Young Beardie attacked by older - Need Advice

[PenskeFile]

Just last night we brought home two beardies that were given to us along with a full complement of equipment. These two are about 7 months old I am told and up to 17 inches. My 10 year old son has been raising a little beardie for a couple months now, but hes only about 8 inches (if that) - MUCH, MUCH smaller at any rate.

About thirty minutes ago, they had all three on the rug and one of the older guys attacked the little guy and chomped him around the neck. I didnt see it, but heard the yelling and came running in.

We've go the little guy back in his terrarium and he is just lying there. His eyes are open and hes breathing irregularly, with a "gulp" every few minutes.

I realize this is probably impossible to do anything about - but thought I would check. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations on what we can do to help him pull through? Any tests we can run?

I really thought he was dead at first as I laid him on his back and he just stayed there with no movement. Then I turned him over and saw him breath.

Naturally, the son is very, very upset right now. Good times....

 

[Gail]

Get him to a vet, he needs to be checked for broken bones and internal bleeding.

 

[AHBD]

I'm so sorry about this tragedy ! I know you learned a terrible lesson, but hopefully he is not injured too badly. One thing you don't want to do is put him on his back, they can't breathe that way. Do you have a vet that specializes in reptiles ? Can you see any visible wounds ? A large dragon has very strong jaws + can bite very hard. There is nothing anyone can tell you other than a trip to the vet.....if the bite was light, he can survive. If his skull was crushed, there may be too much damage. Right now he sounds to be terrified, in shock, probably in pain. Hopefully he'll survive. I'm really sorry.

 

[PenskeFile]

Thanks for the replies all. Unfortunately, it was too much for him to bear and he is gone. I just hope my son doesn't hold too much of a grudge against the one who did this. Of course it was the one "adopted" by my 12 year old.

RIP "Jim"

 

[AHBD]

Aw, I'm soooo sorry ! I hope everyone will recover from this, especially your son. Our large beardies seem so docile, and many websites have pics of baby dragons on the backs of large adults. In reality, the large dragons view babies as prey items. So sorry for your loss.

 

[Claudiusx]

I am extremely sorry for your loss.

many websites have pics of baby dragons on the backs of large adults. In reality, the large dragons view babies as prey items.

It is the sad truth.

-Brandon

 

[kcarello]

So sorry to hear about this tragedy!! Hope your son is o.k..so sad to hear of a baby passing

 

[Esther19]

I am so sorry to hear about little Jim. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

 

[jkeeney1]

Im sorry to hear about your loss This is a great place to seek advice in the future though, everyone here helped save my stitch from impaction.

 

[szubelak]

Oh my goodness - I'm so sorry - Based on the times of your posts he went quickly and didn't suffer which can be a powerful lesson for children - "he's in a better place now, not in pain" So hard though - children can be tougher then we think sometimes though too - much love to you and your family <3

 

[Gymgirlx]

I am SOO sorry to hear. In many pics on the internet, there's babies with adults to compare size. The truth is that adults just think it's food. *hugs*

 

[bunnyrut]

big lessons learned.

Never put two beardies together who have never met before. I'm sure your son was trying to introduce them.
even if they grow up together it's still risky to have them alone together.

I have an adult and a baby. We have been introducing them slowly.

When showed her to him through the glass of his cage, he attempted to eat her. which is why we call her tasty treat, lol.

she got bigger and he was disinterested, we had them next to each other overly-supervising their every move.

now she's 6 months old and he really notices her. i think he wants to MATE. and she is on the other side of the room. so we are back to them looking at each other through the glass.

it's harder with reptiles because they will kill each other, unlike cats who will just beat the crap out of each other if they don't like each other.

 

[bltkpo]

I am so sorry for your loss It's really a tragic story, but also a lesson that I hope many people see and learn from, to avoid this from happening with other owners and their attempts to 'socialize their beardies' ... or house them together, or play together.. or anything really.

-big hugs-

 

[ChellyBeans]

I've had two bearded dragons for about two years now and I refuse to let them interact in the slightest. I recommend keeping everyone separate at all times because beardies are loner lizards and aren't very social with other dragons and a fight could ensue with the other one at any time. I am tremendously sorry for your loss.

 

[PenskeFile]

Thanks again for all the kind and considerate thoughts everyone. We'll move on and take the best care we can of the pair we have.