Tater Tot-Overdue, Preemie Dragon?

dawnhorn · 10-09-11, 11:35 AM

This is Tater Tot. He hatched one week later than the rest of his clutchmates
The first thing that caught my attention was his out-of-proportion look...like a preemie. He is short and fat (hence his name), with long legs. The second thing that caught my attention was his unusual pattern and color. The third thing that caught my attention was how he had trouble controlling his legs...like they were too long to move adequately? Fourth thing is that he won't catch his own prey. He has no interest in chasing, but when he sees me he gapes his mouth waiting for me to put food in (like a baby bird). As he progresses (he is one week old now), he seems to gain better control of his legs (he even climbs up to bask now!), has an increased appetite, and is a little doll! He doesn't seem to be growing very quickly and still seems to take a little too long to get his food and water down.
My question is, has anyone ever seen anything like this? I'm not sure if it may be a birth defect (maybe a neurological issue?), prematurity (even though he was overdue to hatch), is it an issue with decreased nutrients from the mother as this was her 3rd clutch, does stored sperm decrease in quality as time goes by causing hatchling issues? I haven't been able to find anything online about these issues. From what I can see, the worse thing will be that Tater will have to be hand fed for his entire life which I can certainly handle. Everything else is progressing okay. He poops just fine, moves about his cage (and on me) just fine...it seems to just be the feeding issue and unproportional looks.

Gungirl · 10-09-11, 12:13 PM

I can't offer you any knowledge but I can say he is ADORABLE! lol I love it, Hope he continues to improve for you!

dawnhorn · 10-09-11, 12:28 PM

Thanks! I am certain this is the one baby I won't be letting go! It is absolutely impossible to not get attached to something that is sooo dependent on you!

whoaxmary · 10-09-11, 02:32 PM

I don't have any tips or advice on this either, but I agree with Kat- he's very adorable/ unique looking. <3 Best of luck

alessia55 · 10-09-11, 03:18 PM

So cute though! I hope he gets better; but if he doesn't, I think he's a keeper anyway

So goofy!

dawnhorn · 10-09-11, 03:29 PM

Thanks Mary and Alessia!