I think my beardie is sick

[babba007]

I woke up this morning to find my 5 month old beardie very lethargic. His beard and tail are black and he's very sleepy. His friend is fine. Yesterday he was running around eating woodies and bok choy. Temps are good. The only thing I can think that might be wrong is I fed them a few grasshoppers caught from the garden. We don't use pesticides and neither do our neighbours. Any ideas. It's Good Friday and no vets are open today. I'm not opposed going to the vet. I will definately go tomorrow if he's no better.

 

[Sel]

Take him outside for some sun

 

[GeckoJosh]

I doubt it the cause but try not feed him insects from the garden as you don't know what they have been getting into, so many people these days use those outdoor surface sprays (I know you stated that your neighbours don't use them).
My advice would be to do what Sel has said and put him in the sun, but make sure you supervise him and dont let him overheat!
If he does not improve then a vet will be needed.

Thanks Gex

 

[babba007]

Its cloudy and about to rain. They do get natural sunlight daily.

 

[GeckoJosh]

Its cloudy and about to rain. They do get natural sunlight daily.

Then the best thing you can do is keep him in a warm, quiet place and hope he improves before you take him to the vet

Good luck, Gex

 

[Ninja]

Your beardie could have worms. Try to take a fresh faecal sample to the vet if you decide to go. You should get your beardies wormed every six months.

 

[GeckoJosh]

Your beardie could have worms. Try to take a fresh faecal sample to the vet if you decide to go. You should get your beardies wormed every six months.

I thought you should just get them checked once a year, as treating when they dont need it has negative effects?

Thanks Gex

 

[babba007]

Is there anyway I could tell if he has worms? Could I see them in his poo? Can I buy worming medicine from the pet shop, or is it something the vet will give me? Are they too young to be wormed yet? 5 months old.

 

[Ninja]

You would probably need a microscope to see them and then you would have identify the type of worm. Wormers from pet shops do not cover every type of worm better to see the vet.

 

[babba007]

Thanks everyone for your help. Just a matter of wait and see now. Will definately take him to the vet if he's no better tomorrow. He's one of the family and will do everything I can to help him. He looks a little bit more alert now, still very black on his face and tail though and still sleepy looking, but a little brighter.

 

[GeckoJosh]

I thought you should just get them checked once a year, as treating when they dont need it has negative effects?

Edit: Or if they are showing (runny poos, emaciation etc)

 

[Ninja]

Many vets recommend deworming beardies 1-2 times per year as a preventative measure. One of my beardies had worms and was only wormed 5 months ago by a vet.

 

[babba007]

He just did an enourmous poo, and was scratching on the glass doors to get out. Now he's sunning himself near the back screen door. Doesn't seem back to normal, but is better than this morning, more alert. He did eat a lot yesterday afternoon, maybe he just had a bellyache. I will let you know how he is tomorrow. Thanks for all your help.

 

[GeckoJosh]

Many vets recommend deworming beardies 1-2 times per year as a preventative measure. One of my beardies had worms and was only wormed 5 months ago by a vet.

I cant see how that would be better than getting a test done every 6-12 months and then only treating if needed, other than the financial advantages off course.

Thanks gex

 

[Ninja]

I cant see how that would be better than getting a test done every 6-12 months and then only treating if needed, other than the financial advantages off course.

Thanks gex

Maybe you are right. I prefer to have my reptiles, dogs and birds on regular worming to hopfully prevent a serious case from happening. Most of us try to prevent MBD by providing a proper environment and diet, you don't test your animal for it every 6 -12months to see if they have the disease.

 

[GeckoJosh]

Yes but giving an animal an adequate diet with supplements is a bit different to treating it for worms.

 

[Ninja]

Yes but giving an animal an adequate diet with supplements is a bit different to treating it for worms.

Yes you are correct