baby bearded dragon wont eat

Question
QUESTION: hi, so i bought my first bearded dragon on the 3rd august (i think) that first week it would eat around 30-40 small crickets a day, most from my hand and would run after any in the vivarium. the second week it started shedding but would still eat (although not as many) now it appears to be done shedding but since id say wednesday its hardly eaten any crickets. maybe 5 a day at the most.

its a 3ft vivarium, has a uvb light, a spot light. basking spot is around 105 and the cool end is around 80-85. it has good colouring and its active, and it will poo usually 2-3x a day, and that all looks normal. but why isnt it eating alot. im getting worried. i dont want it to die. its my first ever bearded dragon and reptile in general.

ANSWER: Hi Sarah,

The details you have given about his enclosure sound good. Bearded appetites are strongly influenced by both proper temperature (yours are fine) and also bright light. The use of ceramic heat emitters or red bulbs during the day often reduces their appetite. If you happen to be using one of these I would suggest switching to a white light. The light given off by a UVB fluorescent does not tend to be bright enough to compensate.

You didn't happen to mention what kind of substrate you are using but a young bearded should be on paper towel or some other non-ingestible surface like carpet or tile. Any type of sand (even calcium based sand) can be ingested which can restrict the size of the stomach.

Your little guy is still quite new and is still settling into his new environment. If he is active, eating, bright-eyed and alert then those are all good signs that you needn't be overly worried. Beardeds usually tolerate handling pretty well but young and new animals can be stressed by it. I would suggest keeping handling to a minimum until his appetite gets back on track. Keep an eye on those droppings. If they start to look runny or develop a strong smell then you should take a sample to the vet for exam. Beardeds often carry small amounts of intestinal parasites but these can increase to significant amounts following times of stress, such as a change of environment.  
Soak him in a little tepid water daily to make sure he stays hydrated. This is especially important if he is not yet eating any greens.    

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QUESTION: ive managed to get an appointment to see an exotic vet. its now just either lying under its basking spot or on one of its bits of branch. it hasnt eaten anything now since sunday and when its in its viv it has one of its eyes half closed and its poo is a funny colour and a bit runny, so im guessing it has some sort of parasite.

ive started soaking it in the sink once or twice a day for about 10 minutes and that seems to liven it up for a short while, but it still wont eat.

i have carpet tile in the viv and this is the basking light im using

http://www.shopmania.co.uk/pet-supply/p-exo-terra-sun-glo-daylight-spot-r20-75w-

not sure if the link will work.

Answer
Hi Sarah,

I'm glad you have the vet appointment. The more recent symptoms of lethargy, complete lack of appetite and loose stools definitely indicate a need for it. It will help if you can take along a fresh stool sample but even a dried sample has diagnostic value. You may be dealing with coccidia which is extremely common in beardeds. It can be passed to babies from the mother through the egg.
Keep soaking him. When they stop eating they often stop drinking as well. Proper hydration is important if he needs to receive medication.

Parasites are quite treatable and you are taking action before he becomes too debilitated which is key to recovery. You have obviously done your research on his needs. The care you are providing him (including the basking bulb you linked) is very good.