Worried about our dragon not eating

Hookfang

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Hookfang
This is Sweet Pea and Sinatra. Sweet has sadly passed. She was a rescue and in bad shape when she came to me. Zoom in on her neck shield and look at her spikes. She was a fairly high expression Dunner.
Sinatra is a Dunner also but his expression isn't as strong as in Sweet Pea.
Also Dunner is a dominant trait so it only takes 1 parent to pass it on.
View attachment 92713
View attachment 92714
I just realized that both pictures were taken the day I got them before I even pulled out of the parking spot 🙂
They are beautiful. Sorry to hear about Sweet Pea
 

Hookfang

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Hookfang
Hello,

Quick update on Hookfang, he is doing really well. He just went through a full shed. He's a very hungry little guy and also getting better at drinking water. He now weighs 18 grams! He is eating about 20-25 crickets a day and is now eating some BSFL (about 10 or so in a day). My question is do we totally switch to BSFL or do half and half? How many/much of each? He gets very excited at feeding time and enjoys "hunting" the crickets :LOL:
We don't want to overfeed him or underfeed him, although he is pretty good at letting us know when he's full.
 

xp29

BD.org Addict
Photo Comp Winner
Beardie name(s)
Ruby, Sinatra, Zsa Zsa
Hello,

Quick update on Hookfang, he is doing really well. He just went through a full shed. He's a very hungry little guy and also getting better at drinking water. He now weighs 18 grams! He is eating about 20-25 crickets a day and is now eating some BSFL (about 10 or so in a day). My question is do we totally switch to BSFL or do half and half? How many/much of each? He gets very excited at feeding time and enjoys "hunting" the crickets :LOL:
We don't want to overfeed him or underfeed him, although he is pretty good at letting us know when he's full.
Honestly variety is the best. Try not to stick to just 1 feeder, they will eventually get tired of them and give you trouble getting them to eat. If you can mix in small roaches and appropriate sized hornworms and silkworms those are great for hydration (hornworms) and nutrients like ash (silkworms) that isn't available in other feeders..
It makes me happy to hear ge is doing well btw 😊.... a shedding baby is a growing baby 🦎
 

Hookfang

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Hookfang
Honestly variety is the best. Try not to stick to just 1 feeder, they will eventually get tired of them and give you trouble getting them to eat. If you can mix in small roaches and appropriate sized hornworms and silkworms those are great for hydration (hornworms) and nutrients like ash (silkworms) that isn't available in other feeders..
It makes me happy to hear ge is doing well btw 😊.... a shedding baby is a growing baby 🦎
Thank you! We are so happy too!
 

Hookfang

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Hookfang
Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that Hookfang is doing awesome! Thank you all for the guidance. He is eating crickets and BSFL, and he is now eating some of his salad (arugula mostly) all by himself. :giggle: He also has a blueberry or two and really likes them. He shed in early October and is shedding again. He's a growing happy boy!
 

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xp29

BD.org Addict
Photo Comp Winner
Beardie name(s)
Ruby, Sinatra, Zsa Zsa
Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that Hookfang is doing awesome! Thank you all for the guidance. He is eating crickets and BSFL, and he is now eating some of his salad (arugula mostly) all by himself. :giggle: He also has a blueberry or two and really likes them. He shed in early October and is shedding again. He's a growing happy boy!
That's awesome 👌 👍👍👍
We love success stories 🙂
And we love healthy and happy beardies more 🙂
 

LarryTheLizard

Hatchling Member
Beardie name(s)
Lawrence (Larry)
Hi everyone! I just wanted to let you know that Hookfang is doing awesome! Thank you all for the guidance. He is eating crickets and BSFL, and he is now eating some of his salad (arugula mostly) all by himself. :giggle: He also has a blueberry or two and really likes them. He shed in early October and is shedding again. He's a growing happy boy!
wow!! hes gotten big! I bet you lot are proud 😊
 

Drache613

BD.org Sicko
Staff member
Moderator
Hello,

Wow, he is looking really great there, his colors are very nice!
Glad to hear he is eating so well now, thankfully. It sounds like he has made
a full recovery.
I hope he continues to thrive for you now.

Tracie
 

Alice12

Member
It sounds like you’re doing your best for Hookfang, and it’s clear how much you care about him. Switching from reptile bark to paper towels was a great move as it’s much safer and eliminates the risk of impaction. Since he’s not eating on his own and has become very skinny, you’re right to give him Critical Care to ensure he’s getting some nutrients.

However, watery poop can indicate dehydration, stress, or an issue with his diet, so the daily soaks are a great way to keep him hydrated. It’s also good that you’re paying close attention to his poop, as it can tell you a lot about his health.

One thing to consider is whether his setup is ideal since bearded dragons need proper temperatures (100-110°F for basking and 75-85°F on the cool side) and UVB lighting to aid in digestion and overall health.

Also, know that a lack of UVB can cause appetite loss and lethargy, so ensure his bulb is the correct type and is replaced every 6-12 months, depending on the brand. You might also want to introduce other protein options like small crickets or dubia roaches, as variety can help stimulate his appetite.

Since Hookfang is very young and already struggling, it’s a good idea to consult a reptile vet for a thorough check-up as they can help identify if there’s an underlying health issue and guide you on next steps.
 

Hookfang

Member
Original Poster
Beardie name(s)
Hookfang
hey guys...need some help again. I tried a search but couldn't find any info. So today just before fedding and again after feeding Hookfang had his eyes closed and his whole body was twitching. He's now is acting a bit weird. He's glass surfing as far up is branch as he can get and has his mouth wide mouth. A few things to note, we got him crickets mailed order from Flukers so he's been eating these new bigger crickets for two days. Also, he's in my son's room and it's normally quiet in there but my son has been in there all day playing with his friends on his computer so he's been pretty loud. I kicked him out of his own room! :LOL: Could this be stress? The new crickets? Or his Adno is acting up?
 

AHBD

BD.org Sicko
If it started after he ate the big crickets it may be an impaction. That can cause neurological problems if the large, partly undigested cricket body presses against the spine. It COULD be adeno symptoms as well.

Can you post pic of the cricket for scale next to a quarter and remind me how big Hookfang is now ?
 

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either she really likes me, or shes hungry
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It’s been a month since I’ve joined bd.org! It feels like it’s been longer than that, but I’m glad I’m here and apart of this lovely community!
I can feel her staring into my soul demanding food
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