my bearded dragon has bloated stomach. not eating.

Question
my lizard is a bearded dragon. it is maybe 2 or 3 years old. he eats crickets, tomato bugs, lettuce and apples or pears. he has a kind of cold cage but its usually at a 80 or 90 degree temperature. he has a log. his sand is crushed walnut shells.  i bathed him 30 minutes and he wont release his poo. also his crickets usually hide under a log. his lights are a long repti glow and his others are some other brand.

Answer
Hello Casey,


Well, we need to change a few things with your setup.  He is most likely bloated because he is not nearly warm enough.
What type of thermometer are you using to measure the temps in the tank?  A stick on type, a digital probe or a temp gun?  If you are using a stick on type of thermometer they are not very accurate.  You will need a digital probe or a temp gun to better measure the temps with.  You can get a digital probe the acurite brand from Walmart, or you can order one from:
www.reptilesupply.com

If you want a temp gun you can get one from:
www.reptileuv.com

The crushed walnut shells are not a good substrate for bearded dragons.  They can ingest them & become impacted which might be another thing that could be going on.  Please take that out & replace it with paper towels right now.  Since you mention that he wont or can't go to the bathroom, impaction is a very real possibility with him.  This can be fatal if not treated immediately.

His basking temps are recommended at 95-110 with the cooler end being 78-82.  What type & brand of UVB are you using, is it a flourescent tube bulb or a compact or coil light?  What type of basking light are you using?  

Are you supplementing calcium a few times per week?

So, you feed him crickets, hornworms, & greens?  What type of lettuce?  Mustard or collard greens?  

If he is having trouble going to the bathroom, you need to start treating for impaction.  Please get some sugar free applesauce or grind up the apple at home in the blender, some canned pumpkin (sugar free) & some squash babyfood.  Mix all of that up together into a smooth little slurry.  Get a plastic dropper or syringe & get some into him daily to help him out.  Give him a bath daily, & gently massage his belly & hopefully he will begin passing whatever could be blocking him up.

Tracie