frilled dragon not eating

veiledman · 12-01-04, 09:47 AM

all my other dragons are eating, I have 1.3. My adult female is in the same tank as all of them and will not eat, any suggestions. maybe its that time of year?

Double J · 12-01-04, 10:55 AM

Have you noticed this animal to be having regular bowel movements? When was the last time you KNOW this animal actually had a bowel movement? Have you seen this animal straining to go to the bathroom? What substrate are you using? Often these animals will stop eating if they are blocked up.... aka having an impaction. This is a blockage in the intestinal tract, and is often caused by excessive ingestion of the substrate, or even a build up of chitin. Sometimes, all it will take is some baths in warm water for the animal to clear up and defectate. That said, it is not uncommon for impactions to be fatal. Often veterinary care is necessary.
That said, it could be entirely possible that it is not an impaction. Give us an outline of how your tank is set up, the temps, and every detail you can think of.

Good luck

veiledman · 12-01-04, 11:59 AM

My tank temp is 85 on top and 72 on the bottom. I am using those blocks of moss that you put in water and it expands, the bedding is very damp. I have her in a 260 gallon screen cage witha 250 w night lamp, 24" uv laight, 1 60w light on top, and one 150w day heat lamp on the side, i spray them down 2-4 times a day, ill give her some warm baths, is there anything else you can tell me?????

veiledman · 12-01-04, 12:01 PM

I have seen her deficate, no more different than the other 3 but all that comes out is a clear liquid and little chunk of white

Double J · 12-01-04, 12:06 PM

That is actually NOT defecation. The white is essentially urea... basically the reptile equivalent to urine. Feces is like any other animal, brown and chunky. A friend of mine has a bearded dragon who was blocked up... al he got was urea and a lttle bt of clear liquid. After a few days of soaking the animal in warm water, the little lizard finally defecated and all was well.

veiledman · 12-01-04, 08:58 PM

I did put her in a warm bath for about 10 minutes and she did deficate. there was brown but very little, probly because she hasnt eaten in about 2-3 weeks, any other ideas? She drinks for me all the time and is relatively active.

Double J · 12-01-04, 09:29 PM

Keep on top of the warm abths. Try giving her at least two every day for at least a week. When their systems are cleared out, they often begin feeding right away. That said... I still recommend you take her to a GOOD vet who has experience with reptiles. Though tthere are a number of great vets out there.... a number aerr still great cat and dog vets but know absolutely nothing about herps. Just a word of warning.