Is he trying to hibernate, or what???

d0lfin · #1 (**permalink**) 08-20-2003, 04:57 PM

I have a 1 yr. old male dragon. He was fine until the end of May, when he basically stopped eating and started sleeping all the time. We feed twice a week, and, on a good day, he'll eat one bug and a bite or two of greens. He will eat an occasional bite of banana. We're feeding darkling beatles because he won't eat anything else. Sometime in April he stopped eating crickets, 1/2 way through May he stopped eating mealworms. The base of his tail and back legs are still thick. He hasn't shed since Memorial Day. He is alert when I wake him up, seems happy (white underneath) but in 10-20 minutes, it's snooze city again. Should I just let him sleep all the time? He has a hidey hole in the warm and cool ends. Temps are 80 in the cool end, 100 at basking spot, have a high noon bulb going, 50 gal. tank. I'd appreciate any advise you can give - I don't want an invisible dragon! Thanks

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SteveP · #2 (**permalink**) 08-20-2003, 06:04 PM

Welcome to RTB!!! [img]modules/Forum/images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]

Has your beardy pooped recently? If so, was it runny and/or pretty stinky? Mine had a bought of gut parasites a while back that induced similar behavior. Having a stool sample checked by the vet never hurts in this kinda situation.

Also, this time of year it's kinda nice to get your beardy outside during the day once in a while. The direct sunlight does wonders for their emotional state. Even if you just go out with him for an hour or two on the lawn and "hang" with him...keeping an eye on him at all times of course! Beardies tend to get bored, and having some interactive sessions keeps them alert.

If nothing else a trip to a good herp vet may be necessary just for a general check-up.
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d0lfin · #3 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 06:21 PM

Hi,

Thanks for the welcome and your response, Steve!

He is pooping - not regularlly, but he's not taking in much either. Actually, he pooped just now & (don't tell anyone) I sniffed it - no smell at all. It's same as it ever was consistency-wise. We do take him outside, when he's awake which isn't that often any more. Is it normal at this age (1 yo) to go so long without shedding? Last shed was Memorial Day.

Know anything about dwarfism in dragons? Last time I took him to the pet store the guy asked if he was a dwarf because his head is so big. It sticks out about 3/8 in. past his shoulders on each side. Just wondering.

I think I will probably get that stool sample checked out. Thanks a lot for the info, appreciate it!
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SteveP · #4 (**permalink**) 08-22-2003, 06:45 PM

Well, if his poops are normal consistancy and don't smell excessively I'd initially rule out gut bugs...but it never hurts to confirm with a fecal exam.

Once they get a year old they're reaching adulthood and their growth slows down a bit. My 1+ year old male likewise has not shed for some time now, but during that first year's growth spurt he shed all the time. I've not heard about dwarfism in beardys...but males typically have bigger heads compared to females. I've seen a bit of variability from one beardy to the next in regard to head size too. His body should 'fill in' somemore as he continues to mature.

I'm kinda stumped about the lethargy. I'll inquire with some other beardy people about his "siesta syndrome"! Sorry I don't have an answer for ya at the moment!
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d0lfin · #5 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 12:56 AM

Hi Steve,

I'm curious as to whether or not your 1 y.o. male's eating habits changed at all when shedding slowed down?

Good news! We tried crickets again today and he ate SIX! That's about equal to what he's ate in the past 3-4 weeks! Nothing in the last 2 weeks. Hopefully he will keep eating them (fingers crossed). Still a lazy thing though - had to wake him to eat. Thanks
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Ed_r · #6 (**permalink**) 09-08-2003, 02:01 AM

My yearling female had that problem too. Actually i havent noticed her shedding at all either. But she is small and goes on hungerstrikes at times. I have a feeling they get tired of the same old food. I don't do crix, I feed mine superworms. (I just hate crickets) But lately a friend of mine gave me some wood roaches. It was an all out feeding frenzy. The beardies went insane over them. And yes I can deal with the roaches better than the crix, they don't smell nearly as bad.
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