New Dragon Issues

[Ruby Sue]

We've had 18 bearded dragons in the past. We ran a successful rescue, rehoming many beardies to loving families, even rehabbing many of them first.

The other day we got our latest (just for ourselves...a pet). She's a red bearded dragon, born on 8/23/21 and she looks really underweight and dehydrated. She won't eat, which is normal for the adjustment period. But she's lethargic and just not really adjusting.

Any tips or advice you can send our way would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Sadie]

We've had 18 bearded dragons in the past. We ran a successful rescue, rehoming many beardies to loving families, even rehabbing many of them first.

The other day we got our latest (just for ourselves...a pet). She's a red bearded dragon, born on 8/23/21 and she looks really underweight and dehydrated. She won't eat, which is normal for the adjustment period. But she's lethargic and just not really adjusting.

Any tips or advice you can send our way would be greatly appreciated!

What kind of lighting are you using UVB coil or a tube? Where in the tank is it? top of screen or inside the tank? What are the basking temps and how are you taking them? these are the first questions asked ---

 

[Ruby Sue]

What kind of lighting are you using UVB coil or a tube? Where in the tank is it? top of screen or inside the tank? What are the basking temps and how are you taking them? these are the first questions asked ---

We have a 50 watt bulb but we use a thermometer gun and the basking area is 105 degrees. She's in a tank that the screen opens on top. thanks!

 

[Sadie]

We have a 50 watt bulb but we use a thermometer gun and the basking area is 105 degrees. She's in a tank that the screen opens on top. thanks!

What is a 50 watt bulb ? Are you talking about a basking bulb? What kind of UVB are you using -- please post a pic of the bulbs your using

 

[Ruby Sue]

What is a 50 watt bulb ? Are you talking about a basking bulb? What kind of UVB are you using -- please post a pic of the bulbs your using

We're setting up her new tank now. I'll post a pic for you this evening. So far we're using a basking bulb that is 50-watt. We have a double dome that we're going out in a few minutes to get bulbs for.

We've just never had a dragon that didn't move at all. Just stands pressed against the glass all day. Never moves.
I'll show you now.

 

[Ruby Sue]

What is a 50 watt bulb ? Are you talking about a basking bulb? What kind of UVB are you using -- please post a pic of the bulbs your using

Also, I think she looks emaciated. I ordered a scale that will be here tomorrow so I can weigh her but she looks so incredibly thin to me. It's really upsetting.

 

[Sadie]

Also, I think she looks emaciated. I ordered a scale that will be here tomorrow so I can weigh her but she looks so incredibly thin to me. It's really upsetting.

Yes she is and NO coils for UVB please ----- do not buy a coil ---- you want a long tube fixture like a Zoo Med or a Arcadia Pro T 5 or a Sunblaster 24" fixture for a 40 + gallon tank ---- please get her some water either by dropping on her nose or misting her --- bathing is going to stress her out --- if you need more help w/ the UVB's please ask

 

[Sadie]

You need a digital probe thermometer to get actual basking temps -- stick ons are inaccurate --- how long have you had the dragon -- she does not look to be in very good shape --

 

[Ruby Sue]

You need a digital probe thermometer to get actual basking temps -- stick ons are inaccurate --- how long have you had the dragon -- she does not look to be in very good shape --

OK, a couple things. First, I just got an all in one Powersun UV mercury vapor 100 watt light. Is that wrong, then? Second, we just got her yesterday. She came to us in this condition. I'm so upset!

 

[Ruby Sue]

OK, a couple things. First, I just got an all in one Powersun UV mercury vapor 100 watt light. Is that wrong, then? Second, we just got her yesterday. She came to us in this condition. I'm so upset!

You need a digital probe thermometer to get actual basking temps -- stick ons are inaccurate --- how long have you had the dragon -- she does not look to be in very good shape --

Also, we have a thermometer gun so it's pretty accurate from what I've heard. The temp on the basking rock was 105 degrees but that was before we go this light.

We'll go return the UVB because it's not what you suggested. I'll go get a tube.

 

[Ruby Sue]

You need a digital probe thermometer to get actual basking temps -- stick ons are inaccurate --- how long have you had the dragon -- she does not look to be in very good shape --

I'm going to send you a picture in a minute because I agree she's not looking good. I do have experience with dragons and I've not had one ever look this baggy and thin (and I rescued some bad-off ones). She will not eat at all.

For one thing, she got delayed by Fed Ex and it was 2 long days in a box, not one. The guy mailed her early in the day but Fed Ex doesn't take them from the stations until like 8pm. So she sat in a box all day Tuesday. Then she was supposed to be here Wednesday by 11am. Never did. Finally got here yesterday. So she's very, very traumatized.

But I think that's all a separate matter because to me she looks way underfed.

 

[Ruby Sue]

You need a digital probe thermometer to get actual basking temps -- stick ons are inaccurate --- how long have you had the dragon -- she does not look to be in very good shape --

I mean this is ridiculous if you ask me. She is in bad shape!

 

[Sadie]

I mean this is ridiculous if you ask me. She is in bad shape!

I see the dome on the top of the screen -- are you getting a long tube fixture UVB ---- please NO coils --- they are no good and will do more harm than good ---- yes she is not in good shape -- please get some water in her and start feeding her --- she will go thru relocation stress the climbing of the tank could be temps are off in the tank --- are you using a digital probe thermometer??? These things I have posted are crucial to her -- she will not eat or get better w/ out proper UVB and correct basking temps -- they should be 105-110 taken w/ a digital probe thermometer - it may take a while for her to bounce back but she MUST have proper UVB and correct basking temps -- those are crucial ---- please NO coils --- if she does not start eating in the next day or so even a little bit I would suggest start feeding her slurries of greens / squash w/ a pinch of calcium D3 and some insects thrown in w/ some water for hydration -- she cannot afford to lose any more weight --- where did you get her from?

 

[Ruby Sue]

Hi, thanks Sadie for replying. We got her from a breeder on Instagram. Regretting that but I don't want to send her back. She's still not eating much, but is definitely doing much better than she was. She's in a 40 gallon tank. Yes, I have been using a digital probe thermometer. I have the basking and UVB temps right. No coils! I listened to you and did what you said.

Thanks again. If I can just get her eating more I'll be thrilled. She's definitely improving!

 

[Sadie]

Hi, thanks Sadie for replying. We got her from a breeder on Instagram. Regretting that but I don't want to send her back. She's still not eating much, but is definitely doing much better than she was. She's in a 40 gallon tank. Yes, I have been using a digital probe thermometer. I have the basking and UVB temps right. No coils! I listened to you and did what you said.

Thanks again. If I can just get her eating more I'll be thrilled. She's definitely improving!

Give her some time to adjust she should start eating better as she adjust -- disregard other post please