Something wrong... Just fat or just paranoid?

[KayJay93]

Alfie is 3 and a half months old, and is my first ever beardie I love him to pieces and he's so lovely Problem is everything's new to me and because i wanna make sure he's happy and healthy, i worry a lot.
Problem is Alfie's stomach bloats considerably at times and i'm not sure why. I heard that a calcium deficiency can cause bloating, and i know for a fact that the UV light in the vivarium is the wrong thing to use (for anyone who's wondering yes its the reptiglo), and am replacing that this coming weekend (i also think the light may be a reason for his recurring distinctive stress marks).
Alfie has no problem going to the toilet, and goes normally twice a day. His stomach is typically bigger once he's eaten, but can still stay the same size even after he's poo'd. i just want to make sure he's ok. In the first picture Alfie's stomach looks considerably large... and this is just after eating and pooing. The fact he's leaning make it looks worse but its still pretty big nevertheless. The second to me looks pretty normal. I've also included a picture of his vivarium if anyone's interested. Bless him, he hates the camera so he looks pretty grumpy

Would appreciate any help anyone can give me

Thank you, Michaela x

 

[saxondragon]

I can't comment on his tummy being bloated, but from the pic of the viv it looks like you have wood chips. That is not a good option for a young beardie. It's a big no no from what I understand.

But I must say he is a very handsome dragon! One of the more knowledgeable folks will comment on his belly more likely!

Good luck with him.

 

[KayJay93]

Yehh i heard woodchip was bad as well... But i've seen Alfie accidently pick it up when he's been eating, and he's just spat it back out again. I bought the larger chips for this purpose so he couldnt swallow them even if he tried

But i'm always up for more comments...
I only want the best for my baby

Michaela x

 

[Freeie]

Looks like a normal fat baby to me but im not a expert

Wood chips are bad for holding bacteria from poo and pee aswell just thought id toss that in there. I love the tile cleaning the viv is a breeze wipe it down and once a month I take them all out and wash wash them

 

[KayJay93]

Ooh i didn't know that.. thank you
i do usually get the surrounding woodchips out when he's poo'd... But i'll consider changing it i think. Where's the best place to get tile and stuff? I've looked for it before and never been able to find anything...

Thanks, Michaela x

 

[Freeie]

A Home depot,lowes a hardware store. We got ours from HomeDepot for about $6 for the whole viv. It has to be the rock looking kind it cant be the slick tile.

 

[KayJay93]

Ah... It's harder to get in England
Cause i have no idea where to look...

 

[Freeie]

We have some members who are around your area give it a bit im sure someone will post helping you with it

 

[KayJay93]

Cheers
Bless, Alfie's fallen asleep on me like usual
I love that little wriggle they do ^_^

 

[saxondragon]

Yea, it's great when they do the wiggle and fall asleep. But I prefer not having the claw in the side of my neck mostly! (Even after having his nails clipped, hehe.)

Is there any type of home improvement store where you are located? Usually those types of places will have tile available. I want to get tile for the ease of cleaning and will once I get a permanent viv for him.

Also, I looked at some other pics of bellies and yours appear just to have a buddah belly already. But always good to be a more educated opinion, mine don't count yet. I'm a newbie still!

 

[KayJay93]

Haha yeh. I need to clip Alfie's claws cause he also scratches when he wriggles and it really hurts How do you clip their claws? I don't wanna hurt him...

There are a few near me, i will have to have a look soon

Haha, yehh i think he is just a little chubby Cause his legs are chunky too

 

[beardlover]

Alfie is adorable! Too me it looks like the classic "beardie Buddha belly" - but I'm far from being an expert...

If you are having trouble finding a solid substrate (ie: tiles) maybe concidering using paper towel or a non-adhesive shelf liner. That's what I have for my little girl right now - I'm in the middle of a tile hunt myself :wink:

 

[KayJay93]

Yehh i think it is just a buddha belly. But being new to it all i wanted to check He's gorgeous though ^_^

I think i'll go for a hunt to find something tomorrow, going out to get a new UV so will do that at the same time

Thanks for the help everyone, much appreciated x

 

[beardlover]

One last thing....


Welcome to BD.org!

 

[TazzysMamma]

He IS adorable!!!! And if his legs are chunky as well, then yep, it's just a Buddha belly! LOL

I do agree though, the sooner those wood chips are out, the better! Good luck with your tile hunt tomorrow!

HUGS

Sandi