12-14 week old Beardie - brumation?

[BertieBumblebee]

Hi folks!
We got our first bearded dragon at Xmas. Generally fed well from the off on locusts and crickets (didn't seem to want to go for greens although they are always there). For the past 7-10 days he has slowed right down, sleeps most of the time, comes out of the cool zone during the day, sits in the basking area or in the shade under his basking spot. Temps around 32-33 degrees, and about 25 in the cooler bit under the bushes.
The most worrying bit is that he has not eaten a thing for the past week to 10 days. The books say that young beardies dont go into the winter shutdown but reading the forum ours is showing all the signs of it. The local reptile shops say that they are hearing lots of stories of beardies being off their food but cant offer any other advice. The timing of this episode co-incides with the recent cold snap.

Any advice on whtether this sounds normal or could there be something more to it?

Appreciate any advice!

BB

[KING_GONZO]

yeah my beardie is the same. mine does it every year

[BertieBumblebee]

Thanks to all who read and commented. However I'm sad to say that the BD died this afternoon. I've got a 16 year old daughter in bits at this time!

[Welsh dragon]

Originally Posted by KING_GONZO

yeah my beardie is the same. mine does it every year

This beardie was only 12-13weeks old and I am told that babies dont go into brumation at that age and sadly this must have been more serious .

Really sorry to hear of your baby dying, what substrate did you have him on and what was he on before you had him?. As it can help in identyfying what was wrong with the little guy. I am new to keeping beardies myself so sorry couldnt be of much help to you. sorry to hear you lost him.

[jools]

Hi - I am so sorry. It could have been any number of things. The little one could have been ill when you got it - reps are good at hiding illness. I know it is early days but if you do replace it then there are many good care sheets on the forum - go to the lizard section.

[SeanEK4]

Wow that's a bit worrying! Mine is doing this at the moment. But mine is eating.

Sorry to hear about your loss

[BertieBumblebee]

Substrate was supplied as part of the complete kit from the shop and is the same as the one they use. TBH I couldnt tell you the name and type but it is relatively large granules to avoid the chance of it being ingested.
Frustratingly the shop is closed today so we will have to take him back tomorrow to see what they say.
I think my daughter is keen to get another one but is gutted at the moment. We'd only had the wee fella for 3 weeks but she had become really attached to him.
We will certainly look up the care sheets for any advice to see if there is anything different we should be doing.
Thanks!

[jools]

If you do get another you should keep it on kitchen roll or similar while it is young. When older the only suitable particulate substrate for an older beardie is sand (kiddies plays sand seems to be the best).
The temperature at the basking spot should be 105-115F.
Hades Dragons has a very good cae sheet.

Hope this helps a bit for next time.

[arm2010]

Sorry for your loss , I lost one recently she was a year old and just stopped eating and i thought it was brumation also.