Baby dragon very poorly... any help appreciated before morning.

[Dragon-lovin-mum]

I’m going to take her to be looked at tomorrow- but if anyone could give advice right now that would be great.
I bought a baby dragon from a pet shop last week- she was 7 weeks old.
they were feeding her medium locust so that’s what I bought (I’ve never had a baby before- so just following what they advised).
She’s In a 3ft tank- 10% ubv light and basking light set at 90oF. She has a hide at the cool side of her tank which doubles as a climbing space and she has a little bridge which puts her about 5-7inch from basking lamp?
I’m just using newspaper at the moment, I use Lino in my adult beardies viv but I ran out.
she’s barely eating- maybe 4-6locust a day(only 2 at a time so I try a few times a day) and the tiniest bit of salad.
She’s so lethargic and looks poorly she barely lifts her head.
I bathed her twice in the last week to try keep her hydrated.
I coat her food 5 days out of 7 in calcium powder.
I’ve fed her a bit of baby food tonight after looking on this site for suggestions, which she took a little of.
I don’t know if it makes a difference but she is shedding at the moment too. I know this can make them eat less/stop eating but my older dragons don’t so not sure if that’s actually true?
any help will be so appreciated

 

[Sadie]

I’m going to take her to be looked at tomorrow- but if anyone could give advice right now that would be great.
I bought a baby dragon from a pet shop last week- she was 7 weeks old.
they were feeding her medium locust so that’s what I bought (I’ve never had a baby before- so just following what they advised).
She’s In a 3ft tank- 10% ubv light and basking light set at 90oF. She has a hide at the cool side of her tank which doubles as a climbing space and she has a little bridge which puts her about 5-7inch from basking lamp?
I’m just using newspaper at the moment, I use Lino in my adult beardies viv but I ran out.
she’s barely eating- maybe 4-6locust a day(only 2 at a time so I try a few times a day) and the tiniest bit of salad.
She’s so lethargic and looks poorly she barely lifts her head.
I bathed her twice in the last week to try keep her hydrated.
I coat her food 5 days out of 7 in calcium powder.
I’ve fed her a bit of baby food tonight after looking on this site for suggestions, which she took a little of.
I don’t know if it makes a difference but she is shedding at the moment too. I know this can make them eat less/stop eating but my older dragons don’t so not sure if that’s actually true?
any help will be so appreciated

You need to get your basking temps up to 105-110-- are you using a coil UVB? If so get rid of it and get a long tube fixture-- zoo med sunblaster or Arcadia- you need a Reptisun 10.0 T 5- size of you tank please? It's good shes eating keep up w/ the food but I am thinking the temps might have something to do w/ the behavior and that UVB depending on what it is

 

[Dragon-lovin-mum]

It’s a long one- Arcadia brand. I’ll turn her temp up now and see if we get any improvement.
how often should I try feed her?

 

[Sadie]

It’s a long one- Arcadia brand. I’ll turn her temp up now and see if we get any improvement.
how often should I try feed her

Offer her food three times a day -- she needs to be eating a little at a time and make sure shes hydrated -- if your feeding baby food water it down so shes getting hydration --- your UVB is a long Arcadia T 5 or T 8 and where in the tank is it ? Screen or inside? this makes a difference for the bulbs and placement

 

[Dragon-lovin-mum]

It’s inside runs alongside the back at the top- I also have a little cave that attaches to the branch on the left but I’m just mid-clean. Excuse the rubbish photo- trying to feed baby at same time lol. You can see my poor baby climbing down the bridge on the right

 

[Skybug]

What wattage is the basking bulb? It looks awfully close to me....

 

[Dragon-lovin-mum]

This ones 50w. Should I move it further away?

 

[Sadie]

It’s inside runs alongside the back at the top- I also have a little cave that attaches to the branch on the left but I’m just mid-clean. Excuse the rubbish photo- trying to feed baby at same time lol. You can see my poor baby climbing down the bridge on the right View attachment 26280

Ok so the UVB needs a reflector and I would get it off the back wall and get it directly overhead -- as of now those rays are going every where in that tank - I would downsize the UVB to a 24" fixture and place it directly over head of the basking decor --- are you in the UK? I would get a Arcadia 12% Desert bulb for that fixture usually they are 22" for the bulb -- next you need to get the basking light directly over him as of now that light is shining right into his eyes -- you need to have the temp 105-110 taken w/ a digital probe thermometer and it needs to be set on the spot where he sits for basking wait 10 minutes then get temp -- as of now hes not doing so well because the lighting is set up wrong

 

[Sadie]

Reptile Systems Eco T5 Unit Zone 1

Complete reptile T5 UVB system for Ferguson Zone 1 animals Stimulates vitamin D3 production for metabolic health Encourages natural behaviours

www.reptiles.swelluk.com

this is a 24 watt which is what you want -- fixture
https://www.reptiles.swelluk.com/arcadia-d3-reptile-lamp-t5-12-uvb/ this bulb
look for this at other sites in the UK ---

 

[Dragon-lovin-mum]

Okay. I’ll try moving them both and I’ll order a smaller uvb first thing. Thank you for your help.

 

[Sadie]

Okay. I’ll try moving them both and I’ll order a smaller uvb first thing. Thank you for your help.

When you get the UVB please let me know so I can help you place it distance wise these two things the basking and UVB are the MOST IMPORTANT things in that tank-- please get a digital probe thermometer ASAP along w/ that uvb

 

[Julee1971]

I’m going to take her to be looked at tomorrow- but if anyone could give advice right now that would be great.
I bought a baby dragon from a pet shop last week- she was 7 weeks old.
they were feeding her medium locust so that’s what I bought (I’ve never had a baby before- so just following what they advised).
She’s In a 3ft tank- 10% ubv light and basking light set at 90oF. She has a hide at the cool side of her tank which doubles as a climbing space and she has a little bridge which puts her about 5-7inch from basking lamp?
I’m just using newspaper at the moment, I use Lino in my adult beardies viv but I ran out.
she’s barely eating- maybe 4-6locust a day(only 2 at a time so I try a few times a day) and the tiniest bit of salad.
She’s so lethargic and looks poorly she barely lifts her head.
I bathed her twice in the last week to try keep her hydrated.
I coat her food 5 days out of 7 in calcium powder.
I’ve fed her a bit of baby food tonight after looking on this site for suggestions, which she took a little of.
I don’t know if it makes a difference but she is shedding at the moment too. I know this can make them eat less/stop eating but my older dragons don’t so not sure if that’s actually true?
any help will be so appreciated

Hi; we rescue & rehome. The kids at pet stores give wrong info all the time. As babies/juveniles they need lots of good proteins ( crickets/dubia roaches) alongside their veggies/greens. Never ever feed bottled food or pellets or meal worms They are horrible for their tummy & it impacts them. After they turn 1 year old u can add superworms amd hornworms which are great for them but high in fat so def in moderation; never feed horns & supers earlier than a year of age cuz their digestive tract is not strong Enuff for these proteins at a young age. Use white terry cloth towels as a substrate; never ever use sand it impacts them & they invest it; u can buy a bag from Home Depot; get a bigger tank ASAP!! A small tank stresses them out & stunts their growth; buy a 20gallon or even 40gallon; she will need a 40gallon at 4mnths of age. Buy from Petsmart & return it when he turns 3mnths and buy the 40 gallon with the doors that open in the front. A Beardie will eat less when he’s shedding; but if temps are off/not hot Enuff he cannot and won’t eat. Never ever feed until an hour or 2 after basking; u can place the plate of greens/veggies if u need to go to wrk & he will eat after a few hours of basking but the proteins don’t feed till an hour or so of basking; u cannot feed rite when he wakes up; they won’t eat & they need to be warm/good body temp to eat & it takes 2hoirs to digest their food so he needs to remain under the lights to digest. So also, don’t feed to late and if u do leave the lights on for 2hours. The best proteins to feed are crickets & Dubia roaches, they need lots of proteins as babies/when growing; u need to feed 4-5 times a day dusted once/ day in calcium powder., feed till he stops eating. Start with small Crickets, then move to mediums at 3mnths of age or so then larges when he turns 7-8mnths. Rule of thumb is what u feed cannot be bigger than the space between his 2eyes. And always place a plate of fresh veggies/greens everyday starting now; u can do 2fresh plates diced into teeny pieces & place it on the cold side next to his small bowl of water. As he gets older they can be bigger the pieces of veggies/greens. When he turns 4mntsh or so feed proteins 3times per day and at 9mnths feed 2times per day and at a year old feed once per day like 10-12 large crickets or 15-20’ebery other day. But, always the plate of greens/veggies religiously & when he’s over a year old; it’s less proteins and more greens/veggies. The Best/everyday greens & veggies are: mustard greens, collard greens, dandelions, Yellow squash, butternut squash, green beans, snap peas, endives & red bell peppers. Everyday forever; Place this plate of fresh greens/veggies 2-3 of each kind everyday. Also, Fruits as treats once in a while; blueberries & papaya are the best. Temp needs to be 105-110; more like 105 for a baby/juvenile & humidity 30-40 never higher than 40. As he gets older like 9mnths or so temp shoidl be 95-100. More like 97. Buy digital thermometers & digital hygrometer onto those r the accurate ones. Buy a CLEAR zoomed heat lamp never ever use colored or coiled bulbs & the Reptisun 10.0 T5 for UVB; it’s a long tubular bulb; that’s the best one & the length u order should cover 70 percent of the tank. Make sure it’s a T5 & 10.0 Reptisun. Also; ALWAYS REPLACE THE UVB EVERY “6”MONTHS. Both the Uvb & Heat lamps should remain on for 10-12 hours in the winter & 12-14 hours in the summer. At nite they like pure dark & quiet. Only use a ceramic heat emitter at nite till he is 8mnths old or so cuz as babies temp when sleeping should not drop below 75-78. As an adult u can use one in the winter if temp drops below 70 when u put him to bed. Also; Get a hammock and a hideaway or place a soft cloth over the hammock so underneath is shady/ her hideaway & a soft FLEECE blanket to place under the hammock they love it. Baths u are doign great u can do more when she is shedding to help the skin fall off easier & fleece itching. Buy Reptisafe to add to the water cuz chlorine is harmful to their skin & dries it out if u don’t have a filter system in the home. Drinking & bathing water should be chlorine free. Take him out of the cage to exercise & run around strictly monitored and in the summer Real sun is awesome sit with him in the yard for an hour or so; but stay with him or he wil disappear instantly or get eaten by a hawk or crow. GLuck!!

 

[Dragon-lovin-mum]

Hello, looking at the dimensions converted it looks like my tank is a 40gallon front opening one.
I always put fresh veggies in the vivs every morning- and use a variety of foods I’ve researched as being safe.
I’ve been told not to keep water bowls in the vivs under any circumstances by my pet store? I mist my beardies daily with warm water and bath them all twice a week.
I’m moving the lights around this morning and just looking for the uvb posted (that’s out of stock seemingly everywhere right now argh!)
I’ve ordered a digital probe thermometer which should be here in a couple of days.
I also ordered some small Dubai’s on my next food delivery as that’s what I feed my adults(although obv large for them lol) and they’re thriving- it was just the pet store told me they couldn’t have them yet?
I really appreciate all the help and advice offered so far.

 

[Julee1971]

Hello, looking at the dimensions converted it looks like my tank is a 40gallon front opening one.
I always put fresh veggies in the vivs every morning- and use a variety of foods I’ve researched as being safe.
I’ve been told not to keep water bowls in the vivs under any circumstances by my pet store? I mist my beardies daily with warm water and bath them all twice a week.
I’m moving the lights around this morning and just looking for the uvb posted (that’s out of stock seemingly everywhere right now argh!)
I’ve ordered a digital probe thermometer which should be here in a couple of days.
I also ordered some small Dubai’s on my next food delivery as that’s what I feed my adults(although obv large for them lol) and they’re thriving- it was just the pet store told me they couldn’t have them yet?
I really appreciate all the help and advice offered so far.

Yes keep a water bowl in there so they drink just remove it at nite. All food & water dishes are to be removed before going to be never left in tank overnite. U can place the Dubias and crickets in a bowl of water also and they get there water intake as well Check for the Reptisun at wallmart and loca specialty pet stores. Petco & Petsmart have the Reptisun 10.0 T8 which is less uvb but u can buy it use it and return it after your order online comes in; just dont buy the 5.0; it emits little to no uvb. Dubias are great but also give them crickets u can feed out of a big ziplock bag and the calcium powder allows them down. Amd if they are a year or more give them superworms 2 days a week & some hornworms as treats. Pet store is an idiot for telling u No Dubias. The only thing they should never eat is mealworms or bottled food/pellets. Also please use the most of veggies and greens especially mustard greens & yellow squash. So not do carrots and never do spinach & lettuce is worthless only serves as water. U can mist them in normal room temp water jist make sure it’s filtered or u place some Reptisafe drops in the water to remove the chlorine. Also order a digital hygrometer is $10. The humidity cannot be over 40 ever or they get an upper respiratory infection. Which will be gaping, a feeling of choking kike they want out of the cage, bubbling and tiny noises they need a vet asap if they get it. So never get water in there ears when bathing and humidity has to be correct. Place it 2inches below the top of cage on the basking spot area. Please at least follow most of the advice coz we see horrific situations with Beardies.

 

[Julee1971]

It’s inside runs alongside the back at the top- I also have a little cave that attaches to the branch on the left but I’m just mid-clean. Excuse the rubbish photo- trying to feed baby at same time lol. You can see my poor baby climbing down the bridge on the right View attachment 26280

Get a fleece blanket for him also so he can sleep/lounge and a woven hammock and place a soft cloth over it so underneath can be his hideaway; he needs a hideaway to get away from the uvb. Also that heat light is way way to close to the Beardie. He can burn and won’t bask when it’s that close; should be 10inches away at least or get a zoomed clear 50 or 75 watt one. Play around buy, use it for a few months then return it till u get it right. The temp gauge is worthless; it needs to be digital and placed a few inches from the top of the cage on the basking side & the balck probe on the basking platform tonget the correct basking temp. It’s $10 at Petsmart Amd a digital hygrometer $10 placed next to it. Also where are the vents on this cage?? No air? He can die there needs to be vents I hope there’s a screen top. And try using white terry cloth towels as a substrate much better. But please get the digital devices, raise that heat lamp and get a hideaway and a soft fleece blanket he can sleep on. Also a new cage asap of there are no vents on yours. The 2 white round knobs are not real vents looks like Someone mickey Moused that tank & who knows of their Beardie survived or died. Your UVB light looks good jsit make sure it’s replaced every 6Mnths. It will still turn o. But will emit no uvb so it always needs changing every 6Mnths
.