Appetite

Question
Hi Tracie,

I've had my beardie for a year now after adopting him from a friend, he is now 2 1/2 years old. He's never really been a big eater, usually veggies of the right variation and sum superworms on occation. Since he's been older he eats less, which, from what I've learned is normal. However, lately he hasn't eaten anything in front of me, but was still creating excrement so I assumed he was still eating some. The past few days I haven't been able to get him to eat and since a around two days ago he hasn't done much of anyhting. It is changing season here making my room unavoidably cooler, I'm just wondering if maybe that's part of  the issue or could he have something like a Gastrointestinal Infection (which I really don't know much about)?

Sincerly, David.

Answer
Hello David,

Are you currently using any UVB lighting for him?  If so, what type & brand are you using, a florescent tube bulb or a compact/coil light?  How OLD is the UVB light?
What are the temperatures in the tank & what type of thermometer do you use to measure the temperatures?  A stick on type, a digital probe or a temp gun?
Do you supplement with calcium at least 2-3 times per week?  
It is possible that he is trying to go into brumation since they do that this time of year, most of the time?
How are his stools, do they smell really bad or are they runny at all?  If not, then he probably doesn't have parasites or worms.  However, if he is going into a brumation phase then it is normally a good idea to get a fecal done prior to going into brumation just to make sure he doesn't have any levels of parasites or worms that will make him ill during brumation.
Is he basking normally right now, or is he trying to stay in the cooler portion of his tank?


Tracie