Bearded Dragon scared of live insects

RE: Bearded Dragon scared of live insects

Virginia Campbell — Sun, 20 Jan 2019 22:32:21 GMT

The problem will resolve by itself in a couple of weeks; he's doing Veganuary.

Watch out for abnormal hirsutism in the philtrum area in November - although this is purely cosmetic.

RE: Bearded Dragon scared of live insects

Mark Rowland — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 15:57:54 GMT

Hi.

I know you have said husbandry is good but a review wouldn't hurt (esp wrt UV provision ie what sort of UV, distance from reptile, when changed bulb etc.)

A faecal exam is a good first start, parasites may be an issue here. you can examine yourself or there are online companies (wormcount.com).

They do ok on herbivorous diets as long as well supplemented with Ca etc. If you want to reintroduce crickets at some point, pulling their legs off helps make them less mobile (obviously :-) ).

So husbandry review and faecal as a start; that's all pretty simple and non invasive.

Goodluck

RE: Bearded Dragon scared of live insects

Gillian Mostyn — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 12:25:59 GMT

[quote user="Anthony Dennison"]Just seen a bearded dragon that hasn't eaten live insects for approximately 2 weeks. Still eating greens well, [/quote]

Wow...great! You don't mention age, but if it is above 18 months old I really wouldn't be too worried. I see far more problems from not eating greens! (Assuming it is eating 'good' greens and not just cucumber!) As long as it really doesn't have any other heath issues.

If it is a youngster, then it will need more attention... I'd certainly make sure it slowly gains weight and is on nutrobal.

[quote user="Anthony Dennison"]Kept on sand, no obvious impaction on palpation.[/quote]

Have a really good try at changing this!

RE: Bearded Dragon scared of live insects

Marie Kubiak — Wed, 16 Jan 2019 11:12:06 GMT

Is it still passing normal faeces? Did you get to do an ophthalmic exam (usually pretty limited in these guys)?

If he is clinically normal and that is the only change in behaviour i would be inclined to get the owner to monitor him (food intake, activity, weight, navigation of enclosure/unfamiliar situations). I have seen dietary preference changes with localised discomfort e.g. pharyngitis, thyroidal/aneurysmic swelling, but not to the extent of avoiding small, soft live food. Visual acuity could be a possible factor but doesn't fit with the fear response. Sorry, not much help!

marie