The Shakes

[DLohrman]

I adopted 2 what seem to be adult male beardies in October, Buddy the larger male and Kimberly (yep, girl's name because he was smaller), the smaller male. Buddy's history is completely unknown as I had got him from a friend who got him from someone else. Once at my house, they never did seem to stress about anything, ate right away and acted like what lizards are supposed to act like. Buddy however has had head "shakes" since I've had him (8 mos now). They have decreased a lot since I put him on Calcium w/D3 and changed both their diets per Beautiful Dragon's nutrition guide (GREAT site by the way!!). His shakes are not gone all the way though & he recently seems to loose his balance and flops over. What could be going on with him? Kimberly has no issues at all. Here's their stats:

30 gallon tank (I think) with screen lid - it's big enough that they seem comfy
100 watt basking bulb
ReptiGlo UVB bulb (yeah, just read about eye issues with this one *sigh*)
Outside patio sunlight time - 2-4 hours a day, 5 days a week when it's nice
Loose substrate - small pine shavings (I've noticed if they are ingested, they pass)
Underneath heat pad
Hot side of tank 90 - 100F
Cool side of tank 75 - 80F
Daily Diet - Mixed salad of dandelion, escarole, collard, mustard, little bit of carrot, papaya, prickly pear
Crickets, 2-3/week dusted with Ca w/D3

 

[IzzyTony]

First off get rid of the undertank heater BD's have no sense of when they are overheating underneath as they take in heat from overhead. And heat mats are known to cause burns on beardies who don't know they're on them.

The only thing i know of (and that doesnt mean it is, because im no expert) Is MBD (Metabolic bone disease).

do they live together? 30gallon seems kind of small for 2 BD's to co habit, and from what i have read on here co - habitation is largely advised against

I'm sorry i cant help with the other issues, And im far from expert. I'm sure someone on here with a lot more knowledge can help

Tony

 

[Irwinshealth]

His shakes are not gone all the way though & he recently seems to loose his balance and flops over.

This is a serious issue. You should Pm Tracie, or Drach613, to see what plan to take with this. She is wonderful with the health aspect and may be able to get him back on track

 

[DLohrman]

Thanks for all concerned! The mat is loved by the littler one at night and not so much by my shaker. I'll send the PM to the ones you mentioned. Good night!

 

[DLohrman]

So I know it's been only 4 days from my last post about this but I almost feel like Buddy is getting a little better. Shaking seems to be not AS much and not as often. Keeping up with the calcium w/D3, UVB and outside time. Funny thing is when he's outside, he chases my cats and literally leaped into the air - I've never seen that before! Is this "normal" behavior? He's such a problem child that any little deviation from basking, I freak out. He's also going through a shed so I don't know if that's a part of it too. Thanks for all your posts!

 

[Irwinshealth]

So I know it's been only 4 days from my last post about this but I almost feel like Buddy is getting a little better

Glad to hear it! I hope progress continues