Lonely?

Dragon-Keeper · #1 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 01:16 AM

My CWD has been going to bed really early, and laying around all day. Is he just lonely? I tihnk he needs a companion, Should I buy another? I was thinking of picking up a girl for him, but I am worried about the space. He has a fair sized cage. I am saving up to build a nice big one that should do him for the rest of his life. Should I wait untill i make the big cage or should I jsut go buy the female? (also, where should I get the other, to assure I am not getting a wild cought, and to get a good quality one. Does anyone know of a breeder?)

NicoleRussell · #2 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 11:31 AM

Green waterdragon do not really get lonely....buying another should be a decision you make based on what you have to offer another animal. That, and buying another when you don't have optimal space is risky.....a male might stress a female out so bad she will literally curl up and die or a male could kill another male pretty easily when competing for food, basking spots and general territory.

Dragon-Keeper · #3 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 02:42 PM

So why is he sleepy all the time?

WingedWolf · #4 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 03:38 PM

If your dragon has been unusually lethargic, then schedule a veterinary appointment immediately. A behavior change such as you describe is usually a sign of a physical illness. Reptiles tend to hide signs of illness until they are very, very ill. Take this seriously--prompt attention can mean life or death. Be sure that the vet you choose has ample experience with reptiles--there is no certification for a herp vet specialist. Individual vets can be competent, but some might know even less about the animals than you do. Choose your vet carefully. If possible, take with you to the appointment a fresh (not dried out) stool sample--the vet will do a fecal float to check for internal parasites.

The vast majority of reptiles are solitary animals--unlike some mammals and birds, they do not require, nor do they want, company. Males come together with females only for breeding purposes, then immediately seperate again once the breeding phase is over. Some reptiles can be kept in groups because they will tolerate one another's presence--not because they enjoy being together.
Your dragon will be healthier, happier, and will grow faster and stronger if he has his cage entirely to himself. It's his territory, and he will be proud to hold it without challenge from any other animals.

NicoleRussell · #5 (**permalink**) 04-16-2005, 10:49 PM

yeah what he said

All true.
He needs:
a GREAT bulb
optimal range humidity and heat
a varied diet
and a prayer that all these things will overide the horrible care he got when he was either imported from asia, kept in a store in not so good conditions or both.
GWD's are very delicate.

Dragon-Keeper · #6 (**permalink**) 04-17-2005, 08:37 PM

thanks, I dont know if I can get him to the vet, I have no clue what our vet knows about reptiles and I dont know how much it will cost, he did have a broken toe once, but its healed. I have never taken him to the vet.

Dragon-Keeper · #7 (**permalink**) 04-18-2005, 09:59 PM

I have been taking him out of his cage for a while every night. It has only been two days, and I havent had him out for more than five minutes, because his heart gets beating really fast and I dont want to scare him

.

NicoleRussell · #8 (**permalink**) 04-19-2005, 02:21 AM

little steps ;}

WingedWolf · #9 (**permalink**) 04-19-2005, 11:34 PM

You need to take your water dragon to a vet, and you definitely need NOT to be handling it at all, if it is lethargic. The stress could make any illness worse.

Advertisement