Pet Information > ASK Experts > Exotic Pets > Reptiles > Help !!!!

Help !!!!

22 14:46:29

Question
QUESTION: Ok, I got my Bearded Dragon 3 wks ago off Craigs list. At that time the owner said he eats 8-10 worms daily. Once I got him home I purchased new UVB & heat lights. I have really done my homework making sure he has everything he needs.But he won't eat. I've try'd crickets,super worms,meal worms,wax worms,warm baths ,& many veggies.His house is cool side 75-85, hot side 90-100 at night 70-75. I took him to a Vet for a look over and nothing. I understand that he may have needed time to adjust to his new home but it's been 3 wks.Any ideas? I want nothing more than for him to thrive. Thank You Allie

ANSWER:  Hi Allie,
 It was great to took him to the vet and the vet said he was healthy.  A healthy beardie will not starve himself unnaturally.  And you are correct about relocation stress, it does happen.  Thing is, from August on, beardies start going through a natural part of their yearly cycle called Brumation.  It's a semi-hibernation they go through for winter.  They slow down on eating, don't move much off their branch, or find the darkest place in their homes and nap.  It is normal for them, but it drives first time beardie owners crazy!  Here's a wonderful article that answers questions about this natural part of beardie life, with many of the different forms it comes in:

http://www.biology.lsa.umich.edu/research/labs/ktosney/file/BDbrumate.html

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank You so much for your quick response.Now I have a couple more question. Like I mentioned before I give him baths (to help hydration)every other day.I have also let him run around the house. Should I stop?

Answer
 Is he happy in his bath?  Swimming?  Or does he just sit there till he poops?  Does he drink his bath water?  If he's active then continue.  However, if he starts looking for a dark place to hide, it may be time.  I know mine are down when they go into their caves or hollow logs and don't come out, especially after giving a huge gut-emptying poop.