Morpheus threw up!

[Morpheus]

I don't know how typical it is for dragons to regurgitate their meals, but I just got home and found a half-digested cricket in my viv. I fed Morpheus around noon yesterday, and hung out with him until 7pm when I left for work. One would think that within that 7 hours he would have digested the cricket but there it was this morning! What to you make of this? Nothing in my viv has changed. His temps are all what they should be, and he has been getting regular exercise and baths. I put a cricket in his viv this morning and he didn't go after it. He never does that! He appears attentive when I walk in the room and is active when I hold him. What could be wrong?

 

[crypticdragons]

how many did he eat yesterday? he may have over indulged. give him a few hours and try again on the feeding let him get all warmed up. his stomach might be a little upset still.

 

[Morpheus]

He had about 5, but not all at once, and he usually eats around 7! Good idea with the warmth. I will let him bask.

 

[crypticdragons]

He had about 5, but not all at once, and he usually eats around 7! Good idea with the warmth. I will let him bask.

refresh me
how big is he/how old is he?
7 is a very low number for crix
how big re the crickets you are feeding him?

 

[Morpheus]

Not quite sure how old he is, but I am guessing months, less than a year. And the crickets are small. His body fits in the palm of my hand. He is eating again since this morning. I just fed him 3 crix and he ate them all.

 

[renich]

That is great news. Has anyone gone over your setup?

1. How hot is the basking side?
2. How cold is the cool side?
3. What are you using to measure your temps?
4. What is the make and model of your UV light?
5. What substrate are you using?

 

[crypticdragons]

yeah please answer those questions that renee asked as if the crickets are appropriately sized that is way low for what he should be eating.

 

[Morpheus]

1. 105 degrees
2. 90
3. Regular thermometer (a humidity scale and better temp reader is in the works)
4. ExoTerra day glo basking 75 watt/black light at night.
5. Tile

His crickets are no bigger than his head. But what concerns me is that if he did eat 5, and should have gotten more, why would he throw them up? And how many should I be feeding him? I've taken most of my feeding information from "Bearded Dragons" a book by Philip Purser, and was under the impression youngsters should not be eating more than 7 a day? Yet I know they should have more protein than salad when they are young, and Morpheus abides to that.

Also, let me explain my schedule a bit since it may have a factor: I am a night technician and work the night shift, so I feed him when I wake up at 4pm, top him off at 7pm, and again when I get home at 7 am. Would his feeding schedule have anything to do with it? Eating right before his bedtime and immediately when he gets up?

 

[crypticdragons]

first this light

ExoTerra day glo basking 75 watt/black light at night

is not a UV light that is only a basking bulb. Your baby needs a dedicated UV Source as UV light enables them to appropriately absorb calcium and aids in proper growth and overall health (the lack of UV is probably a reason that he is not eating much). Also, when you say "regular thermometer" do you mean a stick or dial thermometer? You need a digital probe thermometer or a handheld laser thermometer (tempgun.com). The dial thermometers can be as far as 20 degrees off from what the actual basking temperature is. Temps are one of the mos important things for dragons as heat is how they digest their food.
that book is out of date of captive care. Young dragons eat much more than 7 insects a day. 30 or more a day (as high as 100) is normal in a day for appropriately sized feeders.

You need to get a digital temperature gauge (prober thermometers are fairly cheap at walmart) or you can purchase the tempgun which is like 25 bux (its what i use). And you need a UV source. The ZooMed ReptiSun 10.0 is that best tube bulb on the market and you can get them fairly cheap online. 25 plus shipping here http://www.reptilesupply.com/product.php?products_id=553 then you will just need a fixture for the bulb. Your schedule for him seems fine. I take it you turn his lights on before 7 am and turn them off at around 8-9 PM?

 

[Morpheus]

Gah I feel foolish. I bought a collection of bulbs off Ebay and was told it was all I need. Luckily I take him outside enough for him to get proper UV, but apparently only enough not to DIE! My poor baby. I'll be fixing that today. It is a stick thermometer (as seen in the picture) but not for long, like I said a replacement is in the works.

And yes, his lights are on timers so one goes on approx 6:30am and off around 7:30pm. Thank all the powers that be for the invention of timers...

I'm so sorry Morpheus... I'll be home soon...

 

[crypticdragons]

id adjust that a lil you want the lights on for 1 hour after his last feeding. and dont feel foolish it happens everyday. People are forever told oh that will work fine, only to find out that it didnt. far as i can tell probe therm and uv light is the only things i take issue with in your setup and the fact that you take him outside is great as natural sunlight is awesome for them.

 

[crypticdragons]

here are some links to the main page of this site has some great info
http://www.mybeardie.com/Beardie-Lighting-Requirements.php
http://www.mybeardie.com/new_to_beardies.php
http://www.mybeardie.com/general_information.php

 

[Morpheus]

CORRECTION!!!!

I just got home and found the bulb box. I am using Exo Terra Day Glo 150 W but on the back it says "stimulates natural behavior through UVA rays". Is this still not correct?

Thanks for the timer info... I've been wondering about that.

 

[crypticdragons]

No cause they need UVB rays and UVA thats why you need a dedicated UV bulb on top of having that basking light.

 

[Morpheus]

Noted. I'll let you know how it goes once I get a new bulb. I feel sick thinking he may be starving or in pain.

 

[renich]

Don't beat yourself up too much. I see Brian put you in the right direction. I think it is safe to say that we have all been in your shoes. Take a deep breath and we'll get you squared away. That is why we are here.

 

[Morpheus]

Thank you!

 

[Morpheus]

For those of you keeping up with my stud muffin Morpheus, he is doing much better. He eats 15-25 crickets a day, and is much more active than he was before. In fact, it is almost too active. I can hardly hold him anymore without him trying to jump out of my hands and explore everything.

 

[renich]

Excellent news! Thanks for the update. It's great to hear how the extended family is doing.

 

[zebraflavencs]

perhaps, Sara... it's time for a harness ?
Janie
Glad he's doing so well !