Beared Dragon around 6 long

Question
I've just bought a beared dragon which is 6" long about three days ago fo my son.
Second day. the dragon started to close one eye.
Third day. the dragon started to close both eyes & become less active.
The reptail shop gave us the full kit, Tank, heat mat, 100W heat bulb & UV light (zoomed reptisun 10 compact lamp).
We feed the dragon with 15-20 crickets a day & greens with strawberrys & shredded carrot.
To me it does not seem to eat the greens only the crickets.
But today he is not lively comapre to yesterday.
What time do you feed during the day?
i read all links on care for Breaded Dragon & I do not know what's wrong.  

Answer
Hi Greg, Closed eyes and lethargic behaviour can be indicators of health problems in beardeds but the symptoms are not specific to any one condition. Just a few husbandry points to go over first. It sounds like the shop set you up fairly well but you still need to verify (with a thermometer) that your basking area temperature is suffciently high, around  38C or 100F. Your tank should be long enough (at least 30") to provide a temperature gradient. It's equally important that your dragon be able to get out of the heat.
He should not be on any type of loose substrate at this age. Paper towel or newspaper (at least until he is larger) will avoid accidental ingestion of the bedding.


At only three days this may just be the result of new environment stress. I would not panic just yet but I would keep a good eye on him, as you are obviously already doing. Try soaking him in a little tepid water for about 15 minutes to keep him hydrated and encourage a bowel movement. Sometimes they are just little blocked up and that alone will put them back on track. Feed him early in the day after he has warmed up and while there are still several hours of basking time to disgest. At this age they are primarily insectivorous but will consume more greens as they get older. Encourage your son to avoid handling the bearded for a couple days while you assess the situation.

Healthy baby beardeds are bright and alert with good appetites. If you do not see signs of that in the next couple days then the next logical step is to take a fecal sample to your vet.
Coccidia and pinworms are two intestinal parasites that are extremely common with beardeds and you will want to rule those out.