Boyd's Forest Dragons - problem feeders.

[reptalica]

I have recently purchased 3 x Boyd's Forest Dragons. 2 of these were 6 or so weeks old and the other is a juvenile. I have them in a large rainforest enclosure which hopes to mimic that of North Queensland i.e. high humidity and warmish temps 26-30C.

Since I have had them I reckon the humidity and temps have been ok but I have the probe for the temp gauge sitting in the fork of the branch up near the top, approx 3-4 inches from the top. I have Canna Coco peat on the bottom which is supposed to be one of the best for retaining moisture and an Exo terra misting system which periodically mists the enclosure. For heat there is a heat cord that runs around the entire enclosure plus two x halogen globes one producing a white light and a red one which stays on 24/7. There is also a fluro for UV. (refer pics)

My problem seems to be and I could possibly put this down to lack of experience with these dragon's, their apparent lack of feeding. They seem happy enough but I have tried everything to actually watch them feed.....I give them crix, earthworms, maggotts and woodies. I'd consider that the staple for Boyd's.

The only thing I suspect is that they r cunning and may feed during the night.

Can anyone suggest anything or a method for ramping up their feeding as I have had them for about a week and a half now and all three arrived within 24 hours of each other. Certainly no housing or aggression issues.

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ingie]

That is a very big enclosure I would be inclined to keep the little ones in something smaller and just give them a few items at a time. I am keeping my 3 hatchies in a 20L black bucket with a mesh lid and some branches, jar lids for water dishes, while they are so tiny. I put a few crickets in and take them away if they don't eat them, or some mini superworms in a little bowl with calcium powder, and they jump down and munch them. You can also teach them to feed from tongs and even eat a blended concoction from a syringe.

 

[Djbowker]

I had the same issue.
One smashed it in, but unfortunately the other one wouldn't, no matter what I did.

 

[paultheo]

i raised a trio of boyd's, two ate everything on offer and one refused all items, force feeding this individual was of no help, it just seemed to fade away. i found that she would regurge after each feed.shame but it happens.

 

[ingie]

If that was happening I would try separating and definitely not leaving bugs in there if they aren't being touched, as it can freak them out. If it gets to force feeding, I would try some Hills Science Diet A/D. Highly digestible nutrients in a thin formula, easily syringed into mouth. I have used it with success.

 

[Sheldoncooper]

Yeh I think it might be worth a go if u can putting them in a 45x45x60 similar to an exo terra or a frog tank and even covering 2 sides and back. Have u witnesed them drinking yet

 

[snakeg56]

I breed heaps of Boyds, hatchlings need small enclosures with plenty of hide spare and they must be misted as they have a habit of drinking off of the branches that they sit on, I feed hatchlings dusted pinhead crickets, and always leave a small piece of carrot in the enclosure, crickets can and will nibble on the feet and body of a sleeping boyds . I find plants and branches is the best way to house ur Boyds, if u have one that isn't doing so well take him out as hatchlings can be intimidated by others, as they live alone in the wild, I have hatched to far this year and eggs still incubating

 

[reptalica]

Yeah look I think these guys r cunning. They were all jumping around and mobile earlier in the evening and reckon they may have even dived into the food bowl. I understand they like movement when it comes to their food and arousing them. Not actually seen them drinking but there is enough moisture for them to stay hydrated.

See pics. There is a misting system built in which cycles regularly.

 

[Sheldoncooper]

I think in an enclosure that size ud never no if they ate the crickets or not I sprayed the branch in front of them twice a day. Ive found with smaller enclosures with 3 sides coverd they settle quicker some of mine are happy and run around the bottom of enclosure. Others seem to stay on branch on the opposite side to the glass and only came down to eat. And try and keep similar sized ones together if one is a bit larger the others might be nervous.

 

[NickGeee]

Where is the enclosure?

 

[reptalica]

Where is the enclosure?

It is in the dining room, on the dining table however it is not a high traffic area and naturally dark so there is little to no interruption.

 

[ingie]

Yeah look I think these guys r cunning. They were all jumping around and mobile earlier in the evening and reckon they may have even dived into the food bowl. I understand they like movement when it comes to their food and arousing them. Not actually seen them drinking but there is enough moisture for them to stay hydrated.

See pics. There is a misting system built in which cycles regularly.

Are there droplets everywhere? They need to drink and may need regular water sprayed so they can lap it up, and a backup shallow water tray. They need more than hydration through skin by being in a moist environment. Mine like to lick the drops out of the spray nozzle nozzle

 

[hillsidereptiles]

Try feeding small crickets from forceps dusted daily, they don't eat at night, use a spray bottle above them and spray for a minute 3 times a week and eventually you will see them bow there head and drink the running water down a branch, keep water warm, they should eat daily 2-3 crickets or at least every few days