1.5 year old beardie acting slow/lethargic all of the sudden...anyone ever experience this before?

[AAlexander1317]

Just wondering if anyone has ever experienced with their bearded dragon before?....

My beardie is about 1.5-2 years old, male I believe (but not positive). He's extremely overweight and ALWAYS acts hungry. Loves his veggies and beardie pellets, eats them almost everyday. He only gets bugs once or twice a week, but I am trying to cut back because he is very chubby. He mainly eats superworms, dubias, and hornworms for the bugs. He's always very "with it", loves coming out of the cage to sit with me and observe, he's never been really active though, just sits at watches everything.

All of the sudden he's been very lazy, doesn't move for a couple days, some days he's under the heat lights, other days he's on the cooler side and laying in the middle of his cage (which he never does, he's always perched on his wood or on his hammock). He's sleeping more, doesn't eat his veggies or pellets, but he will still eat bugs, he just isn't as excited to eat them and is very slow about it, like he doesn't care. His basking temp is at about 100 degrees normally. I bumped it up and he didn't like that and moved away from it. I have now decreased it to about 90 degrees, and he's been sitting under the heat on his hammock for 2 days, barely moving. I just recently upgraded his UVB to a long strip-light that sits right above him on the top of his cage, he seems to really like it because he hasn't moved away from it since I upgraded (just 2 days ago).

*****When he does decide to move, it is very dramatic, almost like he is somewhat paralyzed, and "slithers" around not using his front or back legs much. When he tries to walk, he is very low to the ground, and moves very very slowly. I came home the other day, to a pile of poop on his hammock, and he was laying in it. He didn't even have the energy to move down and go to the bathroom on the floor of his cage (which he has always done). I put him in the tub for a warm soak and to wash him up, and he stayed low to the tub and wanted to just lay down the whole time. He seems very weak and lethargic, very lazy, not interested in anything, even his favorite bugs. I've only had him for less than 2 years, and he has not gone in to a brumation yet for me. I'm praying this is his way of feeling the weather changes and maybe wanting to brumate, but he's starting to worry me and I don't know what I can do for him. There are a few options for exotic vets within an hour or so from me, but it is extremely hard to get into one if you're not already a client. I wanted to check here first to see if anyone has experienced something similar to this and what ended up happening/what did you do?

Thank you for any help/recommendations/advice!

 

[Sadie]

Just wondering if anyone has ever experienced with their bearded dragon before?....

My beardie is about 1.5-2 years old, male I believe (but not positive). He's extremely overweight and ALWAYS acts hungry. Loves his veggies and beardie pellets, eats them almost everyday. He only gets bugs once or twice a week, but I am trying to cut back because he is very chubby. He mainly eats superworms, dubias, and hornworms for the bugs. He's always very "with it", loves coming out of the cage to sit with me and observe, he's never been really active though, just sits at watches everything.

All of the sudden he's been very lazy, doesn't move for a couple days, some days he's under the heat lights, other days he's on the cooler side and laying in the middle of his cage (which he never does, he's always perched on his wood or on his hammock). He's sleeping more, doesn't eat his veggies or pellets, but he will still eat bugs, he just isn't as excited to eat them and is very slow about it, like he doesn't care. His basking temp is at about 100 degrees normally. I bumped it up and he didn't like that and moved away from it. I have now decreased it to about 90 degrees, and he's been sitting under the heat on his hammock for 2 days, barely moving. I just recently upgraded his UVB to a long strip-light that sits right above him on the top of his cage, he seems to really like it because he hasn't moved away from it since I upgraded (just 2 days ago).

*****When he does decide to move, it is very dramatic, almost like he is somewhat paralyzed, and "slithers" around not using his front or back legs much. When he tries to walk, he is very low to the ground, and moves very very slowly. I came home the other day, to a pile of poop on his hammock, and he was laying in it. He didn't even have the energy to move down and go to the bathroom on the floor of his cage (which he has always done). I put him in the tub for a warm soak and to wash him up, and he stayed low to the tub and wanted to just lay down the whole time. He seems very weak and lethargic, very lazy, not interested in anything, even his favorite bugs. I've only had him for less than 2 years, and he has not gone in to a brumation yet for me. I'm praying this is his way of feeling the weather changes and maybe wanting to brumate, but he's starting to worry me and I don't know what I can do for him. There are a few options for exotic vets within an hour or so from me, but it is extremely hard to get into one if you're not already a client. I wanted to check here first to see if anyone has experienced something similar to this and what ended up happening/what did you do?

Thank you for any help/recommendations/advice!

What uvb were you using? If it was a coil that is the reason - he has developed mbd- tell me what you have upgraded to brand and bulb? T 5 or T 8 distance and placement is crucial what type of screen fine mesh like a screen door or a wide holed type?

 

[AAlexander1317]

What uvb were you using? If it was a coil that is the reason - he has developed mbd- tell me what you have upgraded to brand and bulb? T 5 or T 8 distance and placement is crucial what type of screen fine mesh like a screen door or a wide holed type?

It was a coil bulb unfortunately, that is what came with him and his cage set up. I just switched him to a 36 inch Reptisun 10.0 T8 uvb bulb. It sits right above him, on the fine mesh screen top, about 6-8 inches from him while on his hammock.

 

[Sadie]

It was a coil bulb unfortunately, that is what came with him and his cage set up. I just switched him to a 36 inch Reptisun 10.0 T8 uvb bulb. It sits right above him, on the fine mesh screen top, about 6-8 inches from him while on his hammock.

Please get it unobstructed T 8 's are not strong enough to go thru screen and block 30% of the rays you actually need a T 5 - get a piece of decor directly underneath it 6-8 inches -- you can take the screen off but he needs to be under it 6-8 inches- distance is good but NO screen - if you upgrade to the T 5 you will need a new fixture go to www.pangeareptiles.com look under fixtures 24" Zoo Med comes w/ a 5.0 bulb order a 22" reptisun 10.0 bulb T 5 -- the T 8 will be good but I recommend a T 5 now-- distance unobstructed 12-15 inches directly above the basking decor

 

[Sadie]

I am gonna help you some more w/ your tank but you need to get this uvb corrected watch his behavior after you get the uvb unobstructed-

 

[AAlexander1317]

Please get it unobstructed T 8 's are not strong enough to go thru screen and block 30% of the rays you actually need a T 5 - get a piece of decor directly underneath it 6-8 inches -- you can take the screen off but he needs to be under it 6-8 inches- distance is good but NO screen - if you upgrade to the T 5 you will need a new fixture go to www.pangeareptiles.com look under fixtures 24" Zoo Med comes w/ a 5.0 bulb order a 22" reptisun 10.0 bulb T 5 -- the T 8 will be good but I recommend a T 5 now-- distance unobstructed 12-15 inches directly above the basking decor

Thank you, I will look into this right now.

 

[AAlexander1317]

I am gonna help you some more w/ your tank but you need to get this uvb corrected watch his behavior after you get the uvb unobstructed-

I think I can ziptie the fixture with the T8 to the underside of the screen top, so it's inside the cage and right above him for now, until I can get the T5 fixture.

 

[Sadie]

I think I can ziptie the fixture with the T8 to the underside of the screen top, so it's inside the cage and right above him for now, until I can get the T5 fixture.

That will be good - if you need more help w/ that I can post some stuff from home Depot works really good + I can post the link for you

 

[AAlexander1317]

That will be good - if you need more help w/ that I can post some stuff from home Depot works really good + I can post the link for you

Thank you, I appreciate the help. Is there any specific foods that you would recommend to try and feed him? To give him a calcium boost. I did give him 4 dubia roaches tonight that were dusted with vit d3 calcium powder. But he was not interested in anymore than 4.

 

[Sadie]

Thank you, I appreciate the help. Is there any specific foods that you would recommend to try and feed him? To give him a calcium boost. I did give him 4 dubia roaches tonight that were dusted with vit d3 calcium powder. But he was not interested in anymore than 4.

he hasn't been able to absorb or synthesize his calcium w/ the incorrect uvb- once he gets the correct uvb which the T 8 is going to be but the T 5 will be a better bulb he may regain the use of his legs again- w/ the correct bulb now please dust the insects w/ the d 3 once per feeding - are you feeding just d 3 or an actual vit w/ d 3? If it's vit w/ d 3 get a calcium d 3 only -- how many times per week are you feeding the insects?

 

[AAlexander1317]

Thank you, I appreciate the help. Is there any specific foods that you would recommend to try and feed him? To give him a calcium boost. I did give him 4 dubia roaches tonight that were dusted with vit d3 calcium powder. But he was not interested in anymore than 4.

I took the back of the screen top off, so the light is sitting right above him with no obstruction. It's about 8 inches, I moved his hammock up higher and closer to the uvb bulb also.

he hasn't been able to absorb or synthesize his calcium w/ the incorrect uvb- once he gets the correct uvb which the T 8 is going to be but the T 5 will be a better bulb he may regain the use of his legs again- w/ the correct bulb now please dust the insects w/ the d 3 once per feeding - are you feeding just d 3 or an actual vit w/ d 3? If it's vit w/ d 3 get a calcium d 3 only -- how many times per week are you feeding the insects?

I am using the Reptocal powdered nutritional supplement that includes calcium and vitamin d3. I feed him insects once, sometimes twice per week. But do not dust them every time, which is probably part of my mistake. I took the back of the screen top off, so the light is sitting right above him with no obstruction. It's about 8 inches, I moved his hammock up higher and closer to the uvb bulb also.

 

[Sadie]

I took the back of the screen top off, so the light is sitting right above him with no obstruction. It's about 8 inches, I moved his hammock up higher and closer to the uvb bulb also.

I am using the Reptocal powdered nutritional supplement that includes calcium and vitamin d3. I feed him insects once, sometimes twice per week. But do not dust them every time, which is probably part of my mistake. I took the back of the screen top off, so the light is sitting right above him with no obstruction. It's about 8 inches, I moved his hammock up higher and closer to the uvb bulb also.

Ok I am going to ask about the Repcal and if its going to be enough --- what is the % of the calcium in that stuff? Here is the stuff I was talking about https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-15-ft-Cable-Ties-Hook-and-Loop-Spool-Black-10375/304220195 you can use this for hanging if you need to its like a Velcro strap cut into strips then wrap around the fixture --
Ok for your substrate what are you using? Is it sand? Please replace w/ some textured NON adhesive shelf liner -- loose substrate harbors bacteria and can cause impaction - you can find this at Walmart or your local home improvement store - clean w/ vinegar/ water 50/50 -- are you only using stickons for getting temps? If so please invest in 2 digital probe thermometers one for the basking side and one for the cool side you want 80's cool side during the day and 95-100 for basking you want surface temps not air / ambient temps - if your using a IR gun they do not read off of hammocks and certain materials they digital is the most accurate - place the probe where he would sit for basking wait 10 min then get the temp --
website for nutrition
http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html ignore the kale thing its a good staple feeder
do you have a hygrometer? If not I recommend a digital probe like this

Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer | Dubia.com

Use the Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer to track the humidity levels in your reptile or amphibian terrarium, available here at Dubia.com!

dubiaroaches.com

place the probe on the back center wall of the tank it will read the whole tank
optimal humidity is 40-50% nothing under 20% and nothing over 70%

 

[AAlexander1317]

Ok I am going to ask about the Repcal and if its going to be enough --- what is the % of the calcium in that stuff? Here is the stuff I was talking about https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-15-ft-Cable-Ties-Hook-and-Loop-Spool-Black-10375/304220195 you can use this for hanging if you need to its like a Velcro strap cut into strips then wrap around the fixture --
Ok for your substrate what are you using? Is it sand? Please replace w/ some textured NON adhesive shelf liner -- loose substrate harbors bacteria and can cause impaction - you can find this at Walmart or your local home improvement store - clean w/ vinegar/ water 50/50 -- are you only using stickons for getting temps? If so please invest in 2 digital probe thermometers one for the basking side and one for the cool side you want 80's cool side during the day and 95-100 for basking you want surface temps not air / ambient temps - if your using a IR gun they do not read off of hammocks and certain materials they digital is the most accurate - place the probe where he would sit for basking wait 10 min then get the temp --
website for nutrition
http://www.beautifuldragons.com/Nutrition.html ignore the kale thing its a good staple feeder
do you have a hygrometer? If not I recommend a digital probe like this

Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer | Dubia.com

Use the Exo Terra Digital Hygrometer to track the humidity levels in your reptile or amphibian terrarium, available here at Dubia.com!

dubiaroaches.com

place the probe on the back center wall of the tank it will read the whole tank
optimal humidity is 40-50% nothing under 20% and nothing over 70%

The reptocal says Min. Calcium is 27% and Max. Calcium is 32%. My substrate is sand, has always been sand. I've tried the carpets but he doesn't seem to like them and it gets stuck to his nails. I do have digital thermometers with probes on each end, and the temps are in the right range, but I do not have a hygrometer in there.

 

[Sadie]

The reptocal says Min. Calcium is 27% and Max. Calcium is 32%. My substrate is sand, has always been sand. I've tried the carpets but he doesn't seem to like them and it gets stuck to his nails. I do have digital thermometers with probes on each end, and the temps are in the right range, but I do not have a hygrometer in there.

Ok I would get him over on some shelf liner I posted-- more sanitary and carpet is not good for the nails either- I am gonna find out about the calcium and how much he should be getting

 

[AAlexander1317]

Ok I would get him over on some shelf liner I posted-- more sanitary and carpet is not good for the nails either- I am gonna find out about the calcium and how much he should be getting

I will look in to this, thanks for your help! I got a T5 fixture and light ordered, should be here in the next week or so.

 

[Sadie]

The reptocal says Min. Calcium is 27% and Max. Calcium is 32%. My substrate is sand, has always been sand. I've tried the carpets but he doesn't seem to like them and it gets stuck to his nails. I do have digital thermometers with probes on each end, and the temps are in the right range, but I do not have a hygrometer in there.

Still looking in to the calcium D3 thing

 

[Sadie]

Still looking in to the calcium D3 thing

I heard back from a user and this is what she does

I don't use that brand but it's probably fine but I would still keep calcium on hand to use every few days and the Reptocal maybe 2 days a week. I like to keep Rep cal with D3 , Rep cal without D3 and Herptivite vitamins. I switched back + forth, using the Calcium with D3 some days and without on other days because my dragons got outdoor sun at least 4-5 days a week. I only use the Reptivite no more than once a week. Giving calcium + vitamins to beardies is always a bit of a guessing game because some dragons eat far more than others. I would use the Reptocal sparingly, always dust food VERY lightly when using any supplement. With the proper lighting and decent food an adult doesn't usually need too much of any supplement.