Baby beardie head dragging

[Luvthemanimal]

Crickets seem to be well feed.

 

[Luvthemanimal]

Let us know of how the vet trip went.

I can post what I use to dust crickets if u like also

 

[atochats]

His eating does sound good I am thoroughly confused by his lethargic behavior though. Worms? Does he make noises when he breathes? Any slight noises at all? If you physically place him in the basking area, what happens? Do the other two " bully" him and force him away? Stressed induced behavior? IDK.

 

[Buzzeo]

I can't hear any noises when he breathes or ever, really. When I place him in the basking area he immediately drops or runs to the floor so I stopped doing that. I cannot see any type of aggressive or bullying behaviour from any of the others so if it is it must be through body language, I have no idea. But certainly no physical aggression. Look who I found with his head up he may not be entirely healthy but it does give me some hope he can survive.

 

[Luvthemanimal]

Awesome.

 

[atochats]

Mmmm...I might suggest providing a separate basking area for him. Right near where the other two are but I'm thinking more and more it might be stress he's suffering from. Just because they don't chase him away doesn't mean they're not intimidating him into overly submissive behavior. Stress can be a very big factor in their health just like proper temps are.

 

[Buzzeo]

I agree. Tomorrow morning I am going to get another lamp and lights and hopefully that will be the solution. I left a stool sample with the vet who I will be seeing again tomorrow at 10:45 and I will finally have an answer to get this little guy healthy again.

 

[atochats]

Setting up a new tank for him? Sounds great This is a big problem housing multiple dragons together. ..dominance issues. Good luck and keep us posted!

 

[Luvthemanimal]

Yea good idea to separate the sick one..

Definitely would like to hear what vet says

 

[Buzzeo]

Well I got quite a lot of info from the vet so I will try to summarize without leaving out important details.

Number one problem is that some breeders will try to sell of their babies as fast as possible to avoid medical costs of raising babies to maximize their profits and the reason why there are so many babies produced in one clutch is to ensure survival because many babies will not survive the first three months of their life.

Secondly is that if any dragon is exposed to a parasite or virus any other dragon is more than likely to contract it as well and what may harm one dragon may not harm the other.

In the case of my baby beardie, because of their very small size a blood test to check immune levels was out of the question, it seems he may have two possible problems. The first can be a parasite who can spread to the brain rather than stay in the intestines. The treatments they have for parasites are very good except when they are in the brain or eyes, where the treatment becomes useless. The second is two different viruses, both of which are untreatable.

What made him very hopeful was he saw he was indeed able to raise his head when necessary and is eating regularly and can keep his head straight. This indicates his equilibrium is working and the virus/ parasite hasn't affected it.

So for the next 5 days I will be collecting stool samples from all three beardies in a preservative liquid, then after the lab does its examination I will have an answer and hopefully also a treatment.

With the bad news, the doctor also had a lot of hope and said these were the smallest beardies he's ever seen in 15 years to come in. But after 3 days of looking ill, the little dragon seems to have amazing resilience and along with good husbandry and proper food, he would not be at all surprised if he makes it.

Thank you all for your help and concern, I will keep giving updates on any health progressions.

 

[Luvthemanimal]

Well that's some good news at least.

It sick how some breeders do that. If and when u breed mine they won't be leaving until 3 months old or older.

I hope all works out for you.

Cheers.

 

[atochats]

Great to hear that vet has hope! Please do keep us posted and thank you for passing on your news.

 

[Buzzeo]

Hello! As I promised before, here is an update on my baby beardies. Coming up to 2 months old, all three little ones are healthy and parasite free! My male is growing noticeably faster than my females and has just finished his first shed in my care. And most importantly, my female has her head held up high and is devouring crickets and even showing the male whose boss! Here's some photos of them before bed. Id like to think that each of your suggestions not only improved my care, but helped save this little one from a potential early passing. The cage just wouldn't seem full without all three of them. Thanks a ton for the advice from The beardies and myself.

Male shedding

Recovered female

Other female

 

[Luvthemanimal]

Wahoooooo awesome very glad to hear..... Double thumbs up

 

[Keegirl96]

Aw that first pic of your little girl with her head on the ground broke my heart. Glad she's doing better tho, she's very lucky to have someone as dedicated as you are!!