Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Reptile | Bearded Dragon | Male | unneutered | 5 years and 6 months old
Our 5 year old Bearded Dragon seems sick. We’ve had him since birth. He’s always loved to eat meal worms crickets and greens. He’s very picky on the greens we’ve never been able to get him to eat any other fruits or veggies. Few months ago he started glass surfing a lot and acting strange (i.e. darkened beard, bobbing his head) then about 10 days ago, he started acting “lazy” and stopped eating. I can’t take him to a vet as I’m a teacher on summer break and haven’t had a paycheck in 2 months.
1 Answer
Published on July 30th, 2019
Check the temperature in the enclosure. Low temps can affect activity and appetite in reptiles. You can soak him in a warm 50/50 solution of water and unflavored PediaLyte for about 20 minutes every few days to prevent or treat mild dehydration. In case he is constipated, you can gently massage the abdomen, front to back, during the soak. You can supplement his diet with Fluker's Repta-Boost ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/flukers-reptaboost-insectavore-and-carnivore-high-amp-boost ). Find it in the local Petco. Continue to offer fresh, chopped greens and prey. Place them in a shallow cup to make it easy for him to eat. Survey the area in and around the cage for any negative stimuli. This may include loud noises, strong vibrations, high traffic or cold drafts. Reduce or eliminate any if found. Consider a tank surround to limit his view in case something he sees is causing him stress or making him angry. If symptoms persist or worsen, he will need to be physically examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating reptiles to diagnose and treat illness or infection.
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