Lethargic Beardie, not eating

[Joe2311]

Hi folks.
As the title says, my beardie Rex has grown extremely lethargic and is refusing to eat over the last month or so. He's usually energetic and curious (loves to climb!!) but lately he barely moves. I have checked my temperatures- 36'c in the basking end and 27'c in his 'cool' end. He has been getting baths every other day and misted occasionally to keep him hydrated as he doesn't seem to be drinking either- he usually drinks from his water bowl.
I'm getting extremely concerned about him now and hope there's not something seriously wrong with him. I was thinking of force feeding him some liquid calcium and baby food to keep him going.
The only thing I can think needs changing is his UVB- I've had it about 9 months now but unsure how to check the output.
I've also attached a photo of Rex. I'd really appreciate you guys giving an opinion on whether he looks healthy or not.

Many thanks
Joe

 

[Joe2311]

What are you using for a UVB ? It looks like a tube ? What is the brand and bulb T 5 or a T 8 and what is the distance from bulb to basking spot? So your basking temp is 96F and 80F on cool end -- I would try raising your basking temps up --- it is nice if you can offer a gradient heat ranging from 96-110-- that way they can pick a spot to bask -- your tank what is the height of it? He looks healthy but they hide their illness very well often times we cant tell if they are sick and they will not show till it becomes really apparent or they die --- so that is why we need to keep an eye on their behavior -- has he been black bearding at all? Is he losing weight ? I would get a weight on him kitchen scale weigh in grams --- keep track I have a chart going for both of mine -- it is good to keep for winter months when they are brumating as you need to get them out so often to hydrate them and then check weights -- did he just come out of brumation ?

I honestly couldn't tell you the brand or bulb of the UVB. It was the one my local pet shop recommended to me about a year ago & is 4ft wide. I was looking to buy an Arcadia if you think this would be beneficial. Would it fit into the current bulb housing? A local pet store has them in stock and I can get it tomorrow if it will fit. I've attached a photo.

My tank is 4ft x 1ft x 1ft.
I've just weighed him and he is 375g. I have to admit it is not something I have kept an eye on so unsure if this is considerably less than he previously was. Will definitely track it going forward.
In regards to brumation, I don't think so. He's been his usual self up until about a month ago. I initially thought it was to do with me being home more (lockdown in the UK) but not sure now.
Sorry I can't be more help. Let me know if you have any more questions.

 

[Joe2311]

Ok the Arcadia bulb is going to be the best bulb --- your fixture does not have a reflector on it so if you were to put a reflector on it its going to double the UV for him if you do not want to put a reflector on the fixture you need to have the basking spot 6-8 inches from where he sits --- also you dont need a full length UVB in the tank it is recommended only 2/3rd of the tank -- he needs to be able to get out of those rays -- at this point I would say the UVB is shot and it needs to be replaced -- bulbs need to be changed out every 6 months to a year --- a T 8 6 months and T 5 once a year --- now the height need the height so we can figure out the bulb ---- you dont want to put a bulb in there that is too close --- if you have a height that is 12-15 inches from basking decor a T 5 if its any close you need to go w/ a T 8 -- distance in the tank would need to be 8-10 inches from basking decor and that is w/ a reflector ----- on both of them

I'll definitely get one tomorrow. It'll be the T8 I need as the viv is 1ft high.
How soon after changing the UVB am I likely to be seeing him back to his usual self? Do I need to force feed him in the meantime or should he be fine?

Thanks,I really appreciate your help.
Joe

 

[Joe2311]

You should see a difference in the behavior immediately- are you changing out fixture too? I would recommend it--- reflectors are better -- and not full length of the tank --he should be ok not eating-- if it's warm 65+ degrees take him out put him in direct sunlight for 15 minutes---- you can hold him or put him in a plastic tote NO glass and if you do only 15 minutes tho you don't want to overheat him -

Have ordered a new Arcadia bulb and reflector which should arrive mid week.
Do you have any other suggestions for him? Do you think he needs to put any weight on, or should he go back to usual once the new bulb is in place?

Thanks