Beardie Won't eat.

[Jarvisda]

Hey everyone. I'm looking for some opinions.   I got my Beardie on Thursday night which is roughly 6 full days. Since I got it, it has only eaten 2 meal worms and one cricket.  The 2 meal worms were the first night and the Cricket it ate was either Saturday or Sunday Morning. I was thinking that the Crickets might have been too big but I bought some more today and these are very small and my Beardie won't even look at them.

I keep it hydrated by spraying him twice a day... (just got the spray bottle but before that I would drop water on its head and bath him in a shallow bowl)

I have done a bit or research and I know they can be stressed when they are moved to a new home and sometimes won't eat but exactly how long could that last?

I guess what I'm looking for is some advise on what to do? or maybe someone to tell me to calm down that it will eat when its ready. If more info is needed please ask.

Also he is just a little guy, roughly 6 weeks old.

[Jarvisda]

Hey everyone. I'm looking for some opinions.   I got my Beardie on Thursday night which is roughly 6 full days. Since I got it, it has only eaten 2 meal worms and one cricket.  The 2 meal worms were the first night and the Cricket it ate was either Saturday or Sunday Morning. I was thinking that the Crickets might have been too big but I bought some more today and these are very small and my Beardie won't even look at them.

I keep it hydrated by spraying him twice a day... (just got the spray bottle but before that I would drop water on its head and bath him in a shallow bowl)

I have done a bit or research and I know they can be stressed when they are moved to a new home and sometimes won't eat but exactly how long could that last?

I guess what I'm looking for is some advise on what to do? or maybe someone to tell me to calm down that it will eat when its ready. If more info is needed please ask.

Also he is just a little guy, roughly 6 weeks old.

Also to add to that I do have some pellet Food and Greens that I leave in the Viv all the time but I haven't noticed any of it being gone and when offered it doesn't eat greens either

[perfectly_flawed]

First of all, welcome to the forum.
It's quite common for a new dragon not to eat due to relocation stress. This can happen any time their environment changes. Making sure that everything is absolutely perfect for them minimizes the length of time it takes for them to settle in and eat normally. If you could answer a few questions for us, it will help us to help you make sure everything is perfect.

What is the basking surface temp? What type of thermometer are you using to measure that temp?
What brand, rating, and bulb style is the UVB light?
How close to the UVB light can the dragon get? Is there glass or plastic between the bulb and the dragon?
What substrate (floor covering) is the dragon on?

Also, mealworms are one of the worst feeders on the market. They're very low in nutrition, very hard to digest, and very high in fat. Stick with crickets, feeder roaches, silkworms, or small hornworms for your little one. Crickets and roaches should all be smaller than the space between your baby's eyes.
Misting/spraying really does nothing for hydration and may add to the stress your baby is already feeling. Soak him/her in lukewarm water up to his/her shoulders 3 or 4 times a week. This will keep baby very well hydrated and provide some time for play as well. Most dragons learn to love soaking and will swim and play while in the water.

[Jarvisda]

What is the basking surface temp? about 100-110 F
What type of thermometer are you using to measure that temp?A Liquid Crystal Thermometer. I know this is not ideal. I plan to get a better one soon.
What brand, rating, and bulb style is the UVB light?Exo Terra Repti Glo 10.0 Compact Desert Terrarium Lamp
How close to the UVB light can the dragon get? Within 6-7 inches
Is there glass or plastic between the bulb and the dragon?No
What substrate (floor covering) is the dragon on?White Paper Towel Substrate. I have a Rock for basking and some small logs and things for climbing

The Tank I have is not the best setup and I plan on building my own soon. The tank is approximately 33gal. It is a bit high and narrow as it is a fish tank but there is lots of room for the size of the Beardie... Yeah I haven't named it yet because I don't know the sex yet and  don't want to name a male a female name.  hehe

I know that meal worms are not good and I don't even attempt to feed them to it anymore unless they are very small. and i know about the space between the eyes  .  Also it seems to like the spray and does drink the water off its nose, but I still bath it a few times a week in warm water but it seems to stress a bit in the water and tries to run out of it.

Hope that clears up some questions.  if you have anymore feel free to ask.  Thanks for the response.

[zebrajanie]

I still see only one problem, and that is with the compact uvb.  A linear tube, 10.0 is a great choice. Those compacts have caused issues with dragons... Perhaps they are fine for other species, but not dragons...

Hope this helps.

[Jarvisda]

I still see only one problem, and that is with the compact uvb.  A linear tube, 10.0 is a great choice. Those compacts have caused issues with dragons... Perhaps they are fine for other species, but not dragons...

Hope this helps.

So you think its still adjusting to its new surroundings? Any idea how long this could last?

Also I managed to get it to eat a few pellets and some Greens last night.  It seems to be getting its nerve up now. It was blowing out its beard at me last night and opening its mouth,  lol. ...  I really need to figure out if it is male or female,  I hate calling him/her "it"  hehe.

[zebrajanie]

Yes to your question.. I feel baby dragon is still settling in.  Could be days, could be weeks.

As for the sexing... if you should turn baby away from you, and lift tail up over back, until you feel resistance, take a picture, or observe if there is one or two lumps by the anus. 1 indicates female, two would indicate male.

Hope this helps.

[Jarvisda]

haha,  yeah I know how to sex it.  The last time I looked a few days ago it looked like there were 3 bumps.  The 2 long ones and the middle one.   I am thinking its a male but I'm not sure.   I will see if I can get a picture.

[Jarvisda]

I am thinking male...  Thoughts?

[Kimberly n Morgana]

Beardi Porn...HOW GREAT IS THAT...I love it

very beautiful baby! His underside doesnt look like my female Morganas so I would say your guess is right on the money shot!