Repto-cal. Is it okay?) until I can order both the new calcium and vitamins.

One more question: any ideas why he has taken such a liking to pancaking under his towels? After eating he will bask for a little while (it doesn't seem long enough to me) but then I'll find him under there. How should I combat this?

Thanks again Diane

 

[cadjockey]

Okay, the new bulb is due to arrive on the 23rd. I'll probably keep using the calcium I have (Repto-cal. Is it okay?) until I can order both the new calcium and vitamins.

One more question: any ideas why he has taken such a liking to pancaking under his towels? After eating he will bask for a little while (it doesn't seem long enough to me) but then I'll find him under there. How should I combat this?

Thanks again Diane

Get rid of the towel so he has no choice but to bask.....

 

[katieerin]

Oh so yesterday he didn't get under the towels Woo! Can't wait for the bulb to come! And tomorrow I have a fecal test scheduled!