Three legged dragon hatchling

[Ridgeback]

Hi, my first time mum laid 12 slugs and one good egg which today hatched with a three legged baby - one front leg completely missing but no wound just looks like it didn't develop. It seems happy enough and moves around quite quickly on 3 legs but Does anyone know if it is likely to survive, will it be able to catch crickets etc or is it kindest to take it to the vet and have it put down? Thanks

 

[gregcranston]

Unless someone has had the same thing it's impossible to say. As a hatchling it might be ok, because not much weight over the front legs. As an adult it might struggle a bit more, although if its not too fat, it might still be fine.

 

[Blackdog]

G'day,
I wouldn't worry too much provided you keep an eye on rivalry amonst cage mates if you decide to keep it with other animals.
I purchased two Central Netted dragons back in early 2006 and the guy also gave me another hatchie with a foot and part of the leg missing, as well as all of the toes missing off two of the other feet. It is still surviving and thriving along with its two sisters now, which is a pretty good age for small dragons.

 

[Ridgeback]

Thanks eveeryone, he seems to be getting around well so we will just keep an eye on him and see how he goes.
Cheers

 

[Leasdraco]

You can likely keep him alive with a bit of extra attention from you, to make sure he is getting what he needs.
You can put crickets in the fridge to slow them to give him more of a chance to catch.

 

[jacques92]

Can you post a picture of the dragon ?