I think my Bearded Dragon is sick!?

Question

I don't know if he really is sick or not. But a about a month ago I noticed that he was becomming rather sluggish. He stopped climbing onto his basking rock. Lately he's not able to use his back legs and he holds his mouth open a tad.

There's nothing wrong with his diet. I feed him green peppers and meal worms. He also gets crickets when I can afford them. I give him water every day and keep his cage cleaned. Today he didn't know who I was, well that's what I presume. I stuck my hand down in the cage to check on him and he gaped at me.

Answer 1

he is to hot.  nock the bulp to a lower wattage and keep it on 24 hrs.  that should do the trick.  and stop feeding him green peppers.  go with the collard, mustard greens and kale. stay away from a vet.

Answer 2

I would take him to the vet to be on the safe side, not being able to use his back legs is a serious sign, it could mean he's impacted which is fatal if left untreated.

He should be getting crickets daily rather than mealworms, mealworms are only to be used occasionaly as they are high in fat and protein. Also depending on his age you should be dusting with calcium at least 5 days per week.

For his green salad which should also be provided daily he should be getting things like : alfalfa (plant not sprouts), prickly pear, collard greens, dandelion greens, turnip greens, mustard greens, endive, escarole and all types of squash.

Does he have the correct UVB lighting and a proper basking area?

Take him to the vet.

Answer 3

sounds like he may have an infection in the lungs he needs to go to the vet

Answer 4

well i would stop with the meal worms.  They are sometimes too big and are high in fat.  The green peppers are fine and crickets would be better.  When he opens his mouth it could just mean he's basking but just be safe and take him to the vet.  I hope this kinda helped you out.

Answer 5

I would be very careful feeding him mealworms, If you dont cut off the heads they could be eating him inside out. Petsmart told me that when i bought my beardie. So that might be a problem!! Hope this helps