I wish I could post a picture right now so you all know hat I'm talking about... Will try later, though.
As I said somewhere else, my female beardie laid eggs last July and they hatched two weeks ago. One of the babies was born with a severe tail deformity (it's twisted like a coil), weak hind legs and a sort of fold in mid abdomen. We call him/her "baby", we though he was going to die right away but he's quite a strong willed thing and he tries to climb, eat and basically do as much as everyone else (although he can't quite catch his food, so I'm feeding him baby dragon food from Exoterra and veg). I just wonder if he'll live long or if he's more likely to die within a few months... just so we know and don't get too upset when that happens...
It's hard to say but If he does survive he probably will be a special needs beardie. If you could post a photo of him that would be great. https://www.beardeddragon.org/useruploads/
Gorgeous little beardie he is! But it does seem if he does survive he might (only might) have a shorter lifespan but it's unclear. He definitely will be a special needs beardie because of his legs and tail though.
and the tail will most likely straighten out more when he grows up so he may just get a less tight little curly piggy tail. I'd give him some extra love and raise him and see how he turns out.
I agree, he can survive and be your special baby. Sometimes these kinds of pets touch your heart more than the others. They don't know they're handicapped and if they can eat, get around a bit ,etc., they enjoy life until they get old + sick , which may be sooner than a healthy dragon but only time will tell .
Indeed, taking care of a special needs beardie is amazing, especially when watching them go from very sick and unhealthy to big, strong, and happy. ?
View media item 60728 This was my special needs beardie Thor, who's handicaps didn't bother him at all. Hopefully your beardie will grow up big and happy. ?
thanks for all the encouragement, he's doing quite well. He eats (crickets) better than other, apparently perfect little dragons, and despite his tendency to fall on his back, he has learned to turn himself over rather quickly -but when he's tired, he just lies there with his hands on his belly, looking extremely cute! So I help him. He's our special little dragon.
So here's my little one, still growing and getting strong, although he's clearly smller and weaker than the rest, he's also very stubborn and doesn't let anything or anyone stand in his way. He's our favourite!
This thread has had me going through several different emotions, sad, hopeful and, now glad and, happy.
That little guy is a fighter (a cute one at that), Just keep loving him and, make his life a good one.