Pete is not eating today

[csjstokes]

ugh
we went to the vet Saturday and he was dehydrated - have been giving him 2 pedialyte baths a day and he is on repti-aid
he is pooping once a day but only eating 6-10 crickets for the whole day - and he never wants his salad
yesterday he was hunting down the crickets - today, not so much again
he is just a baby - maybe 6-7 inches long
Im worried
any advice?

thanks
Stephanie

 

[li]

Hey Stephanie...

So babies can be finikie. I am going to give you a bunch of questions. It is really important to take a look at them and answer each one. This will really help to find out what's going on...if anything. Could just be relocation stress.

Husbandry Questions

1. Age
2. Length
3. Weight
4. Basking temps
5. Are they measures with a digital thermometer
6. What % and age uvb
7. What is the substrate
8. What size tank
9. How many/big are the crix you are feeding
10. What greens
11. Are you dusting w/ a multi vitamin and calcium
12. Last poop
13. Last soak
14. How long has he/she been in your home

 

[csjstokes]

Here goes with answers to your questions: thanks for the help

Husbandry Questions

1. Age - im not sure - 6-7 weeks?
2. Length - about 6-7 inches
3. Weight - 6 grams
4. Basking temps - about 105 degrees
5. Are they measures with a digital thermometer - yes
6. What % and age uvb - repti-sun 10.0 brand new
7. What is the substrate - reptile carpet
8. What size tank - 20L
9. How many/big are the crix you are feeding - baby crickets as many as he will eat in 10 minutes
10. What greens - a variety of greens - mustard greens, collard greens, carrots, grapes...trying anything but hes not interested
11. Are you dusting w/ a multi vitamin and calcium - yes
12. Last poop - this afternoon
13. Last soak - this afternoon
14. How long has he/she been in your home - about 1 week

 

[li]

K...all your husbandry sounds good. Nothing stand out that needs tweaking. I would keep up the soaks. The next poop he has I would grab it and bring it to the vets for a fecal test to be sure he is clear of any parasites.

He could still be adjusting. Try covering 3 sides of his tank so only the front is open. That sometimes helps with stress. Other than soaking him, I would leave him in his tank and handle him as little as possible.

6-10 crix isn't horrendous. At least he is eating some right now. As for greens, that can take a while. They don't always take to them. Keep trying daily. Eventually he will take a bit.

 

[csjstokes]

ok - great - thank you for the response and the encouragement
I will keep up the soaks - the vet actually called to check in today and told me to do the same

we try not to handle him too much - and usually it is just me doing the handling at the moment to take him out for his baths
is there something specific I can cover the sides of his tank with or will anything do? I do think he is seeing his reflection - or some reflection - and it may be stressing him so I want to take care of that as soon as I can...

Im glad the fact that he is eating some crickets is good enough for now. He also is on repti-aid so I know that is helping to keep him satisfied for now.
I keep trying the greens and refresh them twice a day. I sometimes try to get him to take them from me - or at least get a taste. He will come around on those...

thanks again very much for your help

 

[li]

Just paper is a good thing to cover them up with. Keep the forum updated as to what is going on.

Did the vet mention doing a fecal? I would definately do that

 

[csjstokes]

ok thanks - I will cover the sides up asap

the vet did not mention a fecal just yet but I will call them tomorrow

I will absolutely keep you updated - Im worried and talking it over is really helping me

 

[li]

All of us have been where you are. We have all been newbies at one time or another. You are doing fine. Your biggest obstacle is the husbandry and all seems good. Just grab the next poop and have it tested just to be sure parasites aren't an issue. If not....just let it happen! It will.

 

[csjstokes]

ugh...Im trying...
and I appreciate your kind words and all of your help

 

[staylor]

I know its hard but he will eat. Sounds like relocation stress and it will pass and you will be saying, how can something so small eat so many crickets. It can take a couple of weeks to pass but it will.

 

[Pogie]

Yeah, everything sounds OK about your husbandry.
Also think it may be relo stress. Ive heard it can last anywhere from a few days up to a few weeks depending and varying from dragon to dragon.

Let us know about his progress and fecal results.
Just keep doing what you are doing. Hell come around ;D

 

[csjstokes]

Thanks Sandra and Monique

 

[zebraflavencs]

Just breath, and relax.. Oh yes we have all been through this... I could tell you stories.. lol...

 

[csjstokes]

lol - that is why I am so glad to be here with all of you guys (thanks Monique for sending me here!)
I think my husband thinks I have gone insane
I have 2 kids and lots of other pets - and I hate when any of them isnt feeling well and I dont know how to help
just want to get past this and let the little guy be ok

 

[zebraflavencs]

Understood... I have 9 geckos, (one egg in the incubator) and 4 dragons, 2 dogs, 1 cat.. and 2 human type male pets I keep... lol

 

[csjstokes]

LOL - I think you got me beat!
I have 2 kids, 1 dog, 6 cats - and 1 bearded dragon
my dog is currently in need of ACL surgery on both of her knees...we just found out last week...

 

[ladyknite]

One quick question..............

He's on repta aid.............
The Flukers Stuff?

 

[csjstokes]

yes thats the stuff
why do you ask ladyknite??? is that no good??
just doing what the vet told me...

thanks

 

[ladyknite]

it's fine. there's also Reptaid put out by Chameleons Northwest. I get confused. One is more "preventative" and one is more for hydration and that type of stuff.

sounds like he's doing fine. Cover his tank and you'll see him settle down quite a bit over a couple of weeks.

btw..........
all ya'll got to many pets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ROFLMBO

 

[csjstokes]

phew! yes we were given it for hydration...
his tank is all covered on 3 sides with paper
he looked pretty good this morning
i gave him his salad and just getting my workout in while he warms up - then will see if he wants his crickets today

and you are correct...too many pets - but love them all