"Scratch & Dent" Beardie!

[JethrosMom]

Hi! I just got a "damaged" beardie from a local pet store. I found out they had him in the back and they didn't know what to do with him since they couldn't sell him, so I offered to take him. The story is that he was attacked by his cagemates when they first arrived as babies and he almost died fron the injuries. He is now 4 mos old but (a) has not grown at all (only 2.5" from snout to vent) and (b) won't eat voluntarily. It's not that he wants to be hand fed, he literally doesn't want the food and will fight to keep his mouth closed when I try to force feed him. Otherwise he is very alert, his poos are normal and he's an awesome little guy. Any ideas on how to get him to WANT to eat?! Many thanks!

 

[Sauzo]

Well he's prolly got relocation stress which for some beardies means they won't eat for a few days. Keep trying and off a variety like crickets, dubia roaches, phoenix worms and different greens from this list http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html. If he is pooping, it means he was eating something so like I said, just give the little guy time.

 

[JethrosMom]

Oh good - I hope that's all it is! Thanks!

 

[Izzythelizzy13]

Is he eating any better today?

 

[JethrosMom]

I had to pry his little mouth open to force some phoenix worms in, but he voluntarily accepted some jump start & water/pedialyte from a dropper

 

[Izzythelizzy13]

That's a start

 

[JethrosMom]

Here's a pic .... but remember he's 4 months old!! Looks like a little baby, doesn't he?!

 

[Izzythelizzy13]

Omgosh, yes very small but such a cutie .. Keep us posted on his progress..

 

[JethrosMom]

Hey everybody! Goliath is doing well, but I'm still having to force feed him. He does try to get the food, but he always misses, so in order to get some in him I have to do it. I hate it cuz it stresses the little guy out. He licks the jump start from the end of the syringe, so I thought maybe I could use a blender and blend some veggies and insects and see if he'll lick that up. Other than the eating problem, he's a really awesome little dude!!

 

[Sauzo]

Such a cutie!! I remember when Harley was that small. Anyways good luck and here's to hoping the little guys does good!!

 

[Esther19]

Try slipping in a worm when he is licking from the dropper. It takes some practice, but that's how I get bugs in my girl. The slurry sounds great, too. You may need to strain it to get it out of the dropper. Good luck!

 

[JethrosMom]

Thanks for the tips & good wishes!